Pump control stations: types and description

Units designed for pumping and providing fluid circulation parameters require special control during operation. Even the operation of one pump sometimes requires the consideration of several functional indicators, on the basis of which a decision is made to adjust the water treatment regime. The tasks are complicated if several units of different 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 sensors, will adjust the technical and operational parameters of the system.

What is a pump control station?

By its structural design, most stations resemble the traditional distribution boards. Typically, this is a metal cabinet that is fixed to the wall and, depending on the nature of the operation, can have access control systems. The internal maintenance provides presence of the assembly panel on which elements of the direct control of units settle down.

As standard, pump control stations have a switch, a microcontroller, a start device, terminal blocks, transformers and signaling devices - for example, an LED lamp on the shield. Rarely are there panels that do not imply a change in the structure of the work items. The configuration of a modern electrical panel provides the user with the ability to connect auxiliary sensors and external electrical circuits. This is a typical version of the station. But there are other designs that regulate work in simpler and, on the contrary, complex systems.

What are the functions of the pump control stations?

The main purpose of such devices is to maintain certain pressure parameters at the output of the serviced units. The station also connects the pumps to the frequency converters and switches them on in case of power failures. Monitoring of the operating parameters of the frequency converter is performed by the operator directly from the mounting panel. A separate function is the alternation of operating units, which can be performed by both a well pump control station and systems designed for surface equipment.

If it is necessary to increase the capacity, the control point can also use backup installations. This option is usually provided in systems that serve more than two pumps. At the same time, control and management can be implemented either manually or via a dispatching console, or in the mode of an automaton that deserves special attention.

Automatic modes

Today, there are practically no control stations that do not support automatic monitoring of the operating status of pumps. Most 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, this is the possibility of remote control. The operator does not just start and stop 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 implementations. So, if one of the pumping units fails, the system sends an appropriate signal to the control panel. At the same time, the station can connect a standby pump without waiting for the operator to react or change the operational parameters of the faulty component.

Devices for downhole pumps

The most advanced systems are used to service downhole aggregates. But the requirements for operating conditions are also quite high. As a rule, these are control and protection systems that regulate the water level, guided by the readings of electronic devices. The indicators are pressure gauges, pressure switches and other elements that monitor performance.

The most common types of such systems include the pump control station ECV, representing a large group of artesian installations. The peculiarities of such equipment include increased requirements for installation and enhanced control of "dry running".

Systems for surface pumps

Models of such stations are designed for operation with surface- type pumps . This does not mean that the requirements in this case are reduced, but the emphasis in design and configuration is not so much on the level of system security as on energy efficiency. So, if the control stations of deep pumps provide means for protecting the cables and, in general, the wiring connecting the control panel to the electrical units of the units, then monitoring of surface equipment does not at all imply the organization of multi-level networks.

This allows the basic communication power to be directed to the tasks of optimized management of the water supply system.

Stations for vibrating pumps

In addition to the main functions that are found in control systems of other types of pumps, such stations have effective means of protection against water hammering. In particular, for safety measures of this kind, the possibility of smooth start-up of equipment is applied. Also, in the course of work, such systems carefully monitor the pressure drops, which helps to minimize the risks of breakdowns. In the rest, the vibrating pump control station duplicates the capabilities of the 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 correctly choose the design of the electrical cabinet and correlate the capabilities of its filling with the tasks assigned, then it is very likely that the control station of the downhole pump will cope with its functions.

Often there are mistakes in the organization of water supply infrastructure. In some cases, the installation crews incorrectly perform the connection to the station, while in others the operators already do not observe the standards for controlling the operation of the pumps. Actually, such situations are caused by active introduction of automatic systems, which, if not solve the problem, then, at least, inform the operation service about it.