Pump product news

The stainless-steel domestic pumps have been re-engineered to work with a new motor technology, coupled with an onboard pressure control and monitoring system.

This new range includes the Calpeda self-priming pumps, NGX Eco and MXA, along with the MXP series of multi-stage centrifugal pumps. There are 12 models in all, capable of flows up to 100 ltr/min and heads up to 50m.

The new fully programmable plugand-play system introduces many features, including a high efficiency asynchronous single-phase motor, a capacitor not stressed in voltage, uniform and lower motor operating temperatures and motor power control. Programmable re-start pressure is also offered along with no hydraulic losses from the sensing devices, voltage and current control, monitoring of the maximum starting current, the elimination of water hammer and a reduced need for an expansion tank.

The technology also offers built-in dry-run protection, air detection in the pump and during the filling cycle, overload control and motor overheating motor protection, pump jamming protection, overcurrent protection, power supply control, system leakage control and high flow-rate pipe failure detection.

The units incorporate an easy to use interface with an LCD screen to facilitate programming and operational monitoring. Tests have confirmed a reduction in energy consumption of up to 24% when compared to some other pumps.

Constructed using a high purity PFA lining the pumps are suitable for use in corrosive of applications even up to temperatures of 150°C.

Traditionally, the biggest concern with seal-less pumps made from engineering plastic has been the shaft support system which must be strong enough to withstand the radial forces during operation. Under high temperatures and pressures the shaft support can weaken, resulting in vibration and wear which can significantly reduce the pump’s life.

According to Crest, the AME’s doubleended shaft support is stronger than any other with an integral ‘V’ shape front support which is part of the metal casing armour that has been PFA lined. This approach improves the liquid flow to the impeller, increasing operational efficiency and reducing net positive suction head (NPSHr). The rear of the shaft is then supported in the PFA lined containment shell and reinforced by a metal support ring and carbon fibre cover.

The second key factor to consider if a seal-less plastic pump is genuinely to be heavy-duty is whether the impeller is built to last. Traditionally, an ETFE or PFA mag drive pump will be fitted with a separate impeller and inner magnet. But in applications of high pressure or temperature, the impeller can deform, resulting in damage and reduced performance.

The AME pump is also constructed in such a way that the impeller and magnet capsule is formed as one piece which eliminates the possibility of the impeller loosening. For further operational stability and rigidity, a metallic structure is embedded from the magnet capsule to the impeller blade.

Together, these two approaches to the AME pumps’ design ensure they are truly heavy-duty, meaning a longer life resulting in less downtime and increased productivity.

The compact, energy saving CFW500 Solar Drive comprises a plug-in module to simplify set up and installation. It is said to be suited to the control of centrifugal and submersible motor pumps installed in places where the power grid is unavailable or unreliable. The CFW500 Solar Drive works by converting the DC feed from PV panels into AC that can serve and control the motor pump. Importantly, the new kit has a function which provides automatic start/stop according to the available solar energy.

Principal features of the CFW500 Solar Drive include continuous maximum power point tracking (MPPT), double PID for simultaneously controlling both DC voltage and pipeline pressure, and up to four distinct speed and pressure setpoints.

The OSB ring seal has been designed to fit all the pumps in Viking’s Universal Seal Series with the specific aim of keeping chocolate (and other similar foods) from leaking out along the pump shaft. The static O-ring seals between the OSB and the bracket prevent leakage outside of the OSB, while the area between each set of inner and outer rings is filled with food-grade grease to provide lubrication and to act as a double seal barrier to prevent leakage.

To ensure optimum reliability, Viking focused on three areas where chocolate solids can build-up and seize a pump – the bracket, the area behind the pump rotor and the idler bushing. The OSB keeps chocolate out of the bracket and so eliminates a key area of chocolate entrapment. The pump casing features flush and suck back grooves which create flow behind the pump rotor, helping prevent solid product build-up and reducing thrust on the bearings.

Finally, the pump incorporates a drilled idler gear with hard cast iron bushing and special internal clearances to prevent chocolate caking and build-up as well as reducing burning and binding.

The Booster Control Advanced microprocessor control unit starts and stops the pumps using cascade control in the K variant or a frequency inverter for speed control in the VP and SVP variants. With its fieldbus interface, the system can also be operated from an external PC. On the control cabinet display, LEDs in easy-to-read traffic light colours indicate the operating status of the system. Should a duty pump fail, the control unit will immediately start up the next pump. For transmitting warnings or alerts to a higher-level control station, two additional volt-free contacts on terminals are provided.

The SVP variant is fitted with a highefficiency IE5 synchronous reluctance motor while the more economical K and VP variants come with IE3 motors. All three options require a mains frequency of 50 Hz. The pump is started up by a pressure drop in the piping when a consumer installation is opened. When the pressure in the membrane-type accumulator rises, KSB Delta Primo stops. Should a lack of water occur in the inlet, the microprocessor control unit will automatically stop the system to prevent any damage caused by dry running.

The systems are approved for drinking water to the French ACS and British WRAS regulations, which are among the strictest in Europe. All installed valves are also approved under the German DVGW drinking water regulation.

SIEMENS NEW SINAMICS G120X frequency converter series has been optimised for infrastructure and industrial water/wastewater applications as well as pumps and fans in building automation.

With a power range of 0.75 to 630 kW, Sinamics G120X converters can be operated with any motor. The converters are said to be at their most effective when running with synchronous reluctance motors from Siemens. The Sinamics G120X are configured for cost-optimised and resource-saving operation across all voltages and supply networks, and their characteristic compact design saves space in the control cabinet.

Jason Peel, Head of Motion Control, Siemens UK, said: “In an increasingly competitive and pressurised environment, introducing digitalisation to boost productivity can seem like a challenge. That’s why we have developed solutions such as Sinamics G120X, which are designed to help users reach new levels of simplicity, energy efficiency and durability across their sites.”

A high C2 (optionally C1) EMC category and a protection rating of IP20 (optionally IP21 in UL open type) ensures the converters can be used in any industrial environment. Sinamics G120X converters comply with all relevant EU energysaving standards and offer an operating efficiency level of more than 98%.