The pump system used needs to be efficient. It needs to use less energy and require minimum maintenance in order to provide a lower cost base, better use of energy and therefore, improved cost and performance efficiency.

Pump operations are central to the overall function of the system and it is in the pumping arena that the greatest improvements can be made. The difference between efficiency and inefficiency of pump operation determines the ability to make a positive return on the business assets employed.

Several areas need to be assessed when looking at pump improvements. These include:

– Unusual noises from the pump mechanism and valves.
– Rate of mechanical failures over a given period of time.
– Pumps that are outdated or over utilized.
– Regular automatic electrical cut-outs.

Regular assessments of pump systems are crucial, both for overall profitability and general energy conservation. Inefficient pump systems consume more energy, while cost and efficiency go together in successful pumping systems. Pumping systems that frequently fail are over utilized and cannot cope with capacity increases effectively. Downtime increases, maintenance costs increase and frequently, an opportunity cost is incurred due to lost productivity. Pumps that are underutilized can be nearly as expensive to operate as pumps operating under normal, optimal conditions, but without delivering productivity or efficiency contribution.

Pump system improvements ensure power generation systems operate efficiently. Initial cost requirements, to ensure appropriate levels of effective pump operation and power generation, are typically high but short and long-term productivity and profitability increase whilst costs falls significantly.

There have been improvements in the efficiency of pump systems over the years, but not at an acceptable rate. Improving energy consumption of pump systems has to be tackled, not least because environmental issues need to be addressed. Costs of raw materials used for power generation continue to rise; some by as much as 200% over 10 to 15 years, but energy efficiency has not risen by the same percentage.

Realizing increased profits is a difficult issue. The only way profitability can increase is by improving efficiency. One of the quickest ways to increase efficiency, reduce costs and therefore increase profitability is to ensure pumping systems are regularly evaluated to ensure optimal performance at all times. Pumping systems are at the core of cost management in this regard. They are the prime user of energy and responsible for a major part of repair and maintenance costs of any industrial operation.

Investment is needed to improve pumping systems and this can be difficult to achieve in the current economic climate, but without suitable investment, profitability will continue to erode. Additionally, costs will escalate and improved efficiency cannot take place with a detrimental effect on business profitability.

Industrial operators must realistically assess the investment needed to attain the dual goals of getting costs down and profitability up. Partnering with other organisations who have undertaken pump improvements allows common errors to be eliminated at outset.

Assessing pumping requirements is the key to improving efficiency, and with efficiency there are cost savings. An underutilized pump consumes the same, and sometimes more energy as a fully utilized pump, so it’s necessary to ensure that once pump improvements have been made they are used at optimal or full capacity at all times.

Taking the first steps to assess viability of a pumping system and start making pump improvements will result in sustainable, efficient and cost effective power generation for the future.

Author Bio: Lawrence Reaves works with Colfax Corporation, a leading provider of fluid handling equipment such as commercial marine pumps and crude oil transfer pumps. Colfax Corporation can be found online at: ColfaxCorp.com .

Category: Business
Keywords: crude oil transfer pumps, symptomatic issues for pump improvement, pump improvement