As of September 1, pumps, motors and electronic sys- tems manufacturer DWT Pumps, Motors & Electronics had sold more than 500 e.sybox pump systems locally and sales are expected to increase, owing to the system’s ease of use and energy efficiency, GM Hein Botha tells Engineering News.

“We introduced the e.sybox pump system, which is manufactured at DWT Group’s factory, in Mestrino, Italy, onto the South African market in September 2013,” Botha highlights.

He points out that monthly sales of the pumps system have increased by between 10% and 15%. He adds that, in August 2014 alone, the company sold 112 e.sybox units

Botha explains that e.sybox is an electronic water-pressure system, which is driven by a variable-speed drive, which, therefore, saves on electricity costs and extends the life span of the pump’s motor.

“We have several installed e.sybox units at lodges and privates homes in Johannesburg that have achieved energy savings of about 76%.”

He says the system is unique, as it operates at only 45 dB, being equipped with a water-cooled motor which eliminates the need for external cooling fans that increase operating noise.

Botha notes that the e.sybox is popular because it is easy to install and operate, adding that the system can be customised to contain a secondary pump system, which will switch on should the main pump fail.

The system is suitable for a range of applications, such as boosting water at guesthouses, lodges, farms, dairies, chicken coops and private residences.

Botha adds that the system can also assist with water irrigation and is in use at several mining hostels throughout South Africa.

“The system ensures that, even if multiple taps are used simultaneously, the pressure levels for the taps remain the same and water flows will not be negatively impacted on,” he points out.

Moreover, he states that DWT has sold about 15 e.sybox units to Zimbabwe and that the company aims to expand into the rest of Africa through distribution partners.

The e.sybox records energy-use patterns throughout the system’s operational life span, which enables users to monitor and adjust electricity use, particularly during peak periods.

The system’s compact electronic pressure transducer, with built-in temperature sensors, as well as the flow sensor, delivers signals to control the system.

Botha explains that the e.sybox’s internal expansion tank, with a 2 ℓ capacity, is certified to hold drinking water and is an integrated system.

“The e.sybox’s expansion tank comes standard with a five-year guarantee and no maintenance is required,” he states, adding that the e.sybox can be installed horizontally or vertically.

Further, Botha highlights that the system has a liquid-crystal display (LCD), high-resolution, adjustable screen of 70 mm × 40 mm, which is easy to read.

“The user-friendly LCD screen interface makes it possible for users to access all the information and customise the main settings according to the specifics of the application.”

Moreover, Botha points out that the system’s 1.1 kW water-cooled motors are corrosion resistant, making provision for installation in a recess.

The e.sybox is equipped with a protection device that prevents the formation of ice inside [the system] by activating the pump when temperatures are near to, at, or below freezing point, he adds.

DWT will next month launch its e.sytank as an accessory to the e.sybox system to store drinking water.

The 480 ℓ tanks have nonreturn valves, are aesthetically pleasing, and blend in with their surroundings “to avoid the challenge of beautiful properties and gardens being blemished by unsightly water tanks”.

The e.sytank can be coupled with another tank if more storage capacity is required.

“The tanks are made of linear high-density polyethylene materials and are fully recyclable. The e.sytank is supplied with a number of accessories to ensure quickinstallation of the system,” Botha concludes.