No matter what the application is pumps make things easier whether they’re hand pumps like an old well or sophisticated machine pumps. While machine pumps such as centrifugal and pressure booster pumps remove the need for manual labor they still need to be monitored.
However, in the fast-paced world that we live in, efficiency is key. So, having to have someone constantly monitor a pump and make adjustments is very inefficient. This is where pump automation comes in as a real game changer. Not only does it save you valuable time and energy but also enhances your productivity and safety.
In fact, whether or not to implement pump automation into your system is not the question. The question is when are you going to buckle down and improve your output by adding it to your system. If you’re still not convinced that automation is the only way to run your pumps let’s take a look and show you why it actually is.
What Is Pump Automation?
You may be reading this and not be too familiar with pump automation or maybe you’re new to an industry that makes wide use of pumps in the first place. Pump automation is using technology, usually smart technology connected to Wi-Fi, to control pump operations. Some of the processes that pump automation can handle include remote monitoring and controlling, and alerting and notifying of irregular operation. Additionally, pump automation controls can automatically adjust pumping levels and scheduling based on specific requirements. One such example is pumps that run a sprinkler system whether it’s residential or commercial.
What Are The Benefits?
There are quite a few benefits to automating your pumps the most obvious of course is improving efficiency, but also it reduces your downtime and makes operations safer. Pump automation can also reduce energy costs and lower your environmental impact. Let’s dive into these benefits a bit more.
Increased efficiency that comes with pump automation is the most obvious benefit that’s achieved through automating pump control. These pumps can be programmed to consistently run at optimal levels adjusting and calibrating at all times. This leads to significant energy savings that reduce the overall cost of ownership as it also helps preserve the lifespan. This is because rather than running a pump at various different speeds at random times you’re keeping it running steady which does not tax the motor as much
Safety there’s also another huge benefit that automating your pumps can provide. Automated pumps can be fitted with safety features that mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries. For example, some models can automatically shut off if they detect a leak which can prevent spills and damage that are quite costly and dangerous. Additionally, pumps that are used with dangerous substances or in dangerous environments can be monitored remotely so you can always keep an eye on things.
Pump automation Also leads to a better quality product. When pumps are operated manually you must factor in human errors that can cause serious problems. Pumps may not be running at optimal levels or they can be operated improperly. However, when your pumps are automated it takes the human error factor out of the equation which ensures that your products are being mixed or processed properly every time.
Cost Savings Of Pump Automation
Automating pumps can give you significant savings in terms of operating costs for your business. We’re talking about saving money by reducing energy consumption, maintenance, and water consumption.
Energy consumption by using variable speed drives to match flow rate to demand Can yield huge shavings and reduce wear and tear. The smart features can reduce maintenance costs with predictive maintenance algorithms that can identify small problems before they become huge ones. A minor repair caught early will always be less expensive than repairing a major failure. Reducing downtime and extending the life of the pump further add to your cost savings.
Safety Advantages
There are many safety advantages to automating your pumps as well. When you automate the pumping process you can eliminate the need for human intervention. This greatly reduces the risk of injuries or accidents associated with human operation of these machines. In addition, the pumps can be equipped with safety checks such as pressure relief valves and an emergency stop button, all geared towards increasing safety in your workplace.
Environmental Impact
Now more than ever it’s important to mitigate our impact on the environment. Not just to be in compliance with EPA regulations but also to take care of the earth. As automation and industrialization continue to integrate with all aspects of life it’s important to consider the environmental impact of these technologies.
Where pump automation comes into play is how it reduces your impact on the environment:
- Reduces water waste
- Large energy consumption
- Reduces emissions and pollutants
Factors To Consider When Automating Your Pumps
You don’t have to read our blog to see the benefit of pump automation in the real world. The demand for energy-efficient and cost-effective pump solutions is higher than ever. More and more companies are waking up to the idea that automating their pump systems is a game changer.
However, before you go into automating your pumps there are some factors you need to consider to make sure that it’s done properly.
The first thing you’ll need to do is determined your specific needs and the application. That will determine the best way to control your pump. There are a wide variety of controllers available so it’s important to choose the one that has the capabilities and features you need.
Once you’ve chosen a controller you need to make sure you’re installing the right sensors based on your application. Some sensors measure all types of different parameters such as pressure, fluid levels, and flow rate. The key here is to do your research and choose the one that will provide the most accurate data for your needs.
Now, what ties it all together is the automation software itself. The software is responsible for pump control based on the data from the sensors and it can also be programmed for various other tasks. It can do things such as starting and stopping the pump, altering the speed, or shutting down in case of emergency.
Need Help With Pump Automation?
At first, when you look at all these factors you have to consider, getting your pumps automated can seem like a challenging order. However, all you have to do is contact Gulf Coast and one of our system build consultants can assist you in gathering the right parts. Contact us today!