A widespread digital transformation is occurring in numerous sectors, affecting many types of industrial equipment. Pumps and compressors are some of the products benefiting from notable improvements. Here are some compelling ways digitalisation has enhanced these items and the industries using them.
By Emily Newton, editor-in-chief at Revolutionized
Use digital transformation to save money and boost efficiency
Many of today’s decision-makers are under increased pressure to keep costs down while ensuring their companies keep operating efficiently. A 2022 McKinsey report predicts an imminent transition to smart pumps. Those products encompass a broad category but generally feature internet connectivity and data-collection capabilities. McKinsey’s research confirmed how some companies have already introduced such products and gained competitive advantages.
However, it stressed that the most successful smart pump providers would focus on integrated systems rather than single components. Moreover, these companies must develop extensive sales and marketing strategies to target customers and their needs. Many current or existing clients who have not used smart pumps before may not immediately recognise how they could support and enhance their businesses.
The insights gained vary depending on what leaders choose to collect. However, they’ll almost certainly reveal how to cut costs and make the pumps operate more efficiently. The more knowledge a company representative has about what’s happening as the pumps run, the easier it’ll be for them to make confident decisions about improving operations.
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Make pumps and compressors more sustainable with digital technologies
People in today’s society increasingly look for feasible ways to live and work more sustainably. Improvements to pumps and compressors reflect that trend. Oil-free air compressors are great examples. These products improve air quality because they have no associated smoke or waste gases. There’s also no risk of oil contamination. When that issue occurs with traditional compressors, companies often experience significant downtime due to the need to service the machine and any connected production lines.
Experts are also investigating how to make electric motors on industrial pumps operate without consuming so many resources. Statistics suggest pumping comprises as much as 85% of the energy used during water-handling tasks. Thus, improving motor performance could result in major gains for industries worldwide that rely on these components.
In one real-life example, a Middle Eastern chemical producer got results with a target-based approach to sustainability optimisation. One goal was to improve a multilevel steam system that included air compressors. People at the company examined individual components to assess how enhancing those would help the system as a whole.
Proceeding with a digital transformation can also support sustainability and reduce waste by improving leak detection. One outdated but still widely used method of finding leaks involves putting soapy water through the affected system and looking for bubbles. However, even leak-finding options are now digitised. Such technologies use advanced sensors and can scan an entire system to find problems. People can see the industrial setup on a screen, then make digital annotations to confirm the locations of issues.
These are just some of the many ways pumps and compressors can become more sustainable pieces of equipment with the help of digitalisation. It’s up to decision-makers to commit to proceeding with the necessary digital transformation. However, the results that occur after they do can be well worth the effort.
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Build digital twins of pumps and compressors and improve planning
People in numerous industries have achieved excellent outcomes by utilising digital twins. These virtual and highly accurate representations of physical objects can help people see the effects of making certain changes before making those adjustments in real life.
Some companies have also created digital twins of their networked compressors as part of a predictive maintenance strategy. For example, the digital twin could show ideal operating parameters. If an asset’s actual performance is too far outside of those, people might decide to schedule a service appointment sooner than originally anticipated.
Digital twins can also enhance labor force training methods by giving workers new ways to learn. People overseeing workforce training can combine digital twins with virtual reality (VR). Students can then access dynamic or static models of items like pumps and compressors that include rich details and supporting information.
Such digital training methods aren’t right for everyone. However, the increasing number of use cases makes them more accessible. The people planning workforce education can evaluate which instances might make digital twin-driven learning particularly appropriate. For example, might it allow employees to receive content without traveling to an in-person training facility? Could it be an effective way to bridge the gap between team members working for the same company on different continents?
It’s time to make a digital transformation
There’s no universally best way for professionals who work with pumps and compressors to move forward with a digital transformation. However, a good starting point is for decision-makers to pinpoint current areas of weakness. Those will often provide the largest payoffs when improvements occur.
Leaders also must determine their budgets. Some providers offer possibilities such as compressed air-as-a-service. These companies rely on digital technology to see how much customers use and ensure their equipment keeps working as expected. They may also give people access to digital dashboards so they can track how their usage changes over time. These options are often more affordable than others since customers typically only pay for the resources they use.
Finally, people must choose metrics to track throughout the digital transformation. Knowing which aspects to focus on makes it easier to determine what’s working and which strategies need further adjustment or development.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Newton is the editor-in-chief of Revolutionized Magazine.
She enjoys writing articles about the energy industry as well as other industrial sectors.
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