Overview of Pump Applications
A pump is a mechanism or device designed for lifting, transporting, or compressing liquids. In industry, pumps have the highest single energy consumption (31%) among equipment driven by electric motors. They encounter variable loads during operation, with load increasing as speed increases. These mechanisms require frequent maintenance and can be inaccurate in operation.
Categories of Pumps
Pumps can be divided into two main categories:
- Positive Displacement Piston Pumps: They operate based on a fixed volume of liquid that is forcibly moved from the inlet to the discharge outlet during each working cycle or rotation. This class includes reciprocating pumps, rotary pumps, and screw pumps.
- Centrifugal Pumps: This is the largest class of pumps that use liquid momentum to create pressure or head. They utilize centrifugal and hydrodynamic forces to move liquid from the inlet to the discharge outlet.
Pumps can also be classified by their operating principle and drive requirements.
- Operating principle
- Manufacturing materials
- Pumped liquid
- Axis orientation (vertical, horizontal)
- Number of stages
- Location of suction openings
Advantages of Using Pumps
- Reduced electricity costs: motors consume less energy at reduced speeds.
- Lower power consumption costs: electric motors reduce starting currents by 8-10 times.
- Variable and constant load torque characteristics depending on pump type.
- The motor can rotate in the reverse direction due to back pressure from the pump during stopping.
- Ability to regulate pressure and flow.
- High reliability.
- Wide power range for different pump sizes.
- Compliance with environmental standards.
- Information transfer via networks.
Specific Aspects of Pump Control
Cooling Fan Control: By managing the fan, the lifespan of components can be extended, and maintenance requirements can be reduced.
Built-in PID Controller: AC devices with PID controllers eliminate the need for external control.
Speed Selection: The AC drive can automatically restart the motor after a brief loss of power or in case of failure.
Harmonic Suppression: The built-in 12-pulse rectifier in Yaskawa drive models from 2018 reduces harmonic distortions.
Network Compatibility: Yaskawa drives support various popular networks, including LonWorks, Apogee, EtherNet/IP, and MODBUS TCP/IP.
Low Torque Detection: This signal may indicate unacceptable torque due to clogging or belt failure.
Detailed Information on Yaskawa Drives
Yaskawa AC drives offer efficient, precisely controllable power sources for pumping systems with reduced maintenance needs. They adjust the speed of pump wheels by modifying pump characteristics. As a result, energy, maintenance, and spare part costs are reduced.
Pumps Classification by Operating Principle
- Radial flow pumps
- Axial flow pumps
- Mixed flow pumps
- Peripheral pumps
- Positive displacement pumps
- Rotary pumps
- Kinetic (dynamic) pumps
- Centrifugal pumps
- With regenerative turbine
- Jet pumps
- Positive displacement piston pumps
- Diaphragm pumps
- Ring pumps
- Screw pumps