FOCUS ON: Building Services
Begin your condition monitoring journey
Handling the pressure at London ’ s tallest residential skyscraper
www.brookcrompton.com
Keeping industry turning every second... every day...every
year
With over 110 years of technical and design expertise, Brook Crompton offers leading edge energy efficient electric motors across global markets. As the original innovator in electric motor development, Brook Crompton are trusted to power limitless industrial processes and its robust motor design drives fans, pumps, compressors, conveyors and more.
Driven by technology and innovation, Brook Crompton has one of the widest available ranges of electric motors for operation in safe areas, hazardous atmospheres and hostile environments.
The extensive range of stock can be quickly modified to suit customers’ needs and with a high level of technical support from our knowledgeable team we ensure the correct selection of motors is provided for your application.
Brook Crompton’s focus on product and service development ensures we continue to move forward to improve efficiency, offer lower cost of ownership throughout their lifecycle and to reduce environmental impact.
Editor Chris Callander chris@flowmag.co.uk 01732 671123
Contributing Editor Suzanne Gill suzanne@flowmag.co.uk
Publisher Andrew Castle andrew@flowmag.co.uk 07785 290034
Accounts Touchwave Media Ltd accounts@flowmag.co.uk
Production G and C Media Ltd production@flowmag.co.uk
For over three-quarters of a century the British Pump Manufacturers’ Association (BPMA) has been serving the interests of UK and Irish suppliers of liquid pumps and pumping equipment.
Centre 47 Birmingham Road West Bromwich B70 6PY www.bpma.org.uk
flow is a controlled circulation journal published quarterly on behalf of the BPMA by Touchwave Media Ltd and G and C Media Ltd. For a copy of the magazine’s terms of control and to request a copy please email circulation@flowmag.co.uk
The content of flow magazine does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, publishers or the BPMA. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication and do not endorse any products or processes mentioned within it. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the publisher’s written consent.
© BPMA. All rights reserved.
Welcome to the latest issue of flow magazine, our second in 2025.
The focus for this edition is building services, with articles covering all you need to know about pressure-reducing valves, how a water-boosting solution ensures a reliable water supply at London’s tallest residential skyscraper, and key tips for sizing and selecting cold water boosting sets.
We also have an in-depth feature that explains how to introduce condition monitoring into a facility, and we hear how a smart canal project is driving flood prevention and opening up opportunities for home building.
In news from the BPMA, we introduce a new publication that the Association has produced. This has been designed to help young people, and those considering a career change, to understand the wide range of opportunities that are available in the pump industry. This is part of the work the BPMA is undertaking to help tackle the industry’s skills shortage, and I would encourage you to take a look and share it with anyone you think would find it of interest.
Of course, in addition to all this, we have our usual roundup of industry and product news, as well as updates on a range of recent projects.
Keep an eye out for our next issue in September. And if you can’t wait that long for your fix of pump systems and industry news and insights, don’t forget to visit our online portal at www.flowmag.co.uk, which features daily updates from across the sector.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issue.
Lee Tebbatt, President, BPMA
White paper highlights the need for water and wastewater digitalisation
A WHITE PAPER FROM SCHNEIDER
Electric presents insights and actionable outputs from its first annual European Water and Wastewater Technical Workshop. The workshop, hosted at Schneider Electric’s digital factory in Carros, France brought together leaders from 17 water and wastewater companies in the UK and EU to discuss the future of the sector.
At the event, attendees generated solutions to overcome the sector’s challenges of legacy systems remaining in operation, balancing affordability with investment, and tightening regulation. Schneider Electric has compiled the outputs of the two-day event to produce a white paper that sets the stage for modernisation in the water and wastewater sector with actionable advice on digitalisation and sustainability for companies of all sizes.
The European Water and Wastewater Technical Workshop held in 2024, comprised workshop sessions, a factory tour, and deep-dives into technology-led solutions. The workshop encouraged insightful discussions that covered
challenges, experiences and best practices.
The resulting white paper explains how achieving modernisation requires a seamless integration of IT/OT systems, support for legacy systems throughout the upgrade process, and automated conversion tools to streamline the complex transition. It is driven by three main pillars of software-centric automation: replacing silos with an ecosystem, virtualised control and digital continuity.
Wez Little, IPA Utilities Segment Leader UK&IE at Schneider Electric, commented: “I am pleased to present this white paper,
that looks at how industrial automation can unlock a more sustainable and efficient future for the water sector.
The workshop’s outcomes highlight the sector’s vulnerability, both in terms of operational resilience and potential cyber-threats. The water industry must meet these challenges through collaboration and adoption of digitalisation strategies to enhance water management systems, leveraging the roadmap in the white paper to achieve greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.”
The whitepaper can be downloaded from bit.ly/SEDigWav.
UKWIR LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE WITH INNOVATIVE FEATURES TO ENHANCE USER EXPERIENCE
UK WATER INDUSTRY RESEARCH
(UKWIR) has announced the launch of its new and improved website, designed to provide a more userfriendly and efficient experience for visitors.
Based on extensive user research, the new site boasts a cleaner, more navigable interface, marking the beginning of a continuous journey to enhance UKWIR’s digital capabilities and support the water sector’s digital transformation.
The new website design ensures that UKWIR’s catalogue of research is easier to explore than ever before. Notable new features include an AI report search that is accessible via the ‘Our research’ menu header. This innovative tool allows users to ask specific research questions, with the Large Language Model producing both contextual results, displayed as a list of relevant reports, as well as
generative results, providing valuable written summaries of findings.
Additionally, the new site introduces research theme pages, allowing users to quickly and easily access the latest reports and case studies under each theme of UKWIR’s research strategy.
The new search page also offers alternative routes into the research, including a featured topics panel that identifies research reports relevant to current news media interests as well as topics of focus for regulators and policymakers.
Commenting on the launch, Mike Rose, UKWIR’s CEO, said:
“This is a significant first step in UKWIR’s journey towards becoming a digitally agile organisation – one that not only keeps pace with the sector-wide digital transformation but also drives first-of-its-kind innovative solutions”.
The new site is available at www.ukwir.org.
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CIRCULATORS
WILO AND MASDAR SIGN AGREEMENT TO DRIVE GREEN ENERGY AND EFFICIENCY
WILO, THE MULTINATIONAL
technology group, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader, have entered into a cooperation agreement, underlining the importance of efficiency technology and renewable energy. The companies signed the agreement in the presence of Hendrik Wüst, North Rhine-Westphalia’s MinisterPresident, beginning a strategic partnership that is intended to significantly expand their cooperation in the Middle East and beyond.
“The cooperation agreement, as the beginning of the partnership, symbolically shows what the response to the global energy shortage needs to look like. We need the expansion of renewable energy generation on the one hand and the expansion of energy efficiency initiatives on the other. Only if we think about the supply and demand sides together can the ambitious energy transitions succeed worldwide,” explained Oliver Hermes, President and CEO of the Wilo Group. “The great challenges of our time can only be overcome together. We therefore firmly believe in the power of strong partnerships,
such as between Wilo and Masdar.”
“This agreement unites two organisations with complementary strengths, delivering powerful synergies for our customers and communities, and embodying our vision for a cleaner, more efficient world. It promises the advent of innovative, seamlessly integrated solutions, with Masdar supplying our green energy expertise and Wilo leveraging its cutting-edge cooling and heating technologies and manufacturing capabilities. This partnership will also strengthen our links with Germany – a vital market for us and a key focus of our investment strategy,” said Husain Al Meer, Director Global Offshore Wind & UK at Masdar.
Wilo Group’s recently expanded main production plant in Dubai, which the MinisterPresident was visiting as part of a four-day delegation trip through Qatar and the UAE.
The ceremonial signing took place at the
“As an international technology company with strong roots in North Rhine-Westphalia, Wilo is an example of the transformation of our industry. Where coal used to be mined, solutions for sustainable water supply and energy-efficient technology are now being developed – in Dortmund as well as in Dubai. With the expansion of its location in the UAE, Wilo impressively demonstrates how climate-friendly innovations from North Rhine-Westphalia offer solutions for the future worldwide. We need this strength to make North Rhine-Westphalia the first climate-neutral industrial region in Europe,” said Hendrik Wüst.
PUMP REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE CAPACITY INCREASES TO MEET DEMAND
INDUSTRIAL PUMP REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
specialist, IPS Newcastle, has announced a major expansion of its pump department in response to demand from UK industries. The department has increased its capacity by 50% within the company’s 135,000ft2 facility, driven by increased demand from water utilities and critical infrastructure sectors such as mining.
According to the company, this expansion maximises its position as a cost-effective, rapid-response alternative to OEM pump repair services, particularly for key players in the water industry, including United Utilities and Northumbrian Water.
Brian Tait, Head of the Pump Department, said: “We offer a high-quality, economical alternative to OEM repairs or replacements. Water utilities are realising the value we bring, not just in cost savings, but in fast turnaround and long-term reliability.”
IPS Newcastle’s expansion will create new skilled jobs in the North East, which, it says, supports the company’s mission to deliver sustainable, high-quality repairs while contributing to the region’s economy and aligns with the company’s aim to boost
its profile as a trusted partner for critical infrastructure and to grow its market share in the UK market.
IPS says a key differentiator for the company is its ability to deliver bespoke pump overhauls, emergency repair services, and complete electromechanical solutions, encompassing both pump and electric motor systems. Unlike OEMs tied to specific brands, IPS Newcastle offers cross-brand capabilities and claims shorter lead times and competitive pricing.
One example that highlights the company’s capabilities occurred just before Christmas. Northumbrian Water faced a pump failure that risked disrupting the water supply to thousands of homes. IPS Newcastle’s emergency response team was able to restore full service within hours, averting a major holiday crisis and demonstrating the impact of fast, dependable support.
“In today’s climate, extending the life of existing assets is not just economical – it’s essential,” said Craig Hutton, Area General Manager at IPS Newcastle. “Our clients are beginning to understand that with IPS, they can get ‘as new’ or even better performance without the cost and delay of full replacement.”
EUROPUMP JOINS THE EU ECODESIGN FORUM TO FOSTER SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN THE PUMP INDUSTRY
EUROPUMP, THE EUROPEAN Association of Pump Manufacturers, has been accepted into the newly established European Commission Ecodesign Forum. This forum aims to accelerate the transition to more sustainable products and services in line with the EU’s broader environmental goals.
The Ecodesign Forum, launched in November 2024, serves as a critical advisory body in developing and implementing ecodesign requirements under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). It brings together a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry representatives, civil society, and academia, to shape the future of sustainability in European product design.
Luboš Michlík, President of Europump, expressed his enthusiasm about the Association’s involvement: “We are delighted to have been accepted onto the Ecodesign Forum, a platform that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future
UK HYDROVAR X DEMO VAN TOUR
of sustainable product design within the EU. This recognition is a testament to Europump’s long-standing commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the pump industry. We are proud to have met the demanding selection criteria and to have been chosen as an industry stakeholder.”
Europump’s inclusion in the forum underscores the pump industry’s key role in advancing sustainability across various sectors, from water and wastewater management to energy
A NEW XYLEM, LOWARA DEMO VAN IS EMBARKING on a national tour in June, visiting plumbing and heating merchants to showcase the hydrovar X variable speed drive range of products. This tour aims to provide the opportunity for trade customers to learn directly from the manufacturer.
According to Xylem, its hydrovar X represents a significant advancement in pump technology, integrating ultra-premium efficient motors with variable speed drives and pumps to deliver intelligence, performance, connectivity, and simplicity in a single package. The company says the hydrovar X brings the best energy efficiency performance with its frequency converter, coupled with a synchronous motor manufactured by Xylem, integrating decades of expertise and know-how in pumping solutions.
“We’re delighted to be visiting our partners to engage with their trade customers to highlight the revolutionary hydrovar X variable speed drive range, to demonstrate our commitment to providing sustainable, energy-efficient solutions into the market,” said Simon Barrett, Trade Sales Director.
The hydrovar X demo van national tour commenced on 2 June 2025, in the city of Exeter, South West England, and will travel throughout the United Kingdom, making over 25 stops.
The tour’s schedule and locations can be found online at: info.xyleminc.com/demovan2025.html
efficiency and industrial processes. Through its participation, Europump aims to further contribute to the development of regulations that will drive the creation of energy-efficient, sustainable pumps, promoting long-term environmental benefits. These endeavours will build on the work already undertaken, including that of Europump’s flagship project, EcoPump, the climate and energy policy it has adopted since 2016. A visual representation of the energy savings realised by this initiative can be found on the energy-saving dashboard displayed on the Europump website.
As the EU moves toward achieving its ambitious climate goals, Europump remains committed to enhancing the sustainability of its members and the pump sector at large. The Association says that it looks forward to collaborating with other stakeholders to make sustainable products the norm across the European market.
A chemical production plant in Tennessee was struggling with frequent mechanical seal failures on their Xylene pumps, experiencing 9 leakage incidents in a single year costing them over $14,000.
NEW ACCESSORIES FOR TAPBOOST SOLUTION
SALAMANDER PUMPS HAS launched a new range of accessories for its TapBoost single-outlet inline pump.
TapBoost boosts water flow in individual water outlets, including taps, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines, to between 7 and 11l/min depending on the incoming flow.
All the solutions’ accessories have been designed to enable a quick and easy installation of TapBoost to single water outlets across a range of locations in a property or building.
The newly launched products include the TapBoost outlet connector, a halfinch male outlet to 15mm pipework which is manufactured from high quality brass and requires no hot works.
Salamander Pumps has also launched a TapBoost inlet/outlet 15mm to 22mm converter kit, which allows for an easy installation to 22mm pipework.
For installations where the TapBoost unit is located far from a power source, a 5m
NEW HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP
low-voltage extension lead is now available for installers.
This works alongside the power supply unit and the mains cable, which TapBoost comes with as standard, and allows it to be installed in a wider range of locations and setups.
Commenting on the new accessories, Bryan Liddle, Sales Director at Salamander Pumps, said: “The launch of these new accessories reflects our commitment to providing industry-leading products designed to help professional installers and customers.”
www.salamanderpumps.co.uk
UNITES EFFICIENCY WITH FLEXIBILITY
KSB GROUP HAS LAUNCHED THE first size of its newly developed MultiTec Plus type series – size 150. These pumps have been specially developed for transporting drinking water, with optimum hydraulic efficiency being the focus. Combined with economical synchronous reluctance motors and variable speed systems of the PumpDrive type series, the pump sets have a very low energy consumption and a very small carbon footprint.
The variable speed systems automatically match pump output to actual demand, making sure that no energy is wasted. Optionally, the KSB Guard monitoring system can monitor the pumps’ condition by measuring the temperature and vibration data and sending it to the KSB Cloud in real time. If any deviations or irregularities compared to normal operation occur, the system will also send messages to efficiently plan maintenance measures and minimise downtimes.
MultiTec Plus pumps are designed for a casing pressure of 25 bar. They can reach a maximum head of almost 250m and a flow rate of up to 470m³/hr. They are exclusively driven by
four-pole three-phase motors. Compared with higher-speed pump sets with smaller nominal diameters, the new pumps, running at 1450 (50 Hz) or 1750 (60 Hz) rpm, will reach the same maximum flow rate, yet run much more quietly. Their low rotational speeds help reduce wear, which has a positive impact on both the service life and the efficiency of the pump set.
Energy efficiency, long service life and low noise emissions are especially important in the water sector.
The maximum temperature of the fluid handled should not exceed 60°C. The transition areas of the diffusers are protected against wear by casing wear rings. As the arrangement of suction and discharge nozzles can be matched to customer requirements, the pumps are particularly versatile and flexible to install.
The pump sets are available in different designs, such as versions for horizontal and vertical installation
with different bearing arrangements. Robust in design and equipped with flow-optimised hydraulic systems as well as easily replaceable wear parts, MultiTec Plus offers a high degree of operating reliability at low energy and maintenance costs. Self-adjusting plain bearings made of silicon carbide and innovative axial thrust balancing ensure high operating reliability.
www.ksb.com
NEW DUAL PUMP ENSURES UNINTERRUPTED SERVICE, EVEN DURING MAINTENANCE
ARMSTRONG HAS introduced new larger sizes of the Design Envelope Tango, a compact, lowcarbon dual pump that ensures uninterrupted service, even during maintenance. The Design Envelope Tango includes two motors and two impeller assemblies in a single casing. Integrated valves can isolate one side of the pump for service, without interrupting flow or affecting occupant comfort. New sizes are now available with motors ranging from 15 to 40 horsepower and are capable of serving applications up to 120 l/sec.
Design Envelope Tango is a compact solution that combines built-in parallel pumping with leading performance and
reduced installation costs. Because the two rotating devices share a single casing, installation requires less piping. In addition, the vertical in-line orientation means the pump is installed in the piping and does not require an inertia base.
PERISTALTIC PUMP FOR THE TOUGHEST CONDITIONS
BREDEL HOSE PUMPS, PART OF WATSON-MARLOW FLUID
Technology Solutions, has engineered a new Bredel Heavy Duty pump with advanced safety and reliability features specifically for the mining and construction sectors.
The Heavy Duty pump is a peristaltic pump solution for handling abrasive high-solid content slurries, thick sludge and corrosive fluids. Its dedicated features include a heavy-duty frame that enables safer pump transportation using a forklift truck, heavy-duty bearings that provide an extended lifetime when pumping high-solid content slurries and a window guard that offers extra protection. The pump also benefits from a robust flange bracket that reduces the risk of lubricant leakage and simplifies maintenance, while a C4H paint coating brings superior resistance in highly corrosive environments and protects against acids and bases.
The Heavy Duty pump can be used for slurry transfer with minimal wear and tear, precise chemical dosing to enhance operational efficiency, dewatering to avoid the risk of flooding and environmental damage, and for safely transporting tailings to ensure compliance with regulations.
www.wmfts.com
Design Envelope technology includes patented Parallel Sensorless operation, increases flow turn-down and provides builtin flow metering for superior flow control. The energy-efficient design of the Tango reduces operating costs by up to 80% and lifecycle costs by up to 40%. As Tango provides an effective alternative to full-duty standby, it can also reduce embodied carbon.
All Design Envelope pumps are augmented by Pump Manager, a cloud-based service that provides smart analytics, diagnostics, and alerts to support HVAC system efficiency. armstrongfluidtechnology.com
The AESSEAL® solution paid for itself in less than a year, and saved the customer more than $200,000 in maintenance and downtime costs.
BPMA PROMOTES CAREERS IN THE PUMP INDUSTRY
The British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) has unveiled a new brochure, Pumps: A World of Opportunity, aimed at inspiring interest in the wide array of career paths available within the pump industry.
THE BRITISH PUMP MANUFACTURERS Association’s new publication, Pumps: A World of Opportunity, showcases the vital role pumps play across multiple sectors – including energy, water, manufacturing, construction, and more – while highlighting the exciting, diverse, and rewarding career opportunities that exist within this oftenoverlooked field.
The brochure also explores the various routes individuals can take into a career working with pumps, including practical routes such as apprenticeships and vocational paths. The document also looks at the opportunities to convert from alternative careers into the engineering disciplines common in the pumping sector.
UPCOMING
As the UK’s leading trade association for pump manufacturers and suppliers, the BPMA is committed to supporting the future of the industry by attracting new talent. Pumps: A World of Opportunity offers insights into various roles, from engineering and design to sales, marketing, and sustainability-focused careers.
Commenting on the initiative, Wayne Rose, Director and CEO of the BPMA, said: “Pumps are essential to everyday life, yet the industry’s contribution is not widely recognised. This brochure aims to shine a light on the sector and the exciting prospects it offers to the next generation of pump professionals.”
A digital version is now available to view on the BPMA website.
Previously, the seals lasted just two months, but after the upgrade, the gas seal delivered over 14 years of trouble-free operation. 14+ YEARS 2 MONTHS
Pump industry excellence celebrated once more
On 13 March, and for the third consecutive year, the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) was delighted to return to the famous St George’s Park in Staffordshire for the staging of its 2025 Pump Industry Awards presentation evening.
Celebrating the award’s 25th Anniversary, it was a sell-out event, attracting some 300 attendees, all coming together to recognise and reward excellence throughout the pump manufacturing and distribution industry. And, with a record number of submissions across the ten categories, this year’s awards programme produced some truly exceptional entries.
Credited as being another huge success, the entire event reflected the enthusiasm for live ‘in-person’ events and provided a wonderful opportunity for those working in the pump sector to connect with friends, colleagues, and clients – the value of which can never be understated.
Lee Tebbatt, MD of Wilo UK and President of the BPMA, opened the event and welcomed the 2025 awards finalists in direct acknowledgement of their achievements. He went on to highlight the work being undertaken by the BPMA, specifically in relation to non-compliant circulation pumps,
before referencing the opportunity and responsibility the pump sector has in moving the dial on key issues such as water scarcity, energy shortage and climate change.
Maintaining the sporting theme set in previous years, the guest Speaker, Perry McCarthy, delighted the audience with stories from his against-the-odds journey to Formula 1 and, of course, his time as the original Stig on the BBC programme Top Gear. He then helped to deliver the main awards presentations before jointly conducting the charity game of higher or lower on behalf of WaterAid, the BPMA’s chosen charity for this event, raising £1755.00.
Wayne Rose, Director and CEO of the BPMA, was thrilled with the overall engagement for this year’s awards programme and summed up the feeling of all by saying: “It was another great night celebrating the hard work and achievements of the pump industry. The awards dinner provides the perfect opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues
and make new connections in a relaxed and friendly environment.” He continued: “I was impressed by the quality of entries, and I am so pleased to have this fantastic annual showcase as part of the BPMA’s support package for the pump sector.”
Andrew Castle, Event Director, said after the event: “Once again, St George’s Park served us well, allowing us to build on the successes of the previous two years, and the record attendance was a fitting way to celebrate the award’s 25th Anniversary. As always, our thanks go to the sponsors, whose support and commitment enable us to stage such an event, and of course to all the entrants, whose high calibre submissions made for yet another demanding judging session.”
2025 AWARD WINNERS
With sponsorship provided by a host of leading industry names, well-deserved industry-wide acknowledgement was given to those businesses and individuals who
have excelled in their professional endeavours. Recognising significant achievements which took place in the period up to December 2024, the ten category winners were revealed as follows:
• Product of the Year - Sponsored by DFA Media Group
Winner: SALAMANDER PUMPSAquaScan
• Project of the Year - Sponsored by World Pumps
Winner: SELWOOD - Complex overpump during STW Repair and maintenance Works for Northumbrian Water Group
• Environmental Contribution of the Year - Sponsored by SPP Pumps
Winner: CREST PUMPSRevolutionising data center sustainability with AVF-C pump technology
• Manufacturer of the YearSponsored by WEG UK Winner: SPP PUMPS
• Distributor of the Year (less than £3m turnover) - Sponsored by Calpeda
Winner: DECKPRO PUMPS
• Distributor of the Year (more than £3m turnover) - Sponsored by Caprari
Winner: TOMLINSON HALL
• Supplier of the Year - Sponsored by Wilo
Winner: WEG UK
• Contribution to Skills & Training
- Sponsored by Crest Pumps
Winner: TOMLINSON HALL / MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGEPump Centre of Excellence
• Rising Star Award - Sponsored by Innomotics
Winner: Patrick Worth, ANGLO PUMPS
• Sustainable Contribution for a Better World - Sponsored by AESSEAL
Winner: WILO - Water security and optimisation project
2026 AWARDS PROGRAMME
With advancing technology and innovation a constant across the sector, nominations and entries
are already being sought for the 2026 Pump Industry Awards. Maintaining the usual Spring timeline, the gala dinner and presentation ceremony will again take place on 19 March.
The online entry forms – which seek entries for activities and achievements that will have taken place throughout this year – will be available on the event website from 1 July, with the entry deadline set for Friday, 28 November 2025. Those working in or with the pump sector are encouraged to make a note of this important date and begin considering which key developments, activities, and successes to put forward for industry recognition and reward.
The awards are free to enter and are open to any company operating within the pump sector. chevron-circle-right www.pumpindustryawards.com
Max Dynamic and Field Couplings
MICHAEL SMITH ENGINEERS (MSE) has assisted one of the UK’s leading air pollution control companies with one of its major projects.
MSE supplied a selection of Finish Thompson pumps for installation in one of the air pollution control company’s industrial gas cleaning systems, commonly known as a wet scrubber.
Wet scrubber systems require robust equipment that is capable of handling aggressive chemicals like sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride, both in their initial form and after exposure to flue gases – when they may become
PUMPS FOR WET SCRUBBER PROJECT CUSTOM RECOIL CHECK VALVES FOR POTABLE WATER STATION
FOR SITES REPLACING OBSOLETE valve models, there are two options: costly on-site pipework amendments to facilitate a standard solution or custommanufactured valves that are tailored to perfectly meet the dimensional and flow requirements of the site.
T-T Flow recently completed such a job for a potable water station undergoing a complete refurbishment.
During upgrade works at a principal water pumping station in West Yorkshire, it was found that the existing check and gate valves were beginning to fail and were beyond economic repair.
The valves needed to be replaced, but the models were obsolete, having been installed in the system several decades before. This meant that bespoke manufactured valves were required to suit the site’s existing infrastructure, as an off-the-shelf solution would require the station to undertake costly pipework amendments in order to fit.
Due to the importance of the pumping station as part of Yorkshire’s wider water management infrastructure, the valves needed to provide reliable, long-term performance to ensure a constant clean water supply to the surrounding area.
As part of the solution, T-T Flow worked alongside the specialistappointed framework contractor for
more concentrated or chemically complex.
For the main scrubber recirculation units, MSE specified seal-less magnetically coupled centrifugal pumps from the Finish Thompson
Ultrachem range – a reliable solution for challenging environments. With ETFE-lined ductile iron casings, and close coupled to 37kW 2-pole motors, these units deliver 150m³/hr at 40m head.
Elsewhere in this project, two DB15P polypropylene mag-drive centrifugal pumps were selected for NaOH transfer, paired with 3kW 2-pole motors to deliver 11m³/hr at 20m head.
www.michael-smith-engineers.co.uk
the job to manufacture custom check valves and wedge gate valves engineered to satisfy the site’s non-standard face-to-face dimensional requirements.
A fast-acting recoil check valve design was chosen for its excellent slam avoidance where rapid flow reversal exists. The off-set/ eccentric design facilitates fast closure, which in turn mitigates damaging water hammer and check valve slam. This protects the station’s pipes, pumps and wider components from abrupt changes in system pressure that can send damaging shock waves through the system, leading to accelerated wear and breakdowns.
T-T Flow supplied six DN400 recoil check valves that are rated to 16 bar but imperially drilled to BS10 Table F. The valves were manufactured in ductile iron, coated with a robust fusion bonded epoxy and feature acid-resistant stainless-steel hinges and fasteners for corrosion resistance, ensuring troublefree operational longevity.
All valve coatings underwent stringent independent evaluation by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme to demonstrate compliance with safe potable water handling regulations, while precision machined weld-overlay bronze seats allowed for higher flow velocities for maximum hydraulic efficiency in the station.
www.ttpumps.com
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• WEG Sync+ Ultra, with an anticipated IE6 efficiency rating, this is the most efficient industrial motor on the market.
• Pump Genius, a customisable feature of WEG drives that enables your standard VSD to become dedicated for pumping systems ensuring accurate pressure / flow control throughout the process
• Motion Fleet Management, scans and monitors the performance of assets using cloud based technology for preventative and predictive maintenance.
• WEG SEE +, new efficiency calculator enables you to calculate energy savings, return on investment and ultimately reduce GHG emissions.
Learn more at www.weg.net
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND ROBUST SUPPORT SECURE HYDROPOWER PROJECT
THANKS TO ITS EXPERTISE IN the hydropower sector, WEG has supplied complete equipment for the Paredinha hydropower plant.
Small hydroelectric plants play a fundamental role in renewable energy generation, harnessing the hydraulic potential of rivers to produce electricity sustainably and efficiently. To ensure the reliable operation of these plants, it is essential to have high-tech and durable equipment.
This was one of the reasons that led Ibemapar to choose WEG solutions. With its expertise in the hydropower sector, WEG develops complete solutions for small hydro, combining cutting-edge engineering, advanced technology, and experience in manufacturing electrical and mechanical equipment.
For the Paredinha hydropower Plant, WEG supplied three hydraulic
turbines of 7,292kW, three generators of 7,788kVA, as well as electrical panels, ten transformers totalling approximately 50,000kVA, a substation, and all electrical installation.
This is the second project of this nature that Ibemapar has carried out with WEG. Previously, two hydraulic turbines of 8,287kW and two generators of 8,935kVA were supplied, including electrical panels, transformers, a substation, and
VSD INSTALLATION AT REMOTE PUMPING STATION DELIVERS POSITIVE RESULTS
GIBBONS ENGINEERING GROUP
recently completed a variable speed drive installation project for Anglian Water at a remote pumping station in Wivenhoe.
The project involved the installation of three 18.5kW ABB ACQ580 variable speed drives (VSDs) designed to improve the energy efficiency and operational flexibility of the site’s pump systems.
The upgrade was initiated to provide enhanced speed control of existing pump sets, enable soft ramp-up and ramp-down functionality to reduce mechanical stress and provide reliable sequencing and remote operation through telemetry integration.
One of the project’s key challenges was the absence of electrical drawings for the site’s three existing pump control panels. This meant that all modifications had to be carefully planned and carried out with extra caution to ensure safety and system integrity.
Gibbons’ engineering team mounted the
new VSDs adjacent to each of the existing pump control panels. New cabling was installed in conduit between the VSDs and control panels, with all terminations carefully routed and labelled to allow for ease of future maintenance.
Each pump and VSD setup was individually tested for correct functionality in both Hand and Auto modes, and their operation was validated against telemetry inputs shown on the Anglian Water common control HMI screen.
This sequential approach ensured that
electrical installation for the Boa Vista II hydropower plant. The quality of the products supplied for Boa Vista II was decisive for consolidating the partnership with Ibemapar, resulting in the contract for Paredinha hydropower Plant.
With high-performance equipment, the client has security in the return on investment, ensuring operational stability and predictability in energy generation. The reliability of WEG solutions reinforces the company’s commitment to the hydropower sector, offering advanced technology and robust support for longterm operations.
each system was fully operational before progressing to the next one, the stop/start logic and sequencing of all three pumps worked seamlessly, and no disruption occurred to the site’s operational flow.
Once commissioning was complete, a backup of the VSD parameters was taken and securely stored for future reference.
Gibbons Engineering Group is currently producing a complete set of electrical drawings to document the modifications made to the site. These will be provided alongside a comprehensive end-of-job report for Anglian Water’s records.
The new VSD installation has resulted in improved pump efficiency, reduced mechanical wear, and enhanced control visibility for the client, with the added assurance of modern, documented infrastructure.
www.gibbonsgroup.co.uk
METSO HORIZONTAL SLURRY PUMP REPAIR
A RECENT PROJECT CARRIED OUT BY THE TEAM AT Hayley 247 Dexis saw the company tackle a critical challenge: repairing a heavy-duty 8-tonne high-lift pump designed for the most challenging abrasive slurry applications.
In the demanding world of quarrying, where equipment reliability is paramount, this wasn’t just a routine maintenance job – it was a comprehensive restoration of a vital piece of industrial machinery.
The Hayley team conducted an exhaustive diagnostic inspection, identifying critical wear points that could potentially compromise the pump’s performance. Then, the rehabilitation strategy was multi-faceted.
The work began with a strategic impeller replacement, utilising high-performance materials to restore optimal hydraulic efficiency.
Advanced metal stitch repair techniques were employed to rebuild the pump casing’s structural integrity, addressing areas of critical wear.
Precision was key in manufacturing gland sleeves and reinstating original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tolerances to ensure perfect sealing and operational performance. The vacuum pump received a comprehensive refurbishment, further supporting the system’s overall reliability.
A specialised Belzona 1321 ceramic coating was applied to internal passageways, providing enhanced wear resistance and corrosion protection. The entire system was rebuilt using premium-grade components, including new gland packing, gaskets, bearings and seals.
Rigorous pressure testing validated the repair quality and system integrity, with a final protective painting completing the restoration process.
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Controlling bad odours from wastewater tanks
flow learned how chopper pumps from Landia are helping a range of businesses in the food and drink sector to avoid the potentially damaging consequences of bad odours coming from wastewater treatment tanks.
Aerating wastewater might be considered a secondary treatment, but when foul odours create such an unpleasant environment, putting it right is very much a primary concern for food and drink producers.
If that stench is also upsetting your neighbours, then you might well find yourselves receiving Environment Agency visits and a wave of unwelcome bad publicity.
The offending tank(s) in your effluent treatment process may already have a pump or mixer. And with no shortage of noise and surface bubbles, there perhaps appears to be plenty of oxygen to feed all the bacteria so that it biodegrades. But what lies beneath?
If you’ve reached the point where everyone has to hold their nose, then there’s a strong likelihood that the tank is not being mixed properly. Accumulated rotting solids will be sitting on the floor of the vessel, generating that awful rotten smell.
To make a sweeping statement, most pumps can deal with most wastewater until hard-to-handle solids come along. As well as foul odours, you’ll be entering a world of pain with blocked pumps, downtime, rising maintenance costs, and possibly an overflowing tank.
Logic would, therefore, suggest that it is a false economy to buy a standard pump. Instead, invest in one that is much tougher and longer lasting and one which is designed to continuously reduce particle sizes without coming to a grinding halt when larger solids inevitably creep into the wastewater process.
A chopper pump might well be the solution. Speaking for Landia, who invented the world’s first chopper pump back in 1950, Technical Sales
Engineer, Howard Burton has no shortage of success stories to put forward: “Our chopper pump has a pretty nasty knife system that stops solids from entering the casing,” he said, “so we’re always confident that it can handle tough applications. We use the chopper pump with angled venturi nozzles to create our AirJet system so that the whole tank gets mixed comprehensively.”
Howard pointed to a Landia problem-solving job at Timothy Taylor’s brewery in North Yorkshire. A survey by wastewater treatment provider Ogden Water showed that the pumps used for the brewery’s 45m3 balance tank were not providing enough agitation to adequately keep solids in suspension.
Nick Berkovits, Second Brewer at Timothy Taylor’s, commented: “Ogden Water’s rigorous survey showed that an upgrade to superior aeration equipment would eliminate odours caused by solids not being sufficiently suspended and would also provide a much more consistent homogenous feed to our Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) unit.”
Food processors often have odour problems with poorly aerated tanks. KK Fine Foods (based in North Wales) has had a Landia AirJet system (on a 328m3 glass-lined steel tank) for over seven years. Dave Edmunds, Engineering Manager, said: “We’ve only just had to replace a few basic wear and tear parts on the system, which shows how reliable it is. The AirJet is something of an unsung hero. It sits there and does its job very well indeed.”
In addition, a leading producer of cereals and cereal bars turned to Landia for help due to high levels of fats, oils and greases (FOG) caused by ingredients such as chocolate, rape
seed oil and lecithin (phospholipids). At one point, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) rose to 78,000.
Karl Johnson, Safety, Heath & Environment Manager at Deeside Cereals, commented: “When our sugary water used to become entrained, it was very challenging to treat and fulfil our compliance obligations. We’ve found that it is easier to control the COD by only half filling our tank, but we always test it before discharge, and if needed, we can aerate the effluent a little longer until it is below our compliance threshold. The Landia pump needs nothing more from us than a quick visual inspection each day to check on oil.”
Howard from Landia concluded:
“The AirJet also removes or massively reduces the cost and labour of having to add chemicals. And with today’s scary energy prices, it is far more economical than using electricity-guzzling blowers.” chevron-circle-right
TOUGH PUMPS, POWERFUL PERFORMANCE
In everything we do, we never lose sight of what it‘s all about for you: economical work and easy handling.
Whether chemical substances, oils or media for the food industry, it is important to fill or empty quickly and precisely. Due to the reversible conveying direction, both processes can be carried out with just one pump.
As a result of their compact yet powerful construction, Vogelsang rotary lobe pumps are among the most frequently ordered pumps in many UK industries. They transport highly viscous or aggressive media of all kinds and even pump liquids with rough solids without blocking.
VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY
For more information: sales.uk@vogelsang.info | 01270 216 600 vogelsang.co.uk
Begin your condition monitoring journey
Reliability engineering and in particular condition monitoring is a mature and complex engineering subject and for those not from a reliability background, establishing where to start can be challenging. Jim Fowlie, Director of Operations at Sensor-Works, explains how to approach the introduction of condition monitoring to a facility, the key steps that should be taken, and how to ensure the wider company benefits are appreciated.
Agood place to start with condition monitoring is to understand how best to identify failure. There are many techniques available, and where possible, it is best to use a combination of approaches. Ultimately, the more information available in an investigation, the more accurate the outcome will be.
The widely used I-P-F Curve (Installation – point of Potential failure – point of Failure) highlights the instance when a specific method will start to identify an emerging issue. Ultrasonic techniques are the first to identify a failing condition. However, this is a relatively difficult and skilled technology to master, and it does not lend itself to an online monitoring approach. The next and most widely used approach is vibration monitoring. This technology is mature and cost effective, and is used in both in-person (usually done with ultrasonics) and with online (continuous) monitoring.
Generally, the earlier the detection of an issue and the appropriate intervention take place, the lower the cost to repair. For example, the catastrophic failure of an asset may well be uneconomical to repair and require replacement.
Vibration is considered the best operating parameter to judge dynamic conditions such as balance, alignment, bearing stability, and stresses applied to components. Vibration is a
symptom, not the cause of the problem itself. It is inherent in all machinery, and an increase in vibration is generally a symptom that something is going wrong. Problems which manifest as a change in vibration include mechanical looseness, structural resonance, soft foundation, misalignment, bent shafts, or damaged or broken rotor vanes. Vibration analysis as a method of diagnosing machinery problems can determine the severity of those problems and help with scheduling the most appropriate time to correct them.
TREND ANALYSIS
Extending beyond the principles of carrying out a single measurement, the condition-based maintenance concept is simple. Here, using technologies like those outlined
above, physical parameters such as vibration, temperature, pressure, lubricant condition, etc., are measured and used to determine which combination provides the best indication of machine health.
From these baselines, alarm limits can be established that will trigger during ongoing routine monitoring. Periodic or continuous monitoring readings are taken on the machinery. If a measurement exceeds its alert or alarm limit, the system could be set up to automatically detect the exception and display plots and produce reports that help analyse the problem.
As the problem is likely detected early in its failure stage, the maintenance team has time to schedule the most efficient and effective repair prior to any component failure.
Ideally, the alarm limits are set
Figure 1. The I-P-F Curve shows the deterioration in a rotating element over the operating interval.
high enough to minimise extraneous alarms, yet conservative enough not to miss a critical deviation in machine condition. And they can also be continuously adjusted as more is learned about the machinery from the predictive maintenance program.
PREPARATION
Before any condition monitoring program is implemented, preparatory work must be done. It is important to have an up-to-date asset register in place, including where assets are located, their serial numbers and model details. It is also strongly advised that an asset criticality review be carried out.
The higher the criticality of an asset, the more important it is to gain full visibility and predictability of the equipment’s health with continuous monitoring, ideally online.
For semi-critical assets or on assets deemed necessary, you can trend and apply exception reporting, only analysing and diagnosing machine problems with a more advanced portable setup for understanding the underlying sources of machine issues as and when appropriate.
Running a criticality review requires a systematic approach; Figure 2 is a sample of a flow chart that may be used in this process. Other process flows are used and can be similarly applied; the key is to have a structured, repeatable, consistent and purposeful outcome.
It is helpful if there is a documented history of machine failure, and if so, make good use of this information. Where there is no historical failure information, it may be worth undertaking machine assessments of assets throughout the plant as one-off vibration and temperature health checks. This will give a baseline and help to identify which machines to monitor in which phase of implementation.
It is also good practice to implement any condition monitoring system using a scalable approach. Start small and build the system and learn as you go, rather than having to rebuild each time an improvement is realised.
The monitoring solutions
employed can be a simple routebased (as part of an in-person walk around a facility) or an online (and continuous) schedule-based implementation, or, as is often the case, a combination of both based on the criticality of the machinery. At the very minimum level, a facility manager might want to know when something is about to fail. This can be done with periodic vibration and temperature checks, usually monthly but generally no longer than quarterly, carried out by operators or maintenance personnel. These tend to be costeffective and easy to understand when used with common traffic light concepts.
of a problem. The frequency (Spectrum) indicates the source of the problem.
"The higher the criticality of an asset, the more important it is to gain full visibility and predictability of its health."
Usually, a combination of both is done: trending with alerts and alarm levels set to trigger more in-depth spectral analysis. The setting of the levels for alerts and alarms can and will vary. The use of standards such as ISO 20816 is a reference to start; however, if the history of a machine’s operating condition is known and the point of failure is understood, this can be a better reference. A common practice is to trigger an alert when a 10% increase from the baseline occurs, with an alarm signal when a 30% increase is measured.
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Relating back to the reliability process flow, it is possible to understand what complexity of surveillance is needed. Basic vibration measurements, as outlined above, will indicate when a failure condition has begun to occur. For more detailed insights, a spectral analysis can show what the failure mode is and possibly what component in the asset is causing the issue.
A trend of the vibration level indicates the severity stage
SENSOR TECHNOLOGY
Sensors used in today’s vibration monitoring systems are accelerometers, which give a live signal. The sensors will generally use either MEMs or piezo technology: MEMs has a different sensing frequency range – usually DC to 6kHz (for the better devices) – and a piezo sensor usually has a 0.2Hz to 10KHz range.
To understand the accelerometer output, each rotating element produces a sine wave at a defined frequency. However, all of these
Figure 2. A criticality review should be structured, consistent and repeatable.
rotating elements combine to produce a signal that is very difficult to understand as it is outputted from the vibration sensor.
By employing a mathematical technique known as the Fourier Transform, the raw signal can be converted from the time (or spatial) domain into the frequency domain. This method takes a complex waveform and breaks it down into a sum of sine and cosine functions, each with its own amplitude and phase.
Using this approach, the live signal can be displayed as a number of peaks at the rotational (or running) speed of each element of the machine, along with the interaction, to display conditions such as imbalance, misalignment, gear mesh, bearing issues, and even lubrication problems as demonstrated in Figure 3.
With this much more detailed information, an emerging issue can be more readily identified, and the appropriate remedial action can be triggered.
MOUNTING VIBRATION SENSORS
One of the challenging areas of condition monitoring implementation is how and where to mount the sensors.
Ideally, a vibration sensor should be mounted inline and closest to the load zone of all rotating supports, i.e. the bearings. Where analytics are
required (spectrum analysis), the sensors are typically mounted in the horizontal, vertical and axial positions, or alternatively, triaxial sensors are available for semi-critical and small to medium-sized assets.
For a basic monitoring setup, a single sensor on the drive end in vertical orientation is ideal. If misalignment is a concern, then an axial sensor gives useful information.
It is helpful to have both the drive end and the non-drive end monitored. However, if this adds too much from a cost perspective, then the drive end is the best to monitor as this is likely to be the part of a motor that can experience the highest amount of loading, especially on a belt or chain coupling arrangement.
of a stinger, however, if this is needed due to the material of an asset being non-magnetic, then use as short a stinger as possible which reduces the bending effect on longer probe devices.
"Ideally, a vibration sensor should be mounted inline and closest to the load zone of all rotating supports."
Once the condition monitoring journey has begun, it is critical to record progress, document what worked, calculate the savings –including not just reduced maintenance costs but also from areas such as lost production or material waste avoided – and present this to management. I would also recommend that users record what did not work so well and learn from it.
It is best to mechanically fix the sensor using a stud mount, which gives the greatest transfer of energy (a good time to do this is during a refurbishment or repair). Where this is not so practical, a suitable adhesive will work. A magnetic mount can also be used for temporary or workaround operations. Split face magnets with suitably strong pull force are preferred. I would recommend that you avoid the use
It is important that within a company, this approach is seen as a value to the business and not a cost. Done correctly it will bring savings; it is estimated that for every 1% of improved operational equipment effectiveness a 2% increase in profit is generated on the company’s bottom line and this should be widely understood. chevron-circle-right
www.sensor-works.com
Figure 3. Using the Fourier Transform, a complex, raw signal from a vibration sensor can be converted from the time (or spatial) domain into the frequency domain. This breaks it down into a sum of sine and cosine functions, each with its own amplitude and phase relative to a specific element of the machine.
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The smart canal driving flood prevention and unlocking 3000 residential properties
flow discovers how Schneider Electric solutions have supported the development of Europe’s first Smart Canal, which is helping with flood risk reduction and environmental rejuvenation in Glasgow.
The Forth & Clyde Canal was a groundbreaking achievement when it was built in 1790 as the world’s first sea-to-sea canal. With a construction period that lasted 22 years due to the lack of railway lines and major roads, it was a cuttingedge innovation of its era.
Now, North Glasgow Integrated Water Management System (NGIWMS), Scottish Canals, Glasgow City Council, and Scottish Water (under the umbrella of the Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Scheme) have created Europe’s first ‘Smart Canal’.
Using the 250-year-old Forth & Clyde Canal, a broad team of delivery partners, including construction, systems integrators, and technology
vendors, have delivered an advanced, digital, surface water drainage system.
This pioneering new drainage system unlocks 110 hectares of land, creating regeneration and development opportunities to pave the way for more than 3,000 new homes while protecting the area from extreme rainfall to mitigate the effects of climate change. Further, the project shows that even the oldest infrastructure can be brought right back to the cutting edge of engineering achievement.
Sewer networks across North Glasgow were rapidly reaching design capacity, requiring a new approach to water management. The drainage limitations of the antiquated system prevented 110 hectares
of land from being developed and blocked vital urban regeneration.
To unlock the significant potential of the area, NGIWMS needed to reduce the flood risk on greenfield and brownfield sites and prove that new housing could be provided sustainably and without undue harm or risk to the environment.
AECOM developed the NGIWMS concept in 2013, a plan to use the Forth & Clyde Canal as a sustainable surface water drainage tool to completely revolutionise the way canals contribute to water management.
Fairfield Control Systems was the chosen partner to implement all electrical, instrumentation, and IT infrastructure necessary for the proposed Smart Canal
system, and it turned to long-time collaborator Schneider Electric to unlock sustainability and efficiency capabilities through end-to-end digitalisation.
THE PROBLEM
Without intervention, Glasgow City Council would be extremely limited in the use of land both close to the canal and downstream, with the increased risk of flooding due to rainfall-associated surface water. This would traditionally have been mitigated by building a transfer tunnel made of reinforced concrete at an estimated cost of £40M. However, this is an expensive and carbon-heavy approach that would have greatly held back sustainability efforts.
The ability to monitor, manage and move water throughout the existing watercourse was required to overcome the surface water concerns without a transfer tunnel. A team was assembled to create and implement an integrated control system capable of protecting both existing and proposed developments from potentially damaging weather events.
Achieving a system that models forecast rainfall data and predicts water volume into the canal required a collaborative and shared digital environment capable of receiving data from 22 outstations situated across the canal network. Schneider Electric automation products, combined with the open-architecture of AVEVA System Platform, AVEVA Historian, and AVEVA InTouch OMI, delivered the capability and, importantly, offered instant interoperability due to an openarchitecture approach.
THE SOLUTION
Each outstation of the watercourse uses a combination of remote telemetry units (RTUs) and PLCs, also using both mains and solar power. The system, which was designed to comply with the IEC62443 Industrial Cyber Security Standards, takes weather data and feeds it into a hydraulic simulation of flows to proactively identify flood risks, with the SCADA control system
remotely opening and closing valves and managing the water level accordingly.
The Forth & Clyde Canal summit pond has created a capacity for 55,000m3 of surface water (equivalent to 22 Olympic swimming pools) to be accessed in advance of predicted rainfall. Canal water is safely moved through a network that includes sustainable urban drainage ponds and granite channels, which absorb and manage water in a controlled way.
Schneider Electric and AVEVA support the canal’s smart capabilities through real-time insight and control.
AVEVA System Platform and AVEVA InTouch OMI act as the single digital thread for all canal operations, integrating seamlessly with, and receiving data from, a variety of sources throughout the network.
The export and display of data, facilitated by AVEVA System Platform’s visualisation capabilities, prioritise delivering key information to the operator’s selected device. This approach not only provides valuable insights but also minimises operator strain.
The remote monitoring of the Schneider Electric installed base enables operators to manage energy usage for efficiency optimisation, with all data recorded into the AVEVA Historian for modelling and informing decision-making and ‘smart’ pre-emptive management of water. The whole system is protected through the Acti9 Active connected product suite, monitoring the critical loads to protect power availability throughout the smart canal. The efficiency provided through the Schneider Electric EcoStruxure platform improves the reliability of the entire complex system and feeds data into the digital environment for continuous monitoring and improvements.
THE IMPACT
Glasgow’s first smart canal has now been in place and operational since 2020. Water quality is managed,
flood risk is reduced, and the regeneration of the area has paved the way for the development of more than 3,000 homes. Water quality is automatically recorded for all variables (pH, turbidity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen) to enable and enhance the ongoing protection of the habitat.
Sustainability and environmental protection were key drivers for this operation, and the project team has achieved improvements in both areas, providing a capital saving of 5,000t CO2e through the creation of the smart canal and over 30,000t operational CO2e avoidance when compared to the carbon-heavy approach of using a transfer tunnel. This traditional method would have also cost an estimated £23M more in CAPEX than the route taken.
CONCLUSION
Glasgow’s smart canal has solved the surface water issues at five key sites where development had previously proved impossible. Not only has the project cost less than traditional flood management options, but it has also delivered, and will keep delivering, a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Fairfield Control Systems expertise, combined with Schneider Electric technology, has resulted in a digital environment that can be accessed securely and monitored remotely by engineers to respond to real-time information for continuous improvement. chevron-circle-right
Building Services
Do you need a PRV?
Altecnic, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of hydronic solutions for both commercial and domestic markets, explains everything you need to know about pressure-reducing valves, to help you decide whether you need one for your water system.
Pressure-reducing valves (also known as PRVs) are a common type of plumbing/hydronic system component. From homes and households to large commercial properties, hotels, and industrial businesses, pressurereducing valves can be found in plumbing systems in all properties across the UK.
But what are pressure-reducing valves, and how can you tell if you need one for your property? If you’re experiencing issues with your central heating or plumbing system, a PRV might be the answer.
Whether your plumbing system uses a mains water supply, or inlet from a water pump or reservoir, consistency in water pressure is a common problem for many homeowners, businesses, and facility managers; inlet water pressure is rarely stable or consistent.
PRVs, or pressure regulators, are a type of mechanical plumbing device used to regulate the flow of system water and water pressure. If water pressure exceeds safe standards, PRVs control the inlet water pressure to prevent damage to pipework, plumbing valves and components, and appliances such as radiators, washing machines, and dishwashers.
If you’ve ever noticed water hammer/banging noises in pipes, or experienced issues with burst pipework, short lifespan of appliances, or excessive water usage, chances are a PRV might be the answer to your problems.
HOW DO PRESSUREREDUCING VALVES WORK?
While there are a number of different types of pressure-reducing valves available, PRVs typically use a spring-loaded or piston-actuated
diaphragm (direct-acting) or pilotoperated pilot valve to adjust the inlet valve opening. As a result, PRVs work to control downstream pressure (in simple terms, the water pressure in the rest of the system after the valve). Some pressure-regulating valves feature adjustable setpoints to maintain stable or specific pressure. If inlet water pressure increases, the valve partially closes to reduce downstream pressure from causing damage. If water pressure reduces, the valve opens to allow greater flow for a more stable and consistent water pressure. There are a number of signs
which might indicate that you need a PRV in existing properties. These include:
Repeated leaks in pipes: Unstable water pressure and excessive inlet flow are common causes of pipe leaks; high pressure forces more water through pipes and fittings than they are designed for. This can increase stress on joins and seals, alongside pipe expansion and contraction that can lead to fractures in system components, leading to leaks. PRVs help by controlling inlet pressure, so the risk of damage from excessive water pressure can be minimised, extending the life of system components.
Burst pipes and fittings: Have you experienced unexplained bursts/ cracks in your pipework? Excessive inlet pressure can cause damage to connection points, with pipe bursts most common during low-demand periods (such as during the night) when water pressure is often at its peak. PRVs can prevent extreme fluctuations in system pressure, helping to protect against the common cause of bursts.
Water hammer: Water hammer is the term used to describe the loud banging noise or knocking sounds heard when taps are closed or appliances stop drawing water. This is caused by sudden stops in high-pressure water flow that results in shockwaves, causing pipes to vibrate or bang walls. PRVs work to maintain steady pressure in systems, preventing surges in water flow that can cause water hammer. Fluctuating water pressure: Demand can impact inlet water pressure throughout the day, which can often result in taps behaving differently
throughout the day, shower pressure fluctuating from strong to weak, and water blasting out at random times. PRVs can work to stabilise water pressure downstream in your system, so that appliances and fittings are supplied with consistent water flow regardless of mains supply fluctuations. Excessive water usage and high water bills: Excessive water pressure can force more water through taps and fixtures, leading to unnecessary waste of water and increased costs. PRVs reduce excess flow, leading to savings on water bills.
PRVs reduce excess flow, leading to savings on water bills.
There are also a number of considerations for new builds or property development projects. These include: Check mains water pressure before installation/ordering: Water
pressure can vary by location in the UK. Some areas may receive excessive water pressure for a domestic/residential property, or may be unstable for commercial properties. By finding your water pressure levels first, the correct PRV can be installed at the point of water entry/inlet from day one. Multi-storey buildings: From shopping centres and apartment blocks to highrise buildings and offices, water pressure can be problematic in multistorey buildings. Some large developments may need zoned pressure reduction where PRVs are installed at different levels to reduce excessive water pressure on levels where it is too high, and to ensure sufficient levels where it could be too low if a PRV were installed for all levels. If a gravity-fed system is used, PRVs can be used to balance water pressure distribution. > 30
Building codes and regulations: In the UK, many properties are required to have pressure regulation measures fitted to reduce water wastage and ensure safety. Water Regulations (WRAS) and BS EN 1567 specify PRVs for systems exceeding safe limits.
I HAVE ISSUES WITH MY CURRENT PRV: WHAT IS WRONG?
If you already have a PRV installed and are facing issues with your system, there is a diagnostic list which can be used to solve common problems in water systems:
Water pressure is too high even with a PRV: Common symptoms include water blasting out of taps and showers, toilets filling aggressively, and appliances/pipe joints leaking despite a PRV being installed. Causes can include a PRV being stuck open and not reducing pressure (it may need repair or replacement); mains pressure increasing beyond PRV limits (this may require a PRV designed for higher pressures or the installation of a second-stage PRV); the PRV’s diaphragm/internal components being damaged (replacement parts or a new PRV may be required)
Water hammer is still occurring even with a PRV installed: Causes here can include a worn-out PRV, which can cause sudden pressure surges; fast closing valves on system appliances, which can cause water hammer even with a PRV installed (a water hammer arrestor or shock arrestor may be required). PRV is leaking water: Common symptoms of this include water dripping from a PRV or visible dampness/corrosion of a PRV. The causes can include seals or o-rings becoming worn and excessive pressure, which can cause cracking/ damage to PRV bodies (a higherrated PRV may be required).
PRV is making a whistling noise: This can include a high-pitched hissing or whistling sound, which may get louder as water is used. This can be caused by excessive water flow through the PRV or air trapped in systems (an
air separator can be installed as a permanent measure).
If a PRV is over 5-10 years old and experiencing multiple issues, including those just mentioned, it may be time for a full replacement rather than a repair. If system reliability matters to you, starting with a quality PRV will help to protect your system for longer. There is a wide range of scenarios in which PRVs may be used. They include:
Residential homes with excessive water inlet water pressure: A home with an excessive inlet water pressure (e.g. 8 bar) beyond recommended levels may significantly increase risks of appliance damage, leaks and pipework bursts. A PRV can be used to control water pressure at the source to prevent damage. Multi-storey buildings with uneven water pressure: Multistorey buildings such as offices, apartments and hotels can experience challenges with water pressure; in some cases, top floors may have low water pressure while lower levels have too high water pressure. Zoned PRVs can be installed at different levels to regulate pressure across floor levels, preventing damage where pressure is high and ensuring appropriate function where pressure is low.
cause discomfort for patients and employees. PRVs installed in water lines can help regulate system pressure for even and reliable performance.
Industrial businesses and factories: Water systems can be used to feed machines and cleaning equipment throughout various machines and cleaning systems. If the inlet water pressure is too high, it can cause damage to pipework, fittings, and waterbased equipment. This can cause issues for businesses, including costly unplanned shutdowns and paused production. PRVs can ensure factories and plants receive optimal levels of water pressure, reducing the risk of damage.
Hospitals with inconsistent water pressure: Water systems may require varied levels of water pressure for different appliances and equipment. From radiators and taps in wards, to autoclaves and sterilisation units, inconsistent water pressure can risk damage to sensitive equipment or lead to improper performance that can
Garden or agricultural irrigation systems with excessive inlet pressure: Excessive water pressure can cause damage to sprinkler systems, including sprinkler heads and irrigation lines. PRVs can be installed before irrigation systems to ensure equipment receives an optimal and stable water pressure level. chevron-circle-right
www.altecnic.co.uk
www.crestpumps.co.uk
T: 01425 627700
E: info@crestpumps co uk
Kiwa Watertec
Providing a complete testing and certification service for sanitary plumbing products and components
Kiwa UK Regulation 4 (KUKreg4)
The Kiwa UK Regulation 4 Product Approval Scheme complies with ISO/IEC 17065, covering a wide range of products and components with two conformity attestation levels.
Thermostatic Mixing Valve Certification
Our robust (TMV Type 2 & 3) certification procedure complies with ISO/IEC 17065 and confirms that your product is safe, reliable and fit for purpose.
Drinking Water Materials Testing (BS 6920)
A comprehensive service for testing and certification of non -metallic materials, used in contact with drinking water, to BS 6920 standard.
Handling the pressure at London’s tallest residential skyscraper
For the tallest residential skyscraper in Western Europe, making sure all areas of the building have a reliable supply of water is no small task. flow found out how Xylem rose to the challenge.
Landmark Pinnacle is a 75-storey skyscraper on the edge of Canary Wharf. At 233m the building is the tallest residential tower not only in London but also in western Europe.
Comprising more than 800 apartments, amenities within the high-rise include a gym and a 24seat private cinema. Construction was completed in 2020.
Globally, the number of skyscrapers has quadrupled over the last two decades, reflecting growing populations and the need
to use urban space more efficiently. Due to the height of most modern skyscrapers, it is unlikely a utility’s mains water pressure would be sufficient to serve an entire building.
As such, most high-rises require a pressure-boosting pump system to ensure that a reliable supply of water reaches all occupants and maintains a consistent pressure, particularly during peak demand. Robust pumps are also needed to circulate water through the heating and cooling systems of a high-rise building.
THE SOLUTION
Xylem pumps and variable speed controllers were selected to provide all water pressure boosting, and heating and chiller water circulation, for the entire Landmark Pinnacle building. A total of 45 pumps were provided for the range of systems, housed across four plant rooms. Seven pressure booster sets were installed to pump potable water – for taps, kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers –throughout the building. Each booster set is comprised of
between two and six Lowara e-SV multistage pumps.
The systems are housed across four plant rooms, located between the basement and floor 56. Staggering the systems upwards has ensured optimum water pressure and flow rate for each floor.
Hydrovar 5th Generation intelligent controllers, with variable speed drives, were fitted to each pump. The technology automatically adjusts pump speed to match demand, maintaining water pressure in an energyefficient way: A motor running at 80% of its maximum speed uses 48% less energy than at full power.
Some 54 Lowara e-LNE pumps were selected for heating and chiller water circulation – 32 heating pumps and 22 chilled water pumps were required to move water through heating and air conditioning systems. The e-LNE is a high-efficiency in-line pump, optimised for variable speed control, with each pump capable of
moving up to 900m³/hr. All Lowara pumps are independently certified by the Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS) to demonstrate compliance with UK water fittings regulations.
RESULTS
Since the pumping systems were commissioned in 2020, they have operated to a consistently high standard, with no reported issues or reactive callouts. Following the project’s success, Xylem was awarded the pump maintenance and service contract for the Landmark Pinnacle by Millharbour Facilities Management.
Some 54 Lowara e-LNE pumps were selected for heating and chiller water circulation
the best-in-class efficiency products. “Flexible, reliable, scalable and energy efficient, the Lowara pumps met all requirements. We were also pleased to have been awarded the long-term maintenance contract for the pumps by Millharbour FM due to the reliability of Xylem’s aftersales support.”
Kurt Minter, Sales Manager at Xylem, said: “We are proud to have been selected as the pump supplier for the Landmark Pinnacle. The prestige skyscraper is a high-end residential development that requires
www.xylem.com
David Hughes, Office Manager at Millharbour FM, added: “Xylem was selected as the best supplier considering performance, price and services support. All systems are performing well, leading to Xylem being awarded the twice-yearly pump service and maintenance contract for the building.” chevron-circle-right
SUPPLIERS OF HIGH-QUALITY, AUTOMATED BALANCING MACHINES FOR PUMP IMPELLERS
Our automatic production balancing machines are built for seamless integration into high-volume pump manufacturing lines.
From balance correction to part handling and quality control, our systems deliver unmatched efficiency, repeatability and precision, every time.
FULL RANGE OF FEATURES AND SUPPORT
• Fully automated balance correction
• Ideal for pump impellers and rotating assemblies
• Seamless integration with production lines
• High-speed, repeatable accuracy
• Automated part loading and unloading
• In-line quality control and reporting
• Reduces cycle times and operator error
• Backed by UK-based services and support
For further information contact us: T: 0161 872 3122 E: enquiries@cembhofmann.co.uk www.cembhofmann.co.uk
Sizing to selection: Top tips for specifying pressure boosters
As building operators across the nation join the push for sustainable infrastructure development, ensuring energy and water efficiency in both retrofit and new build applications is crucial. Steven Walker, technical sales manager at Wilo UK, outlines the top tips for specifying a potential solution – cold water booster sets.
Launched in January, the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy is central to the government’s aim of driving productivity and economic growth. While prominent healthcare, educational and housing infrastructure delivery plans are outlined, the overarching ambition of accelerating to net zero by 2050 means that any approach must be taken in a ‘sustainable’ manner. But how exactly can this be achieved?
While there may not be a singular, standout answer, ensuring energy and water efficiency is one of several components of sustainable infrastructure delivery. With building operators also responsible for complying with a host of building regulations, including the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and Primary Energy Rating (PER), there is a growing need to incorporate products capable of making crucial gains.
Fortunately, cold water booster sets can deliver constant pressure at every extraction point throughout high-rise or large commercial buildings, all while being energy efficient and helping achieve compliance with building regulations. With that said, what are the top tips for specifying booster sets?
DEFINE THE APPLICATION
First and foremost, start by defining the application’s requirements. Understanding the type of building and usage requirements, for example, allows for the expected water demand and peak usage times to be determined. Calculating estimated water demand could be as simple as outlining the total
number of outlets within a building, including taps, showers, toilets and other water-consuming appliances, against how many occupants are expected to inhabit the property.
Operators are advised to measure the vertical distance between the water source and the highest point in the building to provide sufficient pressure. Wilo’s SiBoost range, for instance, incorporates booster sets suited to a host of different applications.
It’s just as important to check whether a building requires multiple pumps for redundancy, which guarantees water supply even if one pump fails, and if the booster set tank in question includes appropriate backflow prevention devices. Wilo’s SiBoost, Sce and PC ranges include a complete set of backup control functions, ensuring redundancy and preventing interruptions in the water supply should one pump fail. This also allows for maintenance without shutting down the entire system.
SIZE MATTERS
Another top tip for specifying booster sets is to make sure the pump arrangement is correct for the building, especially as the market’s current offerings can differ significantly. For example, singlepump systems are simpler and less expensive, while twin-, three- or fourpump systems offer redundancy and can handle higher flow rates. Older style fixed-speed pumps may cause fluctuations in pressures at varying demand, which is not ideal, and can be more costly to run and maintain, whereas pumps with a variable speed drive can automatically adjust their speed and output on varying demand, optimising energy efficiency and providing more consistent pressure.
The chosen booster set must also be compatible with the building’s available power supply (1ph or 3ph) to avoid any issues with existing cabling. The power consumption of the pumps and controls may also be a consideration, and newer, high-
efficiency sets will help to reduce operational costs and a building’s overall carbon footprint. Wilo can carry out lifecycle cost checks to build a profile and provide estimated power savings in the event of upgrading to modern units.
Boosters within Wilo’s SiBoost 2.0 range and Si Boost PC range incorporate efficient EC motors with energy efficiency class up to IE5 – the highest rated motor efficiency currently available – alongside innovative pump hydraulics and pressure-loss optimised manifolds, and with a range of control options available to suit user needs. This underlines how the boosters have been engineered to minimise running costs and capital outlay.
Wilo’s SiBoost 2.0, Sce, and PC ranges do just that, all while possessing the level of functionality required for most applications. This functionality includes the ability to connect to building management systems, which allows building owners and facilities managers to check and control the pump’s operation remotely and monitor pressure and flow rate, along with maintenance requirements. It also features an ‘external off’ function that allows it to be switched off should there be a failure in the building’s water supply, helping building operators minimise damage from water leaks as soon as they are reported. The units also have their own low water protection built into the booster set suction manifolds to measure inlet pressure and to switch the unit off until water levels are restored.
Once the application has been defined, the pump type chosen, and the power supply considered, operators should make sure the pump can draw water from the source without cavitation. Cavitation occurs when vapour bubbles form in the pump’s low-pressure areas and then collapse in higher-pressure areas, causing pitting and erosion on the impeller surfaces, leading to reduced efficiency and eventual failure. This can be checked with Wilo during the selection phase.
SAFETY FIRST
A crucial safety feature that must be accounted for is controlled fill. If a building was to lose power and residents continued to empty water from the pipework, this could increase the risk of the pipework bursting, causing significant damage. Control fill ensures a gradual and regulated reintroduction of water into a booster set, using timers and reducing pump speeds to help prevent sudden surges in pressure, which could again damage pipes, valves and fittings. This also helps to limit the mechanical stress on pumps and motors. Without this, the physical shock in the pipework could result in a shock equivalent to ten times the actual pressure output of the pump set. When specifying booster sets, it is therefore essential to consider this function. Hydraulic surge protection is especially important in buildings with temporary power or new builds due to the increased likelihood of incomplete or untested systems, unpredictable usage patterns and new pipework containing trapped air, which can amplify pressure spikes when water flow starts or stops suddenly.
DON’T FORGET
A commonly overlooked task when specifying pressure booster sets is reviewing maintenance requirements. Firstly, the booster should be easily accessible to technicians responsible for regular maintenance and any repair works. Filters and strainers should also be incorporated into the system to protect the pump from debris and sediment, subsequently preventing blockages and reducing overall wear and tear.
Once installed, operators are encouraged to develop a comprehensive maintenance schedule centred around regular inspections and servicing of the booster set. Key tasks include regularly checking the expansion vessel air charge, ensuring all check valves are still operating as they should and that none are passing, and checking the control panel for any previous alarms or messages.
The noise levels of the pump and controls must also be considered, especially those in residential or sensitive areas. Noise can be a significant issue, so buyers should look for booster sets designed to operate quietly or consider extra noise-reducing measures.
A HELPING HAND
It’s highly recommended to consult with a pump specialist or engineer to ensure the booster set is properly sized and selected for the specific application. They can evaluate the discussed factors, such as flow rate, pressure requirements and system compatibility. Decision makers should keep detailed records of the booster set specifications and installation and maintenance procedures. Documentation is crucial for troubleshooting, future maintenance and guaranteeing compliance with any regulatory requirements.
Selecting a reputable manufacturer with a proven track record of quality and reliability, such as Wilo, can ensure the chosen booster set will consistently perform at its peak for years to come. Wilo has worked with the country’s largest housing associations, hospitals, and accommodation providers to gain the necessary experience required to help any business guarantee sufficient water pressure in a sustainable manner. chevron-circle-right
BPMA membership offers a wealth of information, advice and opportunities designed to help your business thrive.
• Tender alerts
•Free commercial, health & safety and legal advice
•Free and discounted technical and market insight guides
•Expert advice on standards, legislation and technical issues
•Discounted training
•Energy auditing
•Discounted insurance
•UK and EU representation at political and executive levels
•Exclusive promotional opportunities
• Valuable networking opportunities
Visit the BPMA website, call or email for more details www.bpma.org.uk • +44(0)121 601 6692 • g.wilde@bpma.org.uk
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The BPMA Member Directory
Full members of the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) include manufacturers, contractors, distributors, importers, and repairers of industrial pumps, with operations in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Membership is also available to suppliers of pump-specific equipment to pump companies. Associate Membership is available to companies and individuals who work with or supply services to BPMA members,
Full Members
ABB Ltd
PHONE 01925 741111 desktop new.abb.com/uk
AESSEAL Plc
PHONE 01709 369 966 desktop www.aesseal.com
Albany Engineering Co. Ltd
PHONE 01594 842275 desktop www.albany-pumps.co.uk
Altecnic Ltd - CALEFFI Group
PHONE 01785 218200 desktop www.altecnic.co.uk
Ambic Equipment Ltd
PHONE 01993 776555 desktop www.ambic.co.uk
Armstrong Fluid Technology
PHONE 08444 145 145 desktop www.armstrongfluidtechnology. com/en-gb
Atlas Copco Power Technique
PHONE 01442 222 350 desktop www.atlascopco.com/en-uk
Atom Water Pump Solutions Ltd
PHONE 07797 827 044 desktop atom.je
AVT PUMP
such as industry journals, technology centres, or consultants. BPMA members have agreed to a code of conduct which states that they must demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, expertise and ethical standards in every aspect of their operations.
Further information about the association’s members can be found on the BPMA website at www.bpma.org.uk/members.
PHONE 03303 322101 desktop www.avtpump.com
AxFlow Ltd
PHONE 01753 255600 desktop www.axflow.co.uk
Barnwell Services Ltd
PHONE 0121 429 8011 desktop www.barnwell.co.uk
BPS Pumps Ltd
PHONE 0121 503 3000 desktop bpspumps.co.uk
British Autogard Ltd (Regal Rexnord)
PHONE 07884 091 307 desktop www.regalrexnord.com/contact
Bruynseels Ltd
PHONE 07526071108 desktop bruynseels.co.uk
Brook Crompton
PHONE 01484 557200 desktop www.brookcrompton.com
Calpeda PHONE 01869 241 441 desktop uk.calpeda.com
Campion Pumps
PHONE +353 56 883 4288 desktop www.campion.ie
Caprari Pumps (UK) Ltd
PHONE 01733 371605 desktop www.caprari.com
CELEROS FT - ClydeUnion Pumps
PHONE 0141 637 7141 desktop celerosft.com/clydeunion-pumps
CEMB HOFMANN BALANCING MACHINES & SERVICES
Tel: 01618 872 3122 Contact: sales@cembhofmann.co.uk Web: www.cembhofmann.co.uk
CHC Group
PHONE 01539 729395 desktop www.chcgroup.co.uk
Chemquip Ltd
PHONE 01663 741753 desktop www.chemquip.co.uk
Combined Pumps Ltd
PHONE 0 1224 724 177 desktop www.combinedpumps.com
HIGH QUALITY CHEMICAL PUMPS
Built to last in the UK with lifetime support for every pump
Tel: 01425 627700 Web: www.crestpumps.co.uk
DAB Pumps Ltd PHONE 0333 777 5010 desktop uk.dabpumps.com
DPS Ltd PHONE 028 91 818347 desktop dpswater.com
Eastern Seals (UK) Ltd PHONE 01670 840529 desktop www.easternseals.co.uk
EBARA Pumps Europe S.P.A - UK PHONE 01895 439027 desktop www.ebaraeurope.com
Elmec Energy
PHONE 0208 0500851 desktop www.elmecenergy.com
ERIKS UK
PHONE 0121 508 6000 desktop www.eriks.co.uk
ESPA Pumps (UK) Ltd
PHONE 01206 391291 desktop www.espa.com/uk
Euroflo Fluid Handling Ltd
PHONE 01892 832144 desktop www.euroflo.com
Exalto Bearings Ltd
PHONE 01332 340501 desktop www.exaltouk.com/en
Flowserve
PHONE 0161 928 6371 desktop www.flowserve.com
Flowtech Water Solutions Ltd
PHONE 0333 200 1756 desktop www.flowtech.org.uk
G.M.Treble Ltd
PHONE 01902 333 111 desktop trebles.co.uk
GMT Electrical Services Ltd
PHONE 0208 683 0464 desktop www.gmtservices.co.uk
Greene, Tweed & Co Ltd
PHONE 0115 9315 777 desktop www.gtweed.com
Grundfos Pumps Ltd PHONE 01525 850000 desktop www.grundfos.co.uk
H20 Pumping Solutions
PHONE 0800 059 0100 desktop www.h20pumpingsolutions.co.uk
Hayward Tyler
PHONE 01582 731144 desktop haywardtyler.com
HMD Kontro Sealless Pumps
PHONE 01323 452000 desktop www.hmdkontro.com
HOSS Engineering
PHONE 0203 601 6075 desktop hossengineering.com
Ingersoll Rand Pumps
PHONE 01159 325 226 desktop www.irco.com/en-gb
Innomotics
PHONE 0161 446 6893 desktop www.innomotics.com
IPS Newcastle
PHONE 0191 234 3000 desktop www.ips.co/uk
ITT Industries UK
PHONE 07585 882916 desktop www.itt.com/home
John Crane PHONE 0161 872 2484 desktop www.johncrane.com
KGN Pillinger
PHONE 0208 681 0097 desktop kgnpillinger.com
KSB Ltd
PHONE 01509 231 872 desktop www.ksb.co.uk
KTR U.K. Ltd
PHONE 0114 258 7757 desktop www.ktr.com/uk
Lafert Electric Motors Ltd
PHONE 01270 270022 desktop www.lafert.com
LFH Fluid Control Ltd
PHONE 01358 726310 desktop www.lfhfluidcontrol.com
M Seals UK Ltd
PHONE 0116 275 4720 desktop www.m-seals.co.uk
Leaders in centrifugal & sealless magnetic drive pumps since 1971
Martin Sprocket & Gear UK Ltd
PHONE 01926 962161 desktop www.martinsprocket.com
MDM Pumps Ltd
PHONE 01684 892 678 desktop www.mdmpumps.co.uk
Megator Ltd
PHONE 0191 567 5488 desktop www.megator.com
Tel No: 01480 214444
Email: sales@marchmay.co.uk Web: www.marchmay.co.uk MARCH MAY
SUPPLIER OF LARGE MOTORS FOR ALL UK APPLICATIONS
More than 20,000 motors available from stock!
MENZEL GREAT BRITAIN
01664 500844 www.menzel-motors.com
Metcor Group
PHONE 020 8310 2000 desktop metromech.co.uk
Michael Smith Engineers Ltd
PHONE 01483 771 871 desktop www.michael-smith-engineers.co.uk
MJB Engineering Precision Ltd
PHONE 0161 476 5811 desktop www.mjbengineering.net/
Morgan Advanced Materials PHONE 01753 837000 desktop www.morganperformancecarbon.com
FIRE PUMPS ENGINEERED FOR RELIABLE OPERATION ON DEMAND
PHONE +353 44 934 7078 desktop www.ie.pattersonpumps.com
PressBoost Ltd
PHONE 0161 798 5872 desktop www.pressboost.co.uk
Presspart Manufacturing
PHONE 01254 582233 desktop www.htindustrial.com
Pumpcare Ltd
PHONE 0161 772 9998 desktop ww.pumpcareuk.co.uk
Pumps (UK) Ltd
PHONE 01322 292 415 desktop www.pumpsukltd.com
Pumps and Motors UK Ltd
PHONE 0208 507 2288 desktop www.pumpsmotors.co.uk
PumpServ
PHONE 020 8337 7249 desktop pumpserv.co.uk
Rapid Solutions (International) Ltd
PHONE 01223 841 757 desktop rapid-solutions.net
Reflex Winkelmann GMBH
PHONE 0161 266 1043 desktop www.reflex.de/en
Roto Pumps Ltd
PHONE 0161 477 5511 desktop www.rotopumps.co.uk
Highly-engineered and standard pumping solutions for Chemicals, Pharma, Fertilizers, Water & Waste-Water, Oil & Gas and Power
RUHRPUMPEN
IndustrialPumps@RuhrPumpen.com www.RuhrPumpen.com +44(0)1273 956 410
Salamander Pumps
PHONE 0191 516 2002 desktop www.salamanderpumps.co.uk
Seal & Pump Engineering (UK) Ltd
PHONE 01283 512866 desktop www.sealandpump.co.uk
Selwood Pump Company Ltd
PHONE 0121 777 5681 desktop selwood-pumps.com
SFA Saniflo UK Ltd
PHONE 020 8842 0033 desktop www.saniflo.co.uk
SPP Pumps
PHONE 0118 932 3123 desktop www.spppumps.com
SPX Flow Europe Ltd
PHONE 0161 249 1170 desktop www.spxflow.com
Stuart Turner Ltd
PHONE 01491 572 655 desktop www.stuart-turner.co.uk
Sulzer Pump Solutions Ireland Ltd
PHONE +353 14 608 888 desktop www.sulzer.com
Super Drain Ltd
PHONE +353 14 097 070 desktop superdrain.ie
TEC Electric Motors Ltd
PHONE 01299 252990 desktop www.tecmotors.co.uk
The Pump Company Ltd
PHONE 01293 533665 desktop www.thepumpco.co.uk
Tsurumi UK Ltd
PHONE 01622 355000 desktop www.tsurumi.co.uk
T-T Pumps Ltd
PHONE 01630 647200 desktop www.ttpumps.com
UK Flowtechnik
PHONE 0115 901 7111 desktop www.ukflowtechnik.com
Unibloc Hygienic Technologies UK Ltd
PHONE 01444 881 871 desktop unibloctech.com
Viking Pump Hygienic Ltd
PHONE 01323 509 211 desktop www.vikingpump.com
Vogelsang Ltd
PHONE 01270 216 600 desktop www.vogelsang.info/en-uk
T: +44 (0) 114 249 3333
E: CONTACT@VULCANSEALS.COM W: WWW.VULCANSEALS.COM
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions PHONE 01326 370 370 desktop www.wmfts.com/en
• Low voltage electric motors to IE6
• MV/HV motors & alternators
• Variable speed drives & soft starters
• Gearboxes
• Panels, controls & switchgear
• Digital solutions
Tel: 01527 513800 Email: info-uk@weg.net Website: www.weg.net
Weir Minerals Europe Ltd
PHONE 01706 298 476 desktop www.global.weir
and pump systems for Building Services, Water Management and Industry
Tel: 01283 523000
Email: sales.uk@wilo.com Web: www.wilo.co.uk
Let’s build a more water-secure world, together 0115 940 0111 xylem.com/uk
Associate Members
AEMT (Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades)
PHONE 01904 674899 desktop www.theaemt.com
Eurofins E & CML Ltd
PHONE 0151 559 1160 desktop www.cmlex.com
Fluid & Energy Solutions
Consultancy Ltd
PHONE 0207 101 3911 desktop www.fluensys.co.uk
Fluid Performance Solutions Ltd
PHONE 07983 744718 desktop www.fluidperformancesolutions.co.uk
HHIC (Heating & Hotwater Industry Council)
PHONE 01926 513777 desktop www.hhic.org.uk
International Data Entry & Access
PHONE 020 7731 7151 desktop www.idea-business-tracker.co.uk
Kiwa Watertec
PHONE 01495 308185 desktop www.kiwa.com/gb/en
Solutions in IT Ltd
PHONE 0845 009 4588 desktop www.emirsoftware.com
Touchwave Media Ltd
PHONE 07785 290034 desktop www.touchwavemedia.co.uk
World Pumps
PHONE 07967 169154 desktop www.worldpumps.com
YPSEE Ltd
PHONE 07973 833193
290034 andrew@flowmag.co.uk
It’s time to turn intention into action on motor efficiency
Drawing on research published in a whitepaper from ABB, flow ’s editor, Chris Callander, considers whether industry is truly ready to turn commitment into action where the efficiency of electric motors is concerned.
The latest whitepaper from ABB, “Energy Efficiency: The Decisive Factor”, presents compelling evidence that industrial businesses are increasingly recognising energy efficiency as central to both operational resilience and sustainability. For those working with pumps and motor-driven systems, the findings serve as a clear signal: the industry is approaching a turning point –but has not yet reached it.
The research, which draws on responses from 2,400 industry leaders across 13 countries, reveals that energy efficiency is now the primary consideration for 91% of organisations when selecting electric motors. This is a significant and encouraging shift in mindset. Yet, beneath the headline figures, the study highlights a gap between intention and implementation that cannot be overlooked.
A CRITICAL OPPORTUNITY
Electric motors account for around 70% of industrial electricity use. With over 300 million motors currently in operation globally, the opportunity for efficiency gains is enormous. According to the International Energy Agency, simply upgrading all currently installed motors to more efficient models could cut global electricity consumption by up to 10%.
The whitepaper emphasises that improvements in motor systems –particularly when combined with variable speed drives – can deliver substantial savings in both energy use and emissions. In one example, a German pump manufacturer using ABB’s IE5 SynRM motors and drives achieved annual savings of nearly 16MWh and reduced emissions by 7,800kg. When supported by incentive schemes, such upgrades can offer payback periods of less than a month.
BARRIERS TO PROGRESS
Despite these benefits, many businesses continue to select motors based primarily
on initial cost rather than total cost of ownership (TCO). Only 41% of surveyed businesses cite TCO as their main purchasing criterion. Concerns over upfront costs, integration with existing systems, and potential operational disruptions remain significant barriers. These are not trivial considerations –particularly for companies operating in highly cost-sensitive environments – but the data suggests that they are often compounded by internal limitations such as a lack of in-house expertise, limited resources to build a business case, and uncertainty about ROI.
Interestingly, the study also points to differences across the value chain. End-users, who tend to be more directly accountable to their customers and more sensitive to brand perception, are leading the way on sustainability. OEMs and distributors, on the other hand, appear to be more focused on cost and less aligned with long-term efficiency goals. This disconnect is a structural issue that could slow the broader market transformation.
THE WAY FORWARD
The transition to higher-efficiency motor systems requires a collaborative effort across the supply chain, underpinned by clear financial rationale and supported by policy where appropriate. The whitepaper recommends several actions that can accelerate adoption, including greater education and training, integrated procurement of motor and drive systems, and the wider use of digital technologies for performance monitoring and maintenance.
Digitalisation, in particular, presents a strong case for action. Almost all respondents (99%) acknowledge the value of digitally connected motors, with AI-driven predictive maintenance and performance insights cited as key advantages. This is especially relevant in sectors such as water, wastewater,
and food processing, where uptime and efficiency are closely linked.
There is also a growing call for transparency. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming more important, especially for end-users who wish to demonstrate the environmental credentials of their operations to customers and regulators alike.
IS INDUSTRY READY?
The majority of businesses – 94% – are either investing or planning to invest in energy efficiency. This is a positive signal. However, the readiness to act varies considerably across organisations. While some have fully integrated sustainability into their business strategies, many are still taking initial steps or waiting for external pressures – such as regulation or customer demand – to force their hand.
The question, then, is not whether change is necessary – that is no longer in doubt – the question is whether industry is genuinely ready to move beyond intent and begin making efficiency the standard, not the exception.
As energy demand rises and regulatory expectations sharpen, the time for incrementalism is over. For the pump and process industries, electric motors are not just components – they are key levers for enhancing performance, driving profitability, and promoting environmental responsibility. The challenge now is to ensure that the decisions made today reflect the realities of tomorrow. chevron-circle-right
Recognising and Rewarding Excellence
Will you be crowned a winner in
The BPMA’s annual Pump Industry Awards programme has been recognising and rewarding the achievements of pump businesses, large and small for over two decades. Throughout that time it has become one of the leading events to serve the industrial and commercial arena. So, if you or your company have a pump related success to shout about, these awards provide the perfect platform.
The gala presentation dinner caps off the awards programme in style, providing excellent networking opportunities, great food and superb entertainment. It’s your chance to celebrate with colleagues, interact with peers, entertain customers and be part of the pump industry’s biggest and best celebration. Manufacturing and distribution prowess, product development and application, environmental consideration, skills development and customer support will all be acknowledged through this wide reaching awards programme. So why not consider which of your engineering successes are deserving of industry wide recognition, and be sure to join us at our wonderful venue - the home of English football - on Thursday 19th March 2026.
Venue: Hilton at St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent
Date: Thursday 19th March 2026
Lee Tebbatt, BPMA President, says of the Pump Industry Awards,“The pump industry has long been a hotbed of innovation, with manufacturers striving for engineering excellence to deliver greater operational performance and improved efficiencies to its broad customer base. The industry landscape is changing and as a collective, we’re moving the dial on important issues such as water scarcity, energy shortage and climate change, we’re driving sustainability across our supply chains and we’re sharing best practice among our members. This BPMA backed awards programme brings the pump industry together in celebration of this drive for industry excellence.
Award Programme Partners
Event Calendar
Nominations Open: 1st July 2025
Nominations Close: 28th November 2025
Judging Session: Mid December 2025
Voting: 12th – 16th January 2026
Winners Announced: 19th March 2026 www.pumpindustryawards.com
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With a trusted legacy of more than 150 years of engineering expertise, we are and have always been the backbone of reliable motion for industries and infrastructure worldwide. We are now about to take this to the next level. Our mission is to support you, our customers in the mining and minerals sector, on the road to the future - sustainable, digital, reliable. Redefining reliable motion for a better tomorrow.
