A new pump designed to reduce space requirements and ensure ease of maintenance, is seen as ideal for use in residential, office and industrial building environments.

Introduced by KSB, the new Etaline range of pumps is designed to provide a flexible in-line pump solution for a wide range of applications, including water distribution, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.  The pumps are particularly suited for use in high-rise buildings and complexes, taking up less space than traditional long-coupled designs.

KSB explains that its engineers worked with computational fluid dynamics simulation to optimise the hydraulic shape of the suction elbow, volute casing and impellers to ensure the most effective and efficient pumping ability, with energy-efficiency as a prime focus.

The pumps can be installed horizontally or vertically in the pipeline and are available in 22 pump sizes with a maximum motor rating of 55 kW. The maximum flow rate is 700 m3/hour, with a maximum discharge head of 96 m.

The cast iron casing and mechanical seals are designed for operating pressures of up to 16 bar, the flanges of suction and discharge nozzles can be drilled to EN 1092 or ASME dimensions and the impellers are available in grey cast iron EN-GJL-250, tin bronze CC480K DW or stainless steel 1.4408, depending on the required application.

Mechanical seals to EN 12756 are standard and a large number of material variants are available. The maximum operating temperature is 140 °C and the conical design of the seal chamber allows for easy access and provides additional space for ease of maintenance.

The company notes that each pump is delivered with an impeller diameter matched to its duty point, ensuring that it operates at its best efficiency point and that sizes are kept as small as possible. An additional benefit is the replaceable casing wear rings on the discharge and suction sides which allow for ease of service and maintenance.

The motor rating for the range is up to 55 kW and can be used with KSB’s motor mounted KSB PumpDrive speed control systems, which are variable speed systems that allow for the use of up to six pumps, allowing for changeover if the duty pump fails. It is also able to effect energy savings of up to 60% by means of variable speed operation, in combination with IE2 motors. All pump sets meet the requirements of the globally recognised European ErP Directive 2009/125/EC and suction properties are said to exceed those of previous pump generations.

“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,” asserts KSB Pumps and Valves product manager for water and wastewater Stuart Rugg.