Xylem introduced what it calls the first wastewater pumping system with integrated intelligence during WEFTEC 2016 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans Sept. 26-28. The system, from the Flygt brand, senses operating conditions in its environment, adapts its performance in real time, and provides feedback to pumping station operators.

Called Flygt Concertor, the system “represents a step-change in sustainable wastewater management solutions, with unparalleled pumping efficiency and reliability as well as a lower overall cost of ownership,” according to Tomas Brannemo, president of Xylem’s transport business. “It significantly advances the wastewater pumping sector by simplifying the entire pumping process from selection, installation, commissioning and monitoring with the added bonus of a smaller footprint.”

The company reports that field tests conducted around the world have validated the system’s benefits, including energy savings of up to 70 percent versus conventional pumping, up to 80 percent reduction in pump inventory due to flexible performance, clog-free pumping and clean wet wells, saving up to 80 percent in vacuum cleaning costs, and a 50 percent smaller cabinet.

Flygt Concertor can be used use with wastewater pumps from 3 to 10 hp. It combines IE4 motor efficiency, Adaptive N-hydraulics, integrated power electronics and intelligent controls, all designed to work in harmony to optimize performance at low cost of ownership.

In contrast to the fixed performance curves of conventional pumps, the system offers a wide performance field from which to choose the right operating point. This makes selection extremely simple, facilitates performance fine-tuning and significantly reduces inventory.

The system also provides built-in sump and pipe-cleaning functionality. A trial in London’s Heathrow Airport showed that these features, along with an integrated pump-cleaning function, minimize vacuum cleaning costs.

“Since installing Concertor, we have had absolutely no clogging, and the sump remains clean,” says Ian Jolly, systems specialist for water at Heathrow. “The cost savings are approximately 87.5 percent of the annual costs in cleaning and servicing.”

In the United States, north of New Orleans in St. Tammany Parish, the system’s field trial resulted in energy savings approaching $1,000 per month. Self-cleaning functionality also saved money and manpower with no unscheduled callouts.