German pumps manufacturer Wilo extended its range of domestic hot water pumps last month with the launch of its Wilo-Stratos PICO-Z.

The Wilo-Stratos PICO-Z is a glandless circulation pump that the company believes will enhance its domestic product offering. Similar to the Wilo-Stratos PICO, this pump combines modern display, innovative functions and unbeatable efficiency.

“The new Stratos PICO-Z is perfectly [adapted] to drinking water applications [owing to] its special system features and [is] thus [able to meet] the two most important requirements of this application, [which are] preventing stagnation and formation of [the bacteria] legionella, as well as continuously guaranteeing a warm water supply,” says Wilo product manager Stefanie Sabinarsz.

With a maximum delivery head of 6 m and a maximum volume flow of 3.5 m3/h, the pump should be used mainly in small commercial buildings, such as small hospitals, hotels, public buildings or a block of flats.

The Wilo-Stratos PICO-Z comes in two operating modes, namely manual and temperature-controlled. Sabinarsz notes that the manual mode can be activated to hold the differential pressure constant at a previously selected setpoint.

“However, in the temperature-controlled mode, the speed is regulated, depending on the water temperature, ensuring that the return temperature always remains above the previously set minimum temperature,” he points out.

Another system feature of the pump is thermal disinfection. When the function is activated, the pump automatically identifies the correct temperature for the thermal disinfection of the drinking water tank and supports it.

The new stainless steel pump housing is in line with the highest technical and optical standards, and using stainless steel housings increases the durability of the pump significantly, states Sabinarsz. He notes: “The stainless steel protects against bacteria and corrosion. “We are [anticipating] a future trend in the market by using stainless steel for these kinds of applications.”

The Stratos PICO-Z, like the Stratos PICO heating pump, has an integrated button lock that prevents the accidental adjustment of pump settings.

The glandless circulation pump also proves to be convenient and uncomplicated during installation and use. As it is fitted with the Wilo-Connector, it can easily connect to the power supply without using any tools, and the large liquid crystal display offers an informative overview of the operating status.

“The display can show either the present consumption in watts and the cumulative electricity consumption in kilowatt hours, or the current temperature and the current flow. The display is the central control element and is also controlled with red-button technology, [or remote control], which can also be used to activate thermal disinfection,” Sabinarsz notes.

Wilo, as the provider of systems and solutions for all aspects of pumps and pump systems, now also offers service packages tailored for user groups.

“Our support goes far beyond expert, personal consulting before and during the design and installation process,” explains Wilo group service senior VP Peter Glauner.

He indicates that over 2 500 Wilo technicians and partners are active in over 60 countries, delivering personal customer service. Wilo supports its customers in the commissioning of pumps by offering an installation inspection, setting optimisation and an obligatory test run, among others.

Wilo’s service includes individual maintenance packages but also on-site maintenance and the supply of more than 90% of genuine spare parts anywhere in the world within 24 hours.

Wlio also offers training courses that are carried out by employees with practical experience, and are closely orientated towards its customers’ requirements.

“We can also carry out the training courses at our customers’ premises, which not only permits an exchange of information between us and our partners, but also between the participants themselves,” Glauner concludes.