ปั้มไลค์ are a great way to save money, but they require careful control. If the follower plate is lowered too fast, hardened material on the edge of the sealing lip can carry into the pump and cause damage to the process or parts being produced.
In this article we will explore ways to help you get the most out of your FOLLOWER PUMPS and reduce the costs associated with them.
1. Save Energy
Using a pump to move liquid requires a lot of energy. According to the United States Department of Energy, 16% of a typical industrial facility’s electricity costs come from pumping systems.
There are several ways to save energy on your pumps, such as replacing old units with newer ones and performing routine maintenance. The most common way to cut down on power costs is to switch to a more efficient electric motor.
Another energy-saving option is to use a variable-frequency drive (VFD) on your pumps. VFDs adjust the rotational speed of a motor to accommodate the actual head and flow demand of your application, rather than the theoretical requirements that were calculated at the beginning of the project.
Variable speed drives can be used to slow a pump down when it has been oversized at the specifications stage or to control a system that requires different duty levels for various applications. If a pump is oversized, trimming the impeller is a relatively inexpensive way to reduce pressure and flow output, but this can result in larger clearances between the pump casing and impeller that reduce its efficiency.
In addition, a pump’s energy efficiency can degrade as it ages and wears down. Replacing an older, less energy-efficient unit can reduce your operating cost by as much as 10-25%.
One of the simplest methods to save energy on your pump is to use a follower plate. These follower plates are designed to allow the pumped fluid to rise through a hole on top of the pump’s intake socket.
They’re typically used in applications where the fluid is highly viscous, such as in food manufacturing, resin dispensing and gluing. They also protect against pump cavitation phenomena that can occur when a fluid’s viscosity increases too much.
For example, if you’re a manufacturer of cheese products, your business depends on delivering fresh cheese to stores and customers every day. To do so, you need a highly efficient and reliable pump that can deliver the amount of liquid required to keep your cheese products flowing smoothly.
To make sure you don’t waste any of your cheesy goodness, look for the most energy-efficient follower plate available. Alemite offers a variety of follower plates, including standard, flat and high-viscosity models, to meet the needs of your business.
2. Save Time
A well-designed follower can save you the dreaded pump run time. During times of low demand, the pump can sleep in the background as the system monitors pipe pressure and boosts it slightly before shutting down. This not only extends your sleep time but also reduces energy consumption by avoiding running the pump on standby.
The best way to save time is by minimizing the number of trips to the pumps. This will increase production output and reduce maintenance costs. Another smart move is using a programmable controller to adjust pump parameters according to changing demand or conditions. This allows for a slicker transition to the next duty cycle or change of recipe.
Lastly, the best way to save time is by keeping the water cool. This will ensure a longer life for your followers and help keep the pumps at optimum performance levels.
One of the best ways to keep your water cool is by using a high quality filter. A good filter will remove sediment and other particles from your water supply that can clog the pump or cause premature wear. The nozzle and seals should be changed frequently and the filter should always be washed before use. This will also prevent any damage from rust or corrosion and extend the lifespan of your pump.
3. Save Money on Maintenance
If you are concerned about your maintenance budget, follower pumping is a great way to save money. Companies can see savings in the 6 to 7 percent range when they conduct regular inspections, use service programs like vibration monitoring, oil analysis, and temperature trending. These programs will help to detect unforeseen problems and allow for planned corrective maintenance.
For a barrel follower plate pump to function properly, the pump must be carefully controlled. If the follower plate is lowered too quickly, air can be drawn into the intake socket, which will cause the pump to operate inefficiently. In addition, hardened material can be carried into the feed chamber causing a waste of produced parts or even process breakdown.
For pumps with a single-stage design, the packing gland should be tightened on a daily basis to control leakage. Excessive leakage will cause the pump to run hotter, which can damage bearings and shafts. Repacking the gland one flat or 3/4 of a turn every 30 minutes will control this leakage and keep the pump running smoothly. This will prevent costly repairs down the road. The maintenance operator should also make sure that the pump is packed with the proper size of packing for its application and pressure and shaft speed.
4. Save Money on Replacement Parts
One of the most important parts in your high pressure fuel pump is the camshaft follower. This small part is responsible for delivering the power to your engine’s high pressure fuel pump and it can get worn out over time. A new one can be a good investment and could mean you avoid a costly replacement of your fuel pump. The right follower can also help prevent metal particles from getting into your cylinder head, a possible cause of damage to your pump and your engine. The best part about it is that the follower is easy to replace. The most challenging part is locating it on your pump.