Pump Optimization for High-Efficiency Operation

In the natural world, water flows downwards with the force of gravity. Municipal water systems take advantage of this constant force whenever possible. However, the local landscape is rarely just a downhill slope. In water distribution systems and water treatment plants, pumps work to move water against gravity’s pull. Real-time monitoring of pump operation will increase both the efficiency and longevity of these machines.

Pump Operation Data and Water Systems Optimization

Manufacturers build industrial water pumps to move a large volume of water in a short time. The amount of work the machine must perform will vary depending on the local need. As the population in a city increases, it will put a greater demand on the pump system. If the machinery operates outside of its ideal range for too long, the extra stress leads to lost efficiency and potential breakdowns.

It takes a great deal of work to push water uphill. Pump operations are a serious expense for a water treatment system budget. However, many water systems operate pumps that run at well under 40% efficiency. Staff might only address a machine’s performance in these facilities when a pump alarm indicates system failure.

Access to real-time operational data will help water utilities get the best possible performance from their equipment. In a treatment plant that uses a SCADA system, sensors indicate whether pumps operate within manufacturer specifications. The monitors might measure water flow rates or pressure levels. Other sensors might detect cavitation or vibrations that point to problems.

Historical operational data is another tool that can improve overall operations. System operators will have the information they need to develop a preventive maintenance schedule by observing how a pump performs over time. Handling maintenance issues before they cause a shutdown prevents service disruptions.

The Advantages of Cloud Control for Monitoring Pump Performance

A large-scale water system may involve pumps that are distant from one another. In the past, gathering sensor data involved crews traveling to each pump site. This practice provided sporadic information about individual pumps. However, water distribution and treatment involve a complicated system where changes in one unit will affect units downstream.

Utilizing cloud control for pump monitoring allows operators to take a comprehensive view of operations. They can observe systemic changes as they happen. As demand increases, they will make minor adjustments to the operation of several pumps.

With a well-designed control system, the organization can make changes from a central location. Instead of using human resources for unnecessary site visits, they can address low-level problems as they arise. This practice will reduce maintenance costs and increase the efficiency of the maintenance team.

A cloud-based model will also improve the consistency of the water supply while preserving the functionality of the pump system. When demand increases in one sector, the organization can reroute water from areas of lower need. Often, they can perform this maneuver without overstressing any single part of the system. The water distribution company can utilize a similar strategy when it’s time to shut down a pump for regular maintenance.

SCADA Systems and Pump Optimization

As utilities seek to meet efficiency and water conservation goals, SCADA technology will play a key role in water systems optimization. The benefits of a cloud-based SCADA system become clear when working with a complicated water distribution utility. Sensors throughout the system relay real-time information about pump status and performance. Managers can then make informed operational decisions from a central location. Modern SCADA systems often allow remote connections so that employees can view data and respond to pump alarms in the field on smartphones or tablets.

An Experienced SCADA Technology Partner

High Tide Technologies specializes in SCADA services for municipal water distribution, collection, and treatment systems. Using the latest innovations in cloud-based networking, our team can design and implement a resource that will improve efficiency by providing real-time sensor data and remote system control. Contact us today to learn more about how cloud-based SCADA technology will keep your system running at peak performance levels.