Many industries and fields have been going through massive transformations in the past couple of years. One of them is the pump industry which is ready to sweep the world off its feet with the latest solutions.
The world of pumping is a far cry from what it once was. These days, you can find a bunch of awesome pumping systems that are anything but ordinary. In fact, they are packed with different features that will allow them to seamlessly merge with the digital age.
Furthermore, these innovations will provide both companies and their clients with numerous advantages, and, at the same time, streamline sustainability. If you would like to explore these solutions further, then keep reading and you will!
Let’s Get Started With Slurry Pumps
It’s safe to say that slurry pumps are multi-practical because they are employed not only in the pump industries but in many others as well. This is especially the case with dredging, mining, and construction.
So what is the main purpose of these pumps? Namely, this material moving equipment is designed to deal with various types of solid-laden and abrasive fluids that cannot be effectively handled by typical centrifugal pumps. In addition, these pumps are typically employed to transport not only slurries but all sorts of fluids that are high in abrasive and solid particles across different industries.
Due to the very high abrasiveness of the above-mentioned fluids, typical centrifugal pumps cannot give their maximum, hence they are usually replaced with slurry pumps because they are extremely efficient and are generally a lot more reliable.
Speaking of slurry pumps, they can be divided into three categories, based on particle size, solid content, and abrasiveness:
- Light-duty slurry
- Medium-duty slurry
- Heavy-duty slurry
Corrosion-Resistant Pump Materials
Pump components are made from synthetic materials to allow a much more seamless and consistent operation, with almost minimal wear which wasn’t the case with materials that have been used in the past, such as cast iron.
For instance, synthetic impellers are capable of lowering motor stress and friction, while, simultaneously, passing solids. Recently, the pump industry has been welcoming a lot of corrosion-resistant pump materials because they come with numerous advantages.
With them, companies can skimp on costs (because they don’t have as many repairs as they normally do) and have less downtime. Many studies have shown that lots of composite materials, like carbon fiber polymers have lower water absorption rates, and they can reduce the risk of corrosion-induced erosion effectively.
Nanotechnology is an approach that has already made a significant impact across various industries. It is a perfect example of a micro-level concept that’s intended to reduce friction.
The Omnipotence Of Smart Pumping Systems
One of the biggest steps that this industry has made is the integration of smart solutions. Namely, the latest smart pumps use sensors, automation, and data analytics to optimize operation, and, concurrently, decrease energy usage.
Additionally, these pumps are loaded with phenomenal sensors that supervise different parameters, like flow rate, energy usage, and pressure. All of this is done in real time. The information that is gathered by these sensors is later on analyzed by leveraging advanced algorithms to uncover all kinds of opportunities for optimization.
For example, these pumps can easily adapt their speed based on demand, making sure that they are one hundred percent efficient under different conditions. This not only lowers energy consumption but also extends the life of the pump by decreasing wear and tear.
Besides that, smart pumps allow remote supervising and control as well, enabling operators to easily manage pump performance and, uncover any potential problems on time. By identifying these issues on time, and, at the same time, addressing them proactively, businesses can drastically reduce downtime and maintenance expenses, which will result in boosted operational efficacy.
The Introduction Of Cloud-Based Platforms
Lately, pumps are becoming integrated with the Internet of Things, which showcases how sensors, devices, and the Internet function when they are “collaborating”. Certainly, one of the biggest perks of this integration is the opportunity to supervise pumps and water management solutions from practically any location by utilizing cloud-based platforms.
Something like this allows you to troubleshoot and analyze any pump-related issues and gauge major metrics, such as flow pressure and flow rates without being in that exact location. This will not only enhance your general response but will save you a substantial amount of money too.
The technological advancements that were brought up today aren’t only beneficial for the contractors, but also for their clients, and it’s easy to see why. We are looking forward to the upcoming trends that will keep on revolutionizing this industry.
