Modern Pumps and Their Control
Today, pumps and associated equipment have found widespread application in many fields. No special skills are required to operate these devices; typically, the presence of a standard manual starter, which is responsible for turning the electric motor on and off, is sufficient.
In addition, it is important to provide a protection system to prevent damage from short circuits, provide status indication of the pump, and protect the motor windings from overheating. In such cases, an additional control panel for the electric motor may be required.
Complex Functions of Pump Installations
Besides basic functions, there are also more complex tasks that ensure the normal operation of pump installations. To protect them from mechanical loads, motor shutdowns, and electrical overloads, various devices and starting schemes are used. The active development of electronics and technology has opened new possibilities, particularly the popularization of system and thyristor devices that ensure a smooth start of the pump. These devices have received the abbreviation UPP (soft start devices).
These systems can also ensure a uniform flow and pumping of liquids or other media, as well as savings in electrical energy. An important function remains the ability to control several pump installations simultaneously, ensuring their efficient operation.
Sensors and Process Control
On pumps, sensors are also often installed to fully monitor the working process. Sensors are necessary due to variable environmental conditions in the installations. There are two main types of sensors: discrete and analog. The former can change their state to the opposite when specific operating conditions are met. The latter can continuously measure a value within a set range.
Key Parameters of Pump Installations
In the operation of pump installations, a multitude of parameters are monitored that affect their efficiency. The most common and important of them are:
- Algorithmic parameters
- Technological (temperature regime, gas composition, pressure level, optical functions, etc.)
- User (individual settings for the control panel)
- Diagnostic parameters, divided into:
- Electrical (current frequency, power, and voltage)
- Operation of functional blocks in the control panel
- Monitoring of the working process