When it comes to energy consumption, centrifugal pumps are among the guilty culprits. For sectors like oil, gas, water and wastewater treatment, pumps can consume more than 15 percent of a facility’s total energy use. A common cause is the use of traditional fixed-speed motors in pumping applications – essentially, motors that run consistently, regardless of the actual demand.
Variable control
For most industries, the demand for fluid flow varies over time. For instance, water treatment plants might experience lower demand during off-peak hours. Fixed-speed pumps are unable to adapt to these changes, leading to wasted energy and increased costs. To manage energy consumption in pumps better, installing a variable speed drive (VSD) is a no-brainer.
Read the full article in DPA's November issue