Water & Wastewater Treatment Magazine
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The Talk: opinion SPONSORED BY MARTIN RICHARDSON, WATER FRAMEWORK MANAGER Embrace innovation by sticking with what you have A look at how modern variable speed drives can help meet AMP7 targets for improved water management. T hrough AMP7, Ofwat is continuing its drive to motivate water companies to deliver a sustainable and reliable supply whilst reducing costs for customers and getting the most from existing assets. Widely used in water and wastewater treatment to control pumping, variable speed drives (VSDs) have many features that could further transform performance – if only the end-user knew about them. Right time, right technology Today's VSDs use smart functions to improve the efficiency of pumping equipment and cut maintenance. These functions cut the need for an external PLC, while saving energy, reducing downtime and preventing jamming and blockages. Energy efficiency: The sleep boost function runs the pumps to boost pressure or water level just before they shut down, extending sleep time to save energy. It also avoids unnecessary starting and stopping. The right control method can improve energy efficiency by between 15 and 20 per cent - instead of running a pump at a fixed speed and switching off when a tank is full, the VSD can pump slower for longer. Steady flow cuts energy consumption, reduces wear and makes processes like chemical dosing more predictable. Lower maintenance: The pump cleaning function, also known as anti- ragging, is the one most used by the water industry. On detecting a blockage, the drive automatically runs the pump back and forward to clean the impeller, returning flow rates to normal. This also avoids removing the pump for cleaning or even replacement. Sweating assets: The VSDs pump cleaning function can extend the life of the pump, reduce maintenance intervals and increase pump efficiency. Reduced bursts: Using integrated PLCs and timers, the VSD can be programmed to reduce water pressure at night when demand is lower. This saves energy, and reduces the risk of leakage or bursts, as higher water pressure raises the risk of leaks. Reduced leakage: VSDs can easily reduce pressure by 20 per cent, cutting leakage by up to 50 per cent. Cutting pressure also means reducing energy costs, while controlling leaks avoids processing and pumping extra water. Summary Variable speed drives are ideal for tackling the challenges of AMP7. By exploring the many possibilities offered by their existing VSDs, operators may find that they already have all the innovation they need. www.wwtonline.co.uk | WWT | APRIL 2020 | 11 WWT – the unparalleled resource for water industry professionals Subscribe FREE today… @WWTmag Water & Wastewater Treatment is the only print magazine and website addressing the operational issues in the water industry. For intensive water-using manufacturing and contractors, we provide the information to make water work. wwt.events/WWTmagazine MAKING WATER WORK WATER & WASTEWATER TREATMENT FOR THE WHOLESALE MARKET Volume 61 | Issue 4 | wwtonline.co.uk SLUDGE: • Precast concrete tanks get flexible DARK DATA • Where to look for problem- solving data NI WATER • Venning on dealing with the funding gap April 2018 New Direction Is the water industry ready for direct procurement? WWT-subscribe-130x180ad.indd 1 16/04/2018 15:38