Pump Minimum Flow – The Hidden Energy Loss
There are many pumps in a chemical processing plant. In the terms of energy consumption, pump is one of rotating equipment that is not treated adequately in order to minimize energy loss (electricity) in the plant.
Recently, I found some pumps in the field where I am working that operate with minimum flow along with main piping fully opened. Oh…that’s hidden energy loss, I thought immediately.
As you may already know that minimum flow is installed as pump protection system from overheating and damage. Minimum flow requirement is specified by the pump manufacturer.
After I realized that these minimum flows are not required then I decided to stop all of the unnecessary flows. Minimum flow pipe is mainly used during pump start up.
I don’t know how much money (energy loss) we have wasted due to opening the minimum flow valve.
Tags: electricity, Minimum flow pipe, how much money, Minimum flow requirement, minimum flow, energy loss, main pipingPopularity: 9% [?]
