System and Asset Optimisation
When a pump system is working fine, it’s easy to overlook. But when a system fails, it can spell disaster for the entire building—from loss of heating, cooling, water, to leaks and even flooding. Here's a few ways to avoid that stress.
Building Resilience: Avoiding Single Points of Failure
Many modern pump systems are designed with redundancy in mind—typically employing a two-pump system where one serves as a standby. This setup is crucial for preventing total system shutdowns if one pump fails. The importance of this was highlighted in a recent project we undertook at a High School in Ipswich.
The school’s FM provider contacted us after encountering issues with their heating circulation pump. The pump was running at full speed, frequently tripping out. Despite multiple attempts, the original installation company couldn’t find a solution, leaving the site vulnerable with a single operational pump—a significant risk. After reaching out to the pump manufacturer, the contractor was advised to contact deckpro pumps.
Within a matter of days, we had attended site and resolved the issue, stabilising the pump's performance and eliminating the tripping problem. The school now has a fully operational two-pump system, reducing the risk of future failures, along with an advisory video on how to run the pump going forward.
Embracing Modern Technology for Optimisation
But, it's not just about fixing what's broken—enhancing the entire system will help prevent issues before they arise. This is where real-time remote monitoring comes in handy.
By implementing remote monitoring systems, you can flag potential issues before they become apparent to the client and/or end user.
Then there's modern motors (IE5) and inverter drives. These technologies are designed to optimise energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and extending the lifespan of your pumps. When combined with a building management system (BMS) that controls your system, you have a powerful setup that ensures your pump systems run as efficiently as possible. If you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic, check out our recent blog on variable speed drives here.
A common scenario in a building: A chiller pump runs 24/7, until it’s turned off in winter and restarted in summer. Without any form of external control to adjust its operation, the pump is essentially working harder than it needs to. This can lead to premature wear and tear, higher energy costs, and increased risk of failure. A simple solution? Installing an inverter drive to regulate the pump's speed based on real-time demand. This ensures the pump runs efficiently, adjusting to the building’s needs day by day, and even reducing output during the night when demand is lower. Read more about inverter drives in
Address Issues Early: The Cost of Inaction
While optimising your pump systems is crucial, addressing issues early is just as important. If your pump is noisy or leaking, it’s vital to act immediately. Smaller issues are easier—and cheaper—to fix, getting you back up and running quickly. Ignoring early warning signs, however, can lead to more significant problems that take longer to repair and come with a heftier price tag.
A Proactive Mindset for Long-Term Gains
Optimising your pump systems and associated assets isn’t just about responding to problems as they arise. It’s about taking a proactive approach that ensures efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in the long run. By incorporating modern technologies like inverter drives, IE5 motors, and remote monitoring systems, and by staying vigilant for early warning signs, you can keep your pump systems running smoothly and avoid costly disruptions.
At deckpro pumps, we’re committed to helping you achieve this through tailored solutions and expert advice. If you’re ready to optimise your pump systems, get in touch with us today for a free site visit and performance report with our recommendations on where you could improve your system.
By integrating these strategies into your building’s maintenance routine, you’ll not only extend the life of your assets but also enhance overall system performance. Don't wait until failure strikes!
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