A well-functioning pump is necessary for meeting your water utilities. Most pumps are designed to be as energy-saving and efficient as possible. However, factors such as miscalculation during installation, aging, lack of proper maintenance, and selecting the wrong model can significantly decrease the pump’s efficiency. Below are some tips on how you can increase your pump’s efficiency, thus saving money and energy.

Regular Maintenance

Performing maintenance practices on your pump is essential for increasing its efficiency and  lifetime. There are several maintenance practices that you can perform on the pump. They include;

• Inspecting the alignment of the motor and pump
• Inspecting the packing seals and replacing them if necessary
• Inspecting, lubricating, and replacing the bearings
• Repairing or replacing the impeller where necessary
• Inspecting the mechanical seals and replacing them if it is necessary

In addition to increasing the pump’s longevity and efficiency, regular maintenance practices can help save the electricity used for pumping. You may also purchase an air compressor to help increase the efficiency of your pump.

Use Remote Controls

Using an automated controlling system in conjunction with your pumping system can increase its operational efficiency significantly. Automated controls can determine the load that is required, thus switching the pumps on or off accordingly. An automated controlling system can especially come in handy where there are several pumps that are connected. The controlling system enables them to withstand peak loads. Such systems are quicker, more accurate, and effective than the conventional control systems and can also reduce wear and tear and energy consumption in the pumps.

Overcome Frictional Losses

Frictional losses cause the pump to utilize more energy than it would in the absence of friction. Overcoming these losses can therefore help to improve the pumps’ efficiency. There’re a number of factors that contribute to frictional losses. They include the length of the pipe, its diameter, roughness, and the number of bends in the pipeline. In order to minimize frictional losses, a proper pipeline design must be put in place during the design phase. The pipelines might also be replaced at a later stage if the frictional losses become a major issue, but this is a costly and tedious job.

Avoid Undersized or Oversized Pumps

If you find that a pump seems to be struggling while performing its function, it is probably oversized or undersized compared to the existing demand. This tendency can lead to energy waste and inefficiency. Ensure that you look into pipe modeling software to determine the size of a pump that you should install for a particular purpose.

Monitor the Pump Regularly

Continuous monitoring can increase the efficiency and lifeline of a pump, especially if it is coupled with maintenance. Regular monitoring can help to detect any hidden faults in the pump and conduct preventive maintenance where necessary. This also reduces the cost of repair after the damage has occurred or replacement if the pump stops functioning altogether. Monitoring can help to detect certain issues such as;

• Reduced suction
• Clogged pipes or blockage
• Gas-filled pumps or pipes
• Damaged impellers, and among others.

A pump is an expensive and important piece of equipment. Following the above-mentioned maintenance tips will help to increase its energy efficiency and reliability.