Energy-efficient pumping systems

Motor-driven equipment accounts for 69% of all electricity consumption by US industries. Recognizing industrial motor systems as an area of potentially significant energy savings, the US Department of energy (DOE) has established the Motor Challenge Program to encourage energy efficiency. The Motor Challenge Program seeks to save 12 billion kwh of electricity per year by 2000. Ultimately, typical energy savings of 20% to 40% of industrial electrical consumption may be realized if system optimization opportunities are targeted. The Motor Challenge Program distributes information, tools, case studies and best practices for energy-efficient electric motor system technology and applications. The chemical industry depends on motor-driven equipment for critical operations such as fluid handling, pneumatic controls, ventilation, materials handling, mixing and materials processing. Of this motor-driven equipment, pumps use more electricity collectively than any other single type of equipment. Pump types are broadly categorized into centrifugal and positive displacement pumps. This article focuses on potential energy efficiency improvements in pumping systems with centrifugal pumps, the most common pump found in the industry.