Restricting pump lowers power consumption? - Reef2Reef

22 Jul.,2024

 

Restricting pump lowers power consumption? - Reef2Reef



The restriction lowers the flow, reducing amps and thus power consumption - but this by no means is increasing the pumps efficiency (which is what I was thinking about). Efficiency is the pump's ability to put out x amount of water with y amount of energy. Creating a restriction in your line will reduce the amount of energy you're using, but doesn't mean the pump is running efficiently (valve it all the way off and you'll still be using power not nearly as much as wide open but you won't be getting any flow)- just means you're running a pump that's too big for what you were needing. It could mean better power bills though.

For us hobbyists I'll give this example:

We want to achieve 500 gallons of flow through our pump so we have a few options. Option 1 buy a pump that produces 500 gph from Dinga Donga incorporated that produces 500 gph at 15w. Option 2 buy a pump that produces 750 gph from WillyWalla Pump company that produces 750 gph at 15w. We can then restrict flow, slowing down the impeller - reducing amps - lowering power consumption, to achieve our 500 gph at say 12w. We've taken a more efficient larger pump and restricted it to the flow we need and got fewer watts than the pump that at its maximum puts out our needed flow.

The absolute best option for us is to find the pump that is most efficient at the flow we desire - not to buy a 500gph pump and sacrifice the flow we need to save a few watts, but to find the right pump. For you it may be finding the 500 gph pump from WillyWalla Pump Company that's running at 12w, or if it's out of stock go with the 750 and reduce it.


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example regarding efficiency:

PumpX restricted @ 500GPH 12watts (41.67gph per watt)
PumpX restricted @ 550GPH 13watts (42.3gph per watt)
PumpX restricted @ 600GPH 13.5watts (44.4gph per watt)
PumpX wide open @ 700GPH 16 Watts (43.75gph per watt)

You can see by the numbers that 600GPH is the most efficient. A pump's curve chart can help determine where this sweet spot is.

Technical Resource Library from Cole-Parmer
pump curve

Basically, pumps are typically going to be most efficient when there is some restriction because the pumps are designed to push against so much head pressure. Some pumps are going to be efficient with just a few feet of pipe, others need more pipe to hit their sweet spot, or some valve restrictions.

Here's my recommendation, buy a pump that is slightly oversized for 2 reasons:
1. It can run more more efficiently with some added restriction
2. Overtime you'll have some build up or wear and tear, you can then reduce your restriction and match your desired output.

My other recommendation is to buy a pump with low wattage outputs, one designed to be more efficient... personally I'm really liking the reef octopus water blasters. I'll be buying one in the next few weeks. The energy output per gph seems to be much better than what I can find on the other pumps, which in the warranty period should pay for itself in power bills.

Eh... I got myself confused on this.The restriction lowers the flow, reducing amps and thus power consumption - but this by no means is increasing the pumps efficiency (which is what I was thinking about). Efficiency is the pump's ability to put out x amount of water with y amount of energy. Creating a restriction in your line will reduce the amount of energy you're using, but doesn't mean the pump is running efficiently (valve it all the way off and you'll still be using power not nearly as much as wide open but you won't be getting any flow)- just means you're running a pump that's too big for what you were needing. It could mean better power bills though.For us hobbyists I'll give this example:We want to achieve 500 gallons of flow through our pump so we have a few options. Option 1 buy a pump that produces 500 gph from Dinga Donga incorporated that produces 500 gph at 15w. Option 2 buy a pump that produces 750 gph from WillyWalla Pump company that produces 750 gph at 15w. We can then restrict flow, slowing down the impeller - reducing amps - lowering power consumption, to achieve our 500 gph at say 12w. We've taken a more efficient larger pump and restricted it to the flow we need and got fewer watts than the pump that at its maximum puts out our needed flow.The absolute best option for us is to find the pump that is most efficient at the flow we desire - not to buy a 500gph pump and sacrifice the flow we need to save a few watts, but to find the right pump. For you it may be finding the 500 gph pump from WillyWalla Pump Company that's running at 12w, or if it's out of stock go with the 750 and reduce it.--------------------example regarding efficiency:PumpX restricted @ 500GPH 12watts (41.67gph per watt)PumpX restricted @ 550GPH 13watts (42.3gph per watt)PumpX restricted @ 600GPH 13.5watts (44.4gph per watt)PumpX wide open @ 700GPH 16 Watts (43.75gph per watt)You can see by the numbers that 600GPH is the most efficient. A pump's curve chart can help determine where this sweet spot is.Basically, pumps are typically going to be most efficient when there is some restriction because the pumps are designed to push against so much head pressure. Some pumps are going to be efficient with just a few feet of pipe, others need more pipe to hit their sweet spot, or some valve restrictions.Here's my recommendation, buy a pump that is slightly oversized for 2 reasons:1. It can run more more efficiently with some added restriction2. Overtime you'll have some build up or wear and tear, you can then reduce your restriction and match your desired output.My other recommendation is to buy a pump with low wattage outputs, one designed to be more efficient... personally I'm really liking the reef octopus water blasters. I'll be buying one in the next few weeks. The energy output per gph seems to be much better than what I can find on the other pumps, which in the warranty period should pay for itself in power bills.

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Tips About Centrifugal Water Pumps

Tips About Centrifugal Water Pumps

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When you&#;re looking for a pump, there are a lot of things to care about. You want something that is going to be reliable, durable, and efficient. You want it to be easy to install and maintain. And you want something that&#;s affordable&#;but still high-quality.

In this article, we&#;ll discuss how to buy frame mounted centrifugal pump, tips for cleaning and  troubleshooting issues to make sure your water pump performs effectively.

Why Care for Your Centrifugal Water Pump?

Caring for your centrifugal water pump is a crucial step in keeping it running smoothly. Doing this will ensure: 

  • Your pump lasts longer.

  • It performs as expected and keeps your home or business running smoothly.

  • You&#;ll save money on energy costs by using less electricity than if you don&#;t care for it.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintenance

Taking care of a water pump is important to ensure its proper functioning and longevity. To clean a centrifugal water pump properly, you should follow these steps:

  • Turn off the power to the pump and relieve the pressure from the system.

  • Drain the fluid from the pump and surrounding pipes.

  • Remove any debris, such as stones or other solid objects, from the pump housing and impeller.

  • Clean the pump housing and impeller with a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with water.

  • Inspect the pump and its components for any damage or wear. Replace any damaged or worn parts as needed.

  • Reassemble the pump and fill it with the proper fluid.

  • Turn the power back on and start the pump to check for proper operation.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check The Air Pressure

If your pump is running but not pumping, it&#;s probably because it&#;s not getting enough air. Make sure that the air compressor is working properly, and if you have to adjust it, do so in small increments until you find the perfect balance between too much and too little air pressure.

  • Avoid Starvation of the Pump

If you notice that your pump isn&#;t working as well as it used to, it could be because of an issue with its shaft seal: if the shaft seal gets old or damaged, water will leak out of the pump instead of going into it! This means that your pump won&#;t be able to move water as it should&#;and this can lead to all kinds of problems down the road (like corrosion). So make sure to keep an eye on your shaft seal.

The last thing you should do before replacing or repairing anything on your pump is make sure it&#;s not overheating&#;and this includes its bearings! To do this, simply touch each one gently with a finger; if it feels warm but not hot to touch, then everything should be fine!

Signs Your Water Pump Needs Repair

A centrifugal water pump can show various signs that it needs repair. The following are some of the common signs that indicate your centrifugal water pump needs repair:

  • Your Pump Won&#;t Start

If your water pump won&#;t turn on, there are a few things you can do to try and get it started. First, make sure that the power is set to &#;on&#; in your house. If that doesn&#;t work, check the breaker or fuse box to make sure that it isn&#;t tripped or blown. If it is, flip the switch back on and wait for a few minutes before testing again. Finally, if all of this fails, call an electrician as soon as possible!

  • Reduction in Fluid Flow

If you notice a significant decrease in the amount of water that is being pumped into your pool, the problem may be with your pump. This can happen when there is a blockage in the pump or if it has been damaged by debris.

  • Leaking

There are several signs of leaking. If you notice any of the following, then it&#;s time to get your centrifugal water pump checked out:

  • Water pooling on the ground beneath your pump

  • Water coming out of one side of the pump when it&#;s running

  • Water leaking from around where the pipe connects to the pump or where the pipe connects to another piece of equipment in your system

  • Noisy Bearings and Cavitation

If you hear a humming noise coming from your centrifugal water pump, then this could mean that something isn&#;t running correctly inside there which means that it needs to be replaced before any further damage occurs. It&#;s possible that the bearings are causing the sound. 

If this is the case, check your bearing oil for water and discoloration, as well as the temperature of all bearings. If you notice any of these signs, you may need to replace your bearings or have them checked by a professional.

  • Inspect the Bearing Oil for Water and Discoloration

While checking for noisy bearings is important, another thing to look out for is cavitation&#;a phenomenon that occurs when air bubbles form in a liquid due to low pressure or turbulence at high speeds (like those used by centrifugal pumps). If you notice any signs of cavitation on your bearing oil&#;s surface, contact a professional immediately!

Conclusion

There you have it! A simple guide to caring for your centrifugal water pump.

It&#;s important to note that a centrifugal water pump is a complicated piece of machinery that can be damaged or destroyed if not properly cared for. But with some simple maintenance, you can make sure your pump keeps working great for years to come!

Remember to check your impeller regularly for cracks and wear, and replace it if necessary. Also keep an eye on the bearings and sealings, which should be lubricated regularly. If you smell burning rubber when you turn your pump on, or if there are signs of oil seepage from the bearings, then your bearings may be starting to fail&#;and that could mean trouble for your pump.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don&#;t hesitate to reach out!

For more information, please visit Centrifugal Pumps For Sale.