Pump Performance Monitoring System

A study in Poland undertaken by Advanced Energy Monitoring Systems (AEMS) using their pump performance monitoring equipment highlighted potential savings in the running of two pumping stations.

AEMS used their Yatesmeter equipment to provide hydraulic performance information on 15 pumps in two pumping stations within the Kobiernice water district of Poland. The study formed part of a contract awarded to UK Consultants W.S. Atkins.

The portable Yatesmeter used in the study was attached to each pump in turn through ½ inch tappings located in the suction and discharge pipework of the pump. In addition power information was gathered using power-monitoring equipment connected to the starter panel. Performance points were then taken at various flows and logged, the resulting information enabled the construction of a performance curve to allow comparison against the manufacturers as-new design.

The unique features of the Yatesmeter allow the monitoring of Pump efficiency, Head, Power, Flow, Discharge Pressure, Suction Pressure and Temperature all in real time.

As the equipment needs no reference to station instrumentation a flow comparison was also produced to check on the accuracy of the station flow metering.

A comprehensive analysis was made of the data gained from the pump tests by AEMS
engineers; this included not only the individual tests but also the system. Areas of potential energy savings were then highlighted.

At the first pumping station it was calculated that by selectively trimming impellers to make pumps more compatible to the system savings of 11% could be made to the annual running cost of 16,176,216kW. In addition selective replacement of pumps and motors to more modern units could save a further 20%.

The second pumping station showed even greater saving potential. Through refurbishment and selected replacement the figure reached 30%of the running cost of 5,855,661kW. An additional saving of 1.8% was identified at this station by rescheduling the pumping using the better performing pumps in parallel.