P22 Thermodynamic Pump Efficiency and Flow Rate Monitor
How does the P22 work?
In the thermodynamic method, pump or turbine efficiency is measured by means of temperature and pressure probes on the pump's inlet and outlet, and is intrinsically more accurate than conventional techniques. Flow rate is derived from the pump efficiency measurement and the electrical power supplied to the pump. Portable units (P22P) and fixed installations (P22F) are both available.
The critical parameter is the differential temperature across the pump, which must be measured to an accuracy of typically 1mK. This is especially important for fixed installations and is achieved with RTL's CoolTip™ technology, now incorporated into the P22 to provide accurate, stable, and cost-effective measurement of pump efficiency and flow.
Who is this instrument of interest to?
Organisations utilising or maintaining large pumps and turbines. Industry sectors include:
| Water and Wastewater | Irrigation |
| Power generation | Hydroelectric |
| Mining | Petrochemical |
| Pulp and Paper |
Pumping systems account for more than 20% of the world's electrical energy demand, and possibly as much as 7% of the world's greenhouse gases. Pumps are often critical components of a process, and studies show that plant reliability is optimal when pumps are maintained on the basis of regular or continuous condition monitoring.
Energy and maintenance costs are typically 90% of a pump's Life Cycle Cost. Studies have shown that 30% to 50% of the energy consumed by pump systems could be saved through equipment or control changes. With regard to maintenance costs, the potential is for a 50% decrease in the cost of pump repairs and maintenance, relative to the practice of 'run-to-failure', and a 30% decrease, relative to arbitrary scheduled maintenance.
The P22 will be of particular interest to
- Company and organisation personnel responsible for:
- corporate policy for sustainable development
- programs for plant reliability and process improvement
- energy usage
- operations and maintenance
- environmental
- Pump test and maintenance specialists
- Research and educational establishments specialising in hydraulic efficiency measurements
Features and benefits include
Low Cost- 12 month ROI usually achievable
- International Standards apply
- More accurate than conventional method
- Simple to operate, and maintain
- Reliable calculation of payback periods for remedial work
- Measure both efficiency and flow to optimise overall plant performance without the need for separate flow meters (which can be difficult)
- Early warning of poor pump performance
- Prevents unnecessary pump maintenance
- Reduce both electricity costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions
- Continuous monitoring by fixed units provides early warning of pumping problems and reduced risk of plant failure.
- For investigative work and regular monitoring
- For on-line predictive monitoring of critical pumps
- RTL's CoolTip™ technology
- Simple and reliable operation
- Allows integration with vibration and bearing monitoring for complete condition monitoring
Temperature
and pressure probes fitted to one side of a pump via a gate valve and a T-piece.
Temperature
probes for portable and fixed units.
Pump (or turbine) efficiency is accurately measured by innovative and stable temperature
and pressure probes.
Flow is accurately derived from efficiency and power input.
Data
is displayed on and logged by the control computer (a notebook computer is generally
used with the portable unit). Typically, each measurement may consist of a set of
25 readings, acquired at preset intervals. Averages, maxima, minima, and standard
deviations are automatically calculated. This enables the operator to see if the
pump operating point is sufficiently stable. n = efficiency, q = flow rate, H =
head, pw = power.
From
the measurements provided, graphs of efficiency versus flow can be plotted, and
compared with manufacturer's data to illustrate any changes in pump performance