Efficient operations of pump systems PUMP HANDBOOK
(Part 6)
The PIA’s Australian Pump Technical Handbook is a cornerstone text for the Australian pump industry and, in our opinion, a must-have for anyone who deals with pumps on a regular basis. In this ongoing series, we feature abridged chapters from the classic book to showcase the various areas covered and to reacquaint readers with the technical aspects of pumps. In this issue, we continue exploring energy efficiency in pumping systems, focusing on lifecycle costs.
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ifecycle cost (LCC) is an important factor to keep in mind when building or upgrading an existing pumping system. LCC can be estimated for the lifespan of a pumping installation from initial design to final decommissioning using the industry standard formula defined by the The Hydraulic Institute.
LCC = Cic + Cin + Ce + Co + Cm + Cs + Cenv + Cd Cic = Initial costs Cin = Installation and commissioning costs Ce = Energy costs Co = Operational costs Cm = Maintenance and repair costs Cs = Downtime costs Cenv = Environmental costs Cd = Decommissioning costs
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Of the costs represented in the formula, Cic, Cin, Ce, Co and Cm are the main variables with respect for pump selection. Due to this, comparisons of LCC are limited to these factors, and Cs, Cenv and Cd are grouped under the general heading of “other costs”, as they largely occur later in the equipment lifetime and are difficult to accurately estimate. pump industry | Autumn 2022 | Issue 39
Graph 1: Typical pump lifecycle cost profile.
Graph 1 shows a typical breakdown of lifecycle costs. However, where there is a poorly selected and inefficient pump, energy costs – as well as operating and maintenance costs – should increase. On the other hand, while a correctly selected pump and appropriately sized pipework system might increase the capital cost, there is the long-term advantage that any differential cost should be compensated for by lower energy, operating and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the installation. Because of this, it is important to approach the purchase or upgrade of a pumping system as an investment decision, and apply the same business analysis to determine the payback period for a more efficient solution.
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