UTILISING INVERTERS WITH INDUSTRIAL PUMPS

Utilising Inverters with Industrial Pumps

Utilising inverters with industrial pumps. In the commercial building services sector, inverters are widely accepted however it would seem the industrial sector still have reservations when it comes to using Inverters to reduce flow rates, instead of using traditional valve methods.

Often, customers ask for a pump to achieve multiples duty points. Which are usually seen as minimum, normal and maximum flow rates with corresponding calculated heads. This can make it quite tricky to efficiently select a centrifugal pump. (as a fixed speed curve will increase flow whilst decreasing generated head). In reality the pump may rarely see the maximum duty point resulting in very rarely running at the BEP (Best efficiency point). Generally speaking, as the flow rate requirement in a system increases, so does the friction loss. The system can switch for a static dominated system, to a friction dominated system for higher flow rates. (Unless, the system has been installed with over-sized pipework to accommodate high flow rates).

Variable Pump Speeds

There seems to be a habit in the industry to size the pump to be able to achieve the maximum duty point, with the pump running left of curve for normal and minimum flow rates. This can lead to reduced service life and eventual premature failure. To achieve the lower flow rates, the pump has to be “throttled back” with an actuator or valve to walk it back on its curve. Leading to unnecessary energy consumption, as the pressure required to force past the partially closed valve or, the generated head above the required system head is all wasted energy.

Using an inverter is a energy efficient way of achieving multiple duty points with a centrifugal pump. Also resulting in the running speed reducing.  It is generally appropriate to reduce pump running speed to 30Hz without the need for additional forced ventilation.

Although running left of curve uses less power with centrifugal pumps, it’s still higher than it would be if the pump speed had reduced to provide same flow rate at the system head. Meaning, to throttle the pump back you need no artificial head. It will serve to reduce frictional wear on the pump and valves, as well as increasing bearing life too.

Remember …

… For a reduction of 10% in speed and flow, will give a 33% reduction in energy consumption. See our other articles on pump affinity laws for more information. Inverters can also provide various types of motor and pump protection features. For example, overcurrent protection and dry-run protection.

Our AVF range of pumps with canned motor design provides extremely efficient solutions and is ready for operation with an inverter. Perfect for multiple duty points and energy saving during lower flow operation.

If you would like to find out how an inverter can improve your efficiency and reliability on your site then please get in touch on 01425 627700.

We often post articles and other news on our LinkedIn page. Go and follow to keep up to date, or for any pump queries you may have please contact us.