Pump and system curves for the whole network, so pump selection, energy use and reliability are judged where they are decided: at the system level.
Discuss your system
A pump operates where its curve crosses the system curve. A high-efficiency pump still wastes energy and wears quickly if the piping, valves and controls push it away from its best efficiency point.
Led by a Hydraulic Institute certified Pump System Assessment Professional, with the system modeled rather than estimated.
Pump and system curves for each operating case, including parallel and series pump combinations.
Pump sizing support with the pump and the system sized together, not one after the other.
Pressure losses and pumping energy traced to where they occur, and options compared on life-cycle cost.
Impeller trims, variable-speed drives and piping changes tested on the model before a purchase order.
The methods behind this service have been set out in the trade press, including these articles by our Principal Consultant.
Check the system curve first. The right replacement depends on where the system will actually run it, not only on the nameplate of the pump coming out.
Further reading: Going Beyond Efficiency Standards, Part 1, Modern Pumping Today, June 2020
Discuss your systemPump System Assessment Professional, a certification from the Hydraulic Institute for assessing pumping systems for energy use and reliability. Our Principal Consultant has held it since July 2024.
A pump can only run where its curve meets the system curve. Swapping in a more efficient pump changes little if the piping and controls keep pushing it away from its best efficiency point, so the pump, piping, valves and controls are assessed together.
Sometimes. Whether a VFD, an impeller trim or a piping change is the better answer depends on the shape of the system curve, in particular how much of the head is static, which is what the model shows.
Pump curves and nameplate data, a sketch or drawing of the piping, and whatever operating readings exist, such as suction and discharge pressures, flows and motor power. Missing readings can be added to the scope as a short field measurement plan.
Have pump curves and a few operating readings? That is enough to start the conversation.
Discuss your system