Q: What are smart progressive cavity (PC) pumps and how do they increase my bottom line?
A: There are various ways that PC pump manufacturers are making their pumps smart: from innovative pump designs to integrated controls, measurement of process variables and smart field pumps that offer online monitoring and management. All these improvements aim to put the necessary pump information right at their customer’s fingertips, while customers continue to reap the normal benefits of PC pumps such as minimal pulsation, low shear and flow unaffected by pressure or viscosity.
For example, a smart pump design could combine dosing and pumping with up-to-date control concepts, while also offering integration into higher level controls and automation systems. Extra safety features and measurements of process variables enable increased control over the pump/system and quick feedback from the pump itself. Various manufacturers offer flow meters, pressure sensors and dry-running protection devices either in addition to, or integrated, with the pump, giving you increased control over how the pump and your system operates.
Connectivity to your pump and its readings are key, therefore PC pump manufacturers have been developing further digital solutions to address this issue. This has taken form as service and maintenance apps, along with apps that capture real-time data from the pump. The collected real-time data can be remotely monitored to analyse the pump’s condition. Customers have more control over their pumps to set alarms and warnings or to carry out planned maintenance work.
Smart not only means greater connectivity but also cost savings with innovative designs. Smart options for the rotor, stator and seal housing are available from various PC pump manufacturers.
Through a two-part stator, easy access points and/or specialised rotor, maintenance work can be carried out without needing special tools or removing the suction or discharge pipework.
Additionally, with smart sealing options, maintenance can be performed on the mechanical seal and drive-side joint without the labourious dismantling of pump components or pipework. All these easy maintenance options reduce your maintenance time and costs, and increase your productivity.
Overall, all these solutions work together to offer you increased energy efficiency, reduced downtime and reduced lifecycle costs, thereby increasing your bottom line.
Contact a progressive cavity pump expert now to receive a customised and intelligent design which offers you greater control over your processes.
About the expert
Peter Vila, Managing Director of SEEPEX Australia, is a progressive cavity pump expert. He has been involved with pumps for over 35 years. Peter spent the first five years repairing pumps and the following 30 years in technical sales, 15 of which have been with SEEPEX progressive cavity pumps.
For more information on progressive cavity pumps,please contact SEEPEX Australia on (02) 4355 4500 or at info.au@seepex.com.
