Units designed for pumping and ensuring the parameters of circulation of liquid media require special control during operation. Even the operation of one pump sometimes needs to take into account several functional indicators, on the basis of which a decision is made on adjusting the regime of water treatment. Tasks become more complicated if several units of various types are involved in the working complex. In this case, it is necessary to use a pump control station, which, based on the readings received through the monitoring sensors, will regulate the technical and operational parameters of the system.
What is a pump control station?
By their constructional structure, most stations resemble traditional distribution switchboards. Typically, this is a metal cabinet that is fixed to the wall and, depending on the nature of the operation, may have access control systems. The internal content provides for the installation of a panel on which elements of direct control of the units are located.
As standard, the pump control stations have a switch, a microcontroller, a starting device, terminal blocks, transformers and signaling devices - for example, an LED lamp on the shield. Seldom there are panels that do not imply a change in the structure of work items. The configuration of the modern electrical panel provides the user with the ability to connect auxiliary sensors and external electrical circuits. This is a typical station design. But there are other designs that regulate work in simpler and, conversely, complex systems.
What are the functions of pump control stations?
The main purpose of such devices is to maintain certain pressure parameters at the outlet of the serviced units. The station also connects the pumps to frequency converters and switches them in case of accidents on the mains. The control of the operating parameters of the frequency converter is carried out by the operator directly from the mounting panel. A separate function is the alternation of working units, which can be performed by a well pump control station and systems designed for surface equipment.
If it is necessary to increase capacity, the control center can also use backup installations. This option is usually provided in systems that service more than two pumps. At the same time, control and management can be implemented both manually by means of a dispatching console, and in the automatic mode, which deserves special attention.
Auto mode features
Today, there are practically no control stations that do not support automatic monitoring of the operating status of pumps. Most of the tasks that are solved in such modes can be performed manually. But there are two categories of functions designed only for automation. First of all, these are remote control capabilities. The operator not only starts and shuts down the system, but also can assign time intervals until the moment of independent switching.
The second group of tasks concerns emergency operation modes that support automatic pump control stations in almost all versions. So, in case of failure of one of the pumping devices, the system sends a corresponding signal to the control panel. At the same time, the station can, without waiting for an operator's response, connect a standby pump or change the operational parameters of a faulty component.
Well Pump Devices
The most advanced systems are used to service downhole equipment. But the requirements for operating conditions are also quite high. As a rule, these are control and protection systems that regulate the water level, focusing on the readings of electronic devices. The indicators are pressure gauges, pressure switches and other elements that monitor operating parameters.
The most common types of such systems include the ECV pump control stations, which represent an extensive group of artesian installations. The features of such equipment include increased installation requirements and enhanced control of “dry running”.
Surface Pump Systems
Models of such stations are designed to work with surface- type pumps . This does not mean that the requirements are reduced in this case, but the emphasis in design and configuration is not so much on the level of security of the system as on energy efficiency. So, if control stations for deep pumps provide means for protecting cables and, in general, wiring connecting the control panel to the electrical components of the units, then monitoring surface equipment does not at all involve the organization of multi-level networks.
This allows directing the main communication capacities to the tasks of optimized management of the water supply system.
Stations for vibrating pumps
In addition to the basic functions that are found in other types of pump control systems, such stations have effective protection against water hammer. In particular, for safety measures of this kind, the possibility of smooth start-up of equipment is used. Also, in the process of operation, such systems carefully monitor pressure drops, which minimizes the risks of breakdowns. Otherwise, the vibration pump control station duplicates the capabilities of other panels. It is worth noting that in the families of such systems you can find many household devices designed to support the function of individual water supply lines.
Conclusion
The quality of the system that controls the water-pumping units depends on many parameters. If it was possible to choose the design of the electrical cabinet and to correlate the possibilities of its filling with the tasks, then with a high probability the control station of the well pump will cope with its functions.
Often there are mistakes in organizing the water supply infrastructure. In some cases, installation teams incorrectly perform the connection to the station, and in others, operators already do not comply with pump control standards. Actually, such situations are the reason for the active introduction of automatic systems that, if not solve the problem, then at least notify the service department about it.