Never Waste a Drop
Hugo du Plessis, market area manager for KSB Pumps and Valves, says manufacturers of pumps, valves and related equipment have an important role to play when waste water systems are being designed or upgraded as they know their products’ s capabilities better than anyone else and should be included at every stage of a project to ensure that the work is carried out within the equipment’s capabilities.
Furthermore, global companies like KSB have a wealth of institutional knowledge as well as technical expertise that they can lend to consulting engineers, municipalities and waterboards to determine the best solutions for a region’s challenges.
Direct support
Hugo adds, “Our operations combine local manufacturing with global engineering knowledge and our engineers are able to support municipalities directly, evaluating systems and optimising pump performance for bulk water transfer, treatment works and reticulation networks.
“Working closely with OEMs also ensures local authorities have rapid service response and on-the-ground technical support once projects have been completed. The pump stations operate 24/7 under heavy demand. Having trained engineers who understand the full system helps utilities maintain supply.”
Map and measure
He explains that KSB is currently helping many of the country’s utilities and municipalities to map and measure water supply, assess pump performance and plan remedial action where necessary to ensure systems are operating at full capacity.
Advanced tools, including smart meters and data-driven pump monitoring for system optimisation as well as preventative maintenance is also being used to allow water boards to identify problem areas and adjust operations before minor issues escalate into major failures
Progressive municipalities
KSB staff are currently working with a number of progressive municipalities on maintenance programmes and refurbishment projects to ensure pumps operate efficiently and safely over the expected decades-long operation of such a system.
It also provides training and educational presentations to the next generation of engineers helping them understand the full water cycle from river to tap and back to treatment so they can manage infrastructure sustainably.
