limestone slurry pump 7.5 hp

How to Get Your Pump Running at its Best Efficiency Point

HOW DO I CALCULATE MY PUMP'S PERFORMANCE?

To understand if your pump is running at its best efficiency, you need to compare your pump’s actual performance of the installed operating conditions as it’s functioning today to its performance curve. To do that, we calculate the system curve (what the user’s system actually requires in pressure at any given flow rate) and compare that to the installed pump’s performance curve (created and published by each pump’s manufacturer) to make sure it’s operating at its best efficiency point. In practice, when installing a new pump, you use the system curve to select the correct pump that meets your systems requirements. Then, record actual flow and pressure and replot those points on the pump's performance curve. This shows you where your pump is actually operating versus its best efficiency point.

HOW YOUR PUMP IS PERFORMING ON THE CURVE

The best efficiency point is where the pump curve intersects your system curve/system requirements. The life expectancy of the pump and or its components will decrease for various reasons when you’re operating outside of this +/- 10% BEP operating range.

ENSURE YOUR PUMP OPERATES AT ITS BEST EFFICIENCY POINT

Once the system requirements have been plotted on the pump’s performance curve, there are multiple ways to ensure that your pump is operating at its best efficiency point.

Install a New Impeller

Pumps have a range of impeller diameters, giving you the option to trim your impeller to the size you need. Each trim meets a completely different operating condition. Therefore, you might need a different impeller trim or a new impeller to meet your system requirements.

Install a Variable Frequency Drive

Install a variable frequency drive to control the speed of the motor, which, in turn, controls the pump speed to meet the actual system requirements.

Add a Control Valve Downstream

A control valve downstream of the pump can modulate the output to meet the actual system requirements. A control valve may also be a solution to modulate the flow to keep your pump operating at its best efficiency point when the flow requirements change.

Install a New Pump

After confirming where your existing pump is operating on its curve, you may find that a completely different pump is required.

TALK WITH AN EXPERT

Take the time to learn where your pump is on its performance curve. You’ll be able to better manage your equipment and ensure better life expectancy for the pump and pump components. Need advice on what to do if your pump’s not at its BEP? Contact us today and get connected with a pump expert!