Improving Performance Across Pump Systems
United Pumps Offers a Range of Solutions to Improve Efficiency
Benefits Include:
Ways to Improve Efficiency
Restoring wear clearances - The amount of excess leakage flowing through worn wear rings can be determined by comparing the “as new” (or factory) with the current (worn) power vs. flow curves. As the clearance between pump wearing rings increases over time, the amount of flow that recirculates within the pump, from the discharge of the impeller to its suction, also increases.
Restoring Pump Efficiency
This increases the gross flow through the impeller, while reducing the net flow out of the pump, increasing power consumption and in some cases increasing NPSHR. The power curve, therefore, shifts to the right by the amount of this excessive leakage. This is a good way of diagnosing deterioration in pump efficiency due to enlarged internal clearances.
Tighter Wear Clearances
Using the same logic as above, tighter clearances than the original can improve power consumption and hence efficiency. Normally, reducing the clearances below the original specifications will involve the use of revised wear part materials, such as composites, ceramics or similar. United Pumps Australia can perform an Engineering review to analyse whether this approach would be feasible. Efficiency improvements of 3 to 5 per cent may be possible.
Internal Coatings
Depending on the service conditions and pump configuration, internal proprietary coating systems such as epoxy metal composites may be viable to restore hydraulic geometries and provide smoother flow surfaces.