Pump systems are often operated inefficiently. The reasons will vary from process to process and application to application, but the constant outcome is the cost to industry through wasted energy, which runs into millions of pounds per year, and the cost to the environment through the generation of this wasted energy.

This guide is the result of co-operation between three different industries whose goal was to produce a document that would clearly define in simple terms the information required when planning to use an electronic Variable Speed Driven Pumping System.

Members from the British Pump Manufacturers’ Association (BPMA), Gambica’s Variable Speed Drive group and experts from the Electric Motor industry assisted with this guide which focuses mainly on applications within the Industrial Sector however the principles used will be applicable to most pumping applications.

It is estimated that in the United Kingdom, pumps use a total of 20TWh/annum, responsible for the emission of 2.7MtC/annum (2.7 million tons of carbon). At 31%, motor driven pumps represent the largest single use of motive power in industry and commerce.

Problem of pump oversizing

A pump installation is often sized to cope with a maximum predicted flow, which, may never happen. This principle of over sizing is frequently used in industry, and leads to wasted energy and damage to parts of the pump installation.

Procurement costs of the pump equipment in general amount to less than 1% of the total investment of a plant, yet the operational quality of a pump may be the decisive factor in the overall functionality of the plant and its associated running costs.

Flow control by speed regulation of pumps, is one of today’s best methods of varying the output on both Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement pumps and the guide describes its many advantages and potential system drawbacks.

The benefits covered include lowering life cycle costs through:

– Energy cost savings

– Reliability improvements

– Simplified pipe systems (elimination of control valves & by-pass lines)

– Soft start & stop

– Reduced maintenance

Whilst other methods of control are available, this guide concentrates on Pulse Width Modulated Variable Speed Drive because it has the greatest benefits of control, energy efficiency, and ease of retrofitting.

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