ABB UK’s intelligent multi-pump control (IPC) provides optimal control in applications where several parallel pumps are operated together and the required flow rate is variable because it maintains stable process conditions optimising the speed and number of the pumps needed.

Multi-pump applications are common where additional head or flow rate capacity is needed to overcome larger volume flows, and where increasing the size of a single large pump is not cost effective or impracticable.  Each pump is controlled by its own drive, with one being speed adjusted and the rest run at constant speed, resulting in smooth control with no pressure peaks.

The system uses a master drive, connected to the others to control the flow across the whole application. Sensors detect when more flow is required within the network and pump speed is increased accordingly. When flow is not needed across all pumps, some can be stopped helping to reduce energy costs significantly.

Level Control

Level control is typically used to control the filling or emptying of waste water storage tanks. A special feature of the software seeks to prevent sediment build-up on the tank walls by randomly varying the surface level within a range preset by the user. Fast-ramp starting creates a flush effect to keep pipelines clear, and the pump is  operated at a favourable point in its efficiency curve to minimise energy consumption. Level control can be used with a single pump, or 2-3 pumps and AC drives parallel.

Anti-jam

The anti-jam function enables the drive to perform preventive maintenance on the pump. When the function is triggered, the pump is run at high speed and either reversed or stopped in a number of user-defined cleaning cycles.

Pump priority control

Pump priority control balances the operating time of all the pumps in the system over the long term. This facilitates maintenance planning, and can boost energy efficiency by operating pumps closer to their best efficiency point.  Failed drives can be automatically bypassed.

Sleep boost

The sleep boost function runs the pump to boost the pressure or water level prior to shutdown. This extends the pump’s sleep time and therefore saves energy. It also avoids unnecessary starting and stopping, and helps to flush the pipelines.

IPC is an optional software for ABB UK industrial drives including the ACQ810 drive for water and waste-water, and incorporates all functions commonly required at pumping facilities.  It eliminates the need for an external PLC and can help to save energy, reduce downtime, and prevent pump jamming and pipeline blocking.

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