Case Studies

Blogs, Case Studies | February 5, 2026

Enhancing Efficiency in Water Distribution: Replacing Pressure Relief Valves with VFD-Based Automatic Pressure Control 

In a water distribution system, constant pressure was being maintained using pressure relief valves (PRVs), which divert excess water back to storage tanks. While effective, this method forces pumps to operate at full load continuously, leading to energy inefficiencies and increased wear. This case study explores the implementation of a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) system, integrated with a pressure transducer, to maintain consistent pressure dynamically resulting in significant energy savings and a rapid return on investment. The installation resulted in payback in just 6 months.

Read Now

Blogs, Case Studies | January 4, 2026

Evaluating the Cost-Benefit of Motor Rewinding vs. Replacement in Mining Operations 

When two critical motors—rated at 18.5 kW (25 hp) and 90 kW (120 hp)—burned out, the maintenance team faced a common decision: rewind or replace. While rewinding is often less expensive upfront, it can result in reduced efficiency. This case study presents a comparative cost analysis, revealing that motor replacement offers greater long-term value, with a break-even point reached within two years.

Read Now

Blogs, Case Studies | December 1, 2025

After a Fall in Pump Efficiency, Refurbishment Offers Pay Back in Under 2 Years 

After pump efficiency fell from 90.5 to 85.5 percent, a water distribution pump was refurbished. The refurbishment resulted in the pump being able to provide a higher head with a better efficiency at the same flow rate. Because the pump output could be matched to the system requirements by the installed variable frequency drive, the refurbishment reduced the power absorbed and achieved a payback period of under two years.

Read Now

Blogs, Case Studies | November 1, 2025

Reducing Impeller Size for Oversized Pump to Reduce Energy Consumption by 25 Percent 

Analysis of the pump was showed the pressure generated was considerably higher than required. Reducing the impeller size was explored which reduced the power demand by 25 percent. Fitting an alternative motor to the pump allowed more energy consumption reductions.

Read Now

Blogs, Case Studies | October 3, 2025

Replacing Heating System Pumps with Smaller Pumps to Reduce Life Cycle Cost 

The heating system in an office building required renovation. The options considered were replacing the 3 existing pumps with ones that were the same power and eventually replacing the thermostatic valves, as well as redesigning the system to have four sub-systems with optimized dimensions using equal friction loss per pump. The latter option allowed for smaller pumps to be used which cut down on the life-cycle cost.

Read Now

Blogs, Case Studies | September 20, 2025

Second Pump Installed in Parallel to Improve Energy Efficiency of Water Circulation System 

A pump used in an open system for pumping water from circulation tank into two wire tanks was worn down and had decreased efficiency. Analysis was done to compare the cost benefit of installing two modifications to the existing system. With an increased demand required only during startup, the conclusion was installing a new smaller pump parallel to the old pump to provide the base load duty. The old pump would only be used during the start up period.

Read Now

Blogs, Energy Efficiency, Case Studies, Commercial Building | August 1, 2025

Downsizing a Residential Circulator to Reduce Life Cycle Cost  

A 30-year-old circulator needs to be replaced in a one-family house. An analysis on the system was done, which concluded that the electronic circulator could be downsized due to the existing hydraulic resistance in the system.

Read Now

Case Studies, Blogs | August 1, 2025

Cost Analysis of Replacing Power Plant Cooling Water Volute Casing Pumps with Mixed Flow and Variable Pitch Propeller Pumps

Overview: Replacements are being considered for a cooling water system that currently consists of four volute casing pumps. A cost analysis is done comparing the baseline versus variable pitch propeller pumps and mixed flow pumps with variable inlet guide vanes. Mixed flow pumps have the fastest payback in this application with a payback time of 0.4 years.

Read Now

Blogs, Water/Wastewater, Case Studies | March 20, 2025

Complex Flooding Issues in Alaska Town Leads to Unique Lift Station Design

Overview: August 2024 – Stormwater – Upgrade of the system to accommodate storms and mitigate flooding. If the flooding wasn’t addressed then the problem would continue potentially affecting homes, utilities, and infrastructure. With existing utilities, a stepped-down wet well was utilized to prevent any problems with those utilities.

Read Now

Blogs, PSM Newsletter, Case Studies | December 12, 2024

Field Evaluation of Different Check Valve Designs and Surge Pressure Measurement in a Municipal Water Pumping Station 

Overview: During a municipal water pump station upgrade, hydraulic engineers got approval to perform field tests to assess the waterhammer (pressure surge) transients. Surge pressure measurements were taken after an induced pump power loss and subsequent check valve slam. They also developed a computer model to see how well available software could simulate the produced transients. This data was gathered to provide guidance to the municipality on future project work.

Read Now

Select Category Blogs    Membership    Standards    Pump System Training    Regulatory    Water/Wastewater    General    Free Tools    Case Studies    Commercial Building    Energy Efficiency    General Industrial    Technical    Workforce Development    Training    Agricultural    PSAP PSM Newsletter

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Get the latest pump industry news, insights, and analysis delivered to your inbox.

UPCOMING EVENTS