Sustained efficiency is defined as a pump’s ability to maintain its initial efficiency over time when operating in the intended application. Sustained efficiency is expected, but often not delivered. It has become clear that developing more energy-efficient non-clog pumps and modern, self-cleaning hydraulics will provide a better experience for wastewater pump operators.
When solid objects like stringy fibrous material and modern trash enter the inlet of a conventional pump, they tend to get caught on the leading edges of the impeller vanes. This build-up reduces the impeller’s efficiency, resulting in decreased flow and increased power consumption. The reduced flow or increased power consumption results in increased energy costs. As solids continue to build inside the impeller, motor thermal protection can trip the pump leading to costly unplanned service calls.
Designing a non-clog pump
The key criterion for a non-clog pump is its ability to pass solids without clogging the pump. However, non-clog pumps that cannot deliver sustained efficiency will have substantially higher energy costs than a modern self-cleaning pump design: often as much as 25 -40% more.
The importance of delivering sustained efficiency is about 10 times greater than specifying a more efficient electric motor that may offer a few percentage points up over a standard motor. In addition to energy savings, the savings on unscheduled pump station call-outs caused by clogging pumps can be substantial.
Flygt N-technology
Self-cleaning N-pumps with sustained high efficiency
Flygt revolutionized the wastewater pump market in the late 1990’s when pumps with the revolutionary N-technology were introduced. The N-technology consists of a unique open multivane impeller featuring extremely backswept vanes working together with a swept relief groove in the pump volute. Both the impeller and insert ring with its relief groove are protected by patents.
The self-cleaning concept
Since the introduction of the N-technology we have continuously improved and developed the technology.
Thanks to the patented N-technology with its innovative self-cleaning impeller, Flygt N-pumps deliver the highest total efficiency. It lowers your energy bill and reduces unplanned maintenance costs. All these add up to total peace of mind and big savings over the long run.
The high efficiency of the Flygt N-pump is sustained over time due to its self-cleaning ability, and this helps keep energy costs to a minimum.
Flygt N-pumps are at work in more than a hundred thousand installations worldwide. These pumps have proven by far to be the best and most reliable choice for both dry and submersible installations.