Institution news
Ryan explained his role and involvement with regards to the conference, what he is looking forward to at the event and why it is important for engineers to attend.
Q: Could you briefly explain your role, involvement and experience with regards to the pumping systems?
Ryan Pearson (RP): I have worked with pumping systems since starting as an apprentice with South West Water in 2004. I have been specifically motivated in recent years to deliver efficiency and improvements to Grundfos customers in all aspects of fluid transfer. This includes looking at all aspects of the system, including control, pipework, variable speed operation and complex fluids to ensure the optimum solution. Typically, we are engaged to investigate under performing systems with our approach reducing the frequency of pump failure, energy consumption and maintenance interventions our users experience.
Q: What are the main challenges caused by pumping inefficiency?
RP: Repeat failures, process downtime, process failure, high maintenance and energy costs.
Q: Where do you think the solution to pumping efficiency lies.
RP: Often, users fail to explore the variety of pump types available to suit their application and therefore end up compromising for a sub-optimal pump. Furthermore, complex control and add-on equipment often compound the issue, increasing points of failure, while simultaneously increasing variable inputs which can decrease efficiency.
Q: What are the developments in technology to watch for when it comes to improving pump efficiency?
RP: Technology developments should be treated with caution, often we are quick to jump on the latest tech, without reflecting on the actual objective. This is typical with the increasing use of variable speed drives in wastewater transfer, where it adds no demonstrable value to the design criteria. However, the opportunity to utilise cloud-based software platforms with AI/ML to maintain efficiency creates an interesting proposition going forward.
Q: Why do you think it is important for engineers to join in the discussion around pumping systems?
RP: Engineers will be designing more and more complex systems as climate and sustainability drivers become more urgent. This is a challenge that can only be solved with new forward-thinking ideas and innovation from the engineers engaged in the industry.
Pumping Systems 2019 will take place on 11-12 December 2019 at the Manchester Conference Centre.
Join this event to:
- Gain insight into the growth of the use of condition monitoring technologies and how to use them to make efficiency savings at your organisation
- Hear about cutting-edge pump designs to improve the performance of your pump
- Learn about the latest vibration monitoring techniques to ensure your rotating equipment is operating optimally
- Network with pump design, operations, performance and maintenance engineers as well as wider systems and plant managers, and monitoring and modelling experts
To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/pumpingsystems.