Pumps manufacturer KSB has introduced the pump that industrial engineers and building managers have been asking for to reduce space requirements and ease of maintenance over traditional pump types used in residential, office and industrial building environments.

The new Etaline pumps range was designed to provide a flexible in-line pump for a range of applications for water distribution, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in complex buildings. It is also particularly useful in high-rise buildings and skyscrapers where it takes up considerably less of the expensive space that is required for traditional long-coupled designs.

As with all modern pumps from KSB, the Etaline pump is designed with energy efficiency as a prime focus and its engineers worked tirelessly with computational fluid dynamics simulation to optimise the hydraulic shape of the suction elbow, volute casing and impellers for the most effective and efficient pumping ability.

As a result, all pump sets meet the requirements of the globally recognised European ErP Directive 2009/125/EC, and their suction characteristics exceed those of previous pump generation.

KSB Pumps and Valves water and wastewater product manager Stuart Rugg says the new Etaline pumps can be installed horizontally or vertically directly in the pipeline. The range is available in 22 pump sizes with a maximum motor rating of 55 kW. The maximum flow rate is 700 m3/h with the maximum discharge head possible being 96 m.

“The cast iron casing and the mechanical seals are designed for operating pressures of up to 16 bar. The flanges of suction and discharge nozzles are optionally drilled to EN1092 or ASME dimensions. The impellers are available in grey cast iron EN-GJL-250, tin bronze CC480K DW or stainless steel 1.4408, depending on the application they will be used for.

“Mechanical seals to EN12756 are standard with a large number of material variants to choose from. The maximum operating temperature is 140 °C. The conical design of the seal chamber allows easy access and provides more space for maintenance work,” says Rugg.

He adds that each pump is delivered with an impeller diameter matched to its duty point. This ensures that the pumps operate at their best efficiency point and are not oversized, as is usually the case with ready-made impellers. Another benefit is the replaceable casing wear rings on the discharge and suction sides which allow for ease of service and maintenance, even after many years of operation.

The motor rating for the range is up to 55kW and can be used with KSB’s motor mounted KSB PumpDrive speed control systems. PumpDrive is a variable-speed system allows the use of up to six pumps and provides the ability to change over if the duty pump should fail. It has a harmonised design and is able to effect energy savings of up to 60% via variable-speed operation in combination with IE2 motors.

“The Etaline range brings to market pumps that are compact, efficient and cost saving. Designed and manufactured by the world’s foremost pump manufacturer and supported round-the-clock by our aftermarket service division, the pumps are guaranteed to provide long and reliable service in any market anywhere in Southern Africa. Despite its premium badge, the Etaline range is affordable and due to built-in maintenance saving features will provide the lowest possible lifecycle cost available,” concludes Rugg.