At Empowering Pumps, we focus on the latest and greatest in pump technology. Let’s give thanks for the pumps that make our modern lives possible! From basic models to complex powerhouses, here’s a look at just a few of the pumps that empower our world.
Essential Pumps to be Thankful For
These are the pumps that make everyday life possible and help in industries such as water and energy.
Water Well Pump Systems
The average person doesn’t usually think about the complex process and equipment used to get water from the source to the tap, but it is a key part of life. According to Water.org, over 780 million people are without access to clean water. Another 3.4 million people die per year due to water related disease. An American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than the average person in a developing country slum uses for an entire day. Given that more people all over the world have mobile phones than a toilet, we give thanks for water well pump systems.
Energy Pumps
Whether used in the downstream, upstream, or any related area, pumps are a crucial component to many energy applications. For example in the oil and gas industry, the world’s largest and most advanced companies extract millions of barrels of oil each day in addition to nearly 3000 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Additionally, there are approximately 2 million miles of pipelines to transport this oil and gas to plants and refineries for processing. The final products include fuels, lubricants, waxes, asphalt, and petrochemical feedstocks, and pumps are necessary at every step.
Manufacturing Pumps
In just about every industry from textiles to energy, you will find some form of pumping system. In one such case, PepsiCo Roha underwent a pump audit by Grundfos which recorded an over consumption of energy and noticeable water wastage. Vertical pumps and closed couple end suction pumps were used to replace existing pumps in the utility and process systems for the purpose of optimizing the water-energy performance. PepsiCo Roha found that the new pumps resulted in a 41% reduction in energy use compared with the old pumping system, which resulted in a monthly energy saving of 5625 kWh units.
Other Random Pumps to be Thankful For
These little known, unsung heroes of the pumping world may not be necessary to daily life, but I cringe to think of life without them.
Ice Cream Pump
Imagine a world where there were no pumps in the ice cream industry leaving the product rare and expensive? The sanitary pumps used for ice cream production work by ensuring high hygienic standards as well as gentle handling and accurate dosing throughout. Pumps are used during the milk reception process when the milk is transported in between tanks using a single-stage centrifugal pump. During the milk treatment process, single-stage centrifugal pumps transfer the milk while an end-suction pump enables quick heating of the milk to kill all bacteria, and then delivers a quick cooling. Pumps are also used when cream is mixed with sweetener using either single-stage centrifugal pumps or lobe pumps.
Beer Pump
Our recent chat with Jason Spikes of Black Warrior Brewing Co. showed us that pumps are an essential item to the beer brewing process. He told us about how with the help of two centrifugal pumps and one custom design pump, Black Warrior was able to brew a variety of high quality, craft beers. He also shared how his engineering knowledge helped him build three beer pumps of his own: a water pump, tank pump, and caustic pump.
Other Pumps
In addition to helping prepare our favorite treats, pumps are used in many other every day and fun applications including adventure parks, swimming pools, chocolate, cars, boats, and much more.
I think that pumps are one of the most crucial pieces of equipment to running our world. There are so many ways that pumps make our lives easier, more comfortable, safer, or just plain more fun. We are kicking off a new feature on Empowering Pumps called “The Power of Pumps.” We plan to highlight interesting uses for pumps; little known facts about pumps; the people who work with pumps; and many other topics that advance the idea that pumps empower industry – and our world!
If you have an idea for “The Power of Pumps”, please share it with us and we’ll do our best to write about it. As always, we welcome your comments.
Sources:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/electrical-plumbing/1275136
http://water.org/water-crisis/water-facts/water/
http://www.grundfos.com/industries-solutions/applications/ice-cream.html
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