Hydraulic Institute launches new educational initiative, "Pump Systems Matter"

In September, the Hydraulic Institute (HI) launched a new National Pump Systems Educational Initiative called “Pump Systems Matter”â„¢.  The program places a primary focus on pump systems education and outreach, addressing energy savings, and total cost of pump ownership.Optimizing pump systems represents a significant opportunity for US companies and  municipalities to save money and energy while reducing maintenance costs and increasing productivity. US Department of Energy (DOE) studies indicate that pumping systems account for nearly 20% of the world’s electrical energy demand.  Case studies have shown that better system design and more effective application of pumps can save 20% or more in energy costs and represent large cost savings.HI began this initiative to support the development and deployment of pump system educational materials and tools, to administer related training programs and to address outreach and educational efforts to various audiences. The primary goal of the initiative will be to transform the market for pump systems and services to one based on system life cycle costs rather than equipment first costs.  As anticipated by the HI Market Transformation Committee and Board of Directors, an effective pump systems educational initiative will serve to transform the market for pumps and pumping systems by:• Changing owner/operator and contractor focus on lowest first cost to a total life-cycle cost in purchasing pumps, pump systems and services• Create opportunities for expanded demand among owner/operators and contractors for value-added services from the pump industry and expand the capacity within the pump industry to meet this need• Develop new educational materials and tools to train and educate pump and supplier OEMs, owner/operators, contractors, and others• Develop appropriate outreach efforts to get the message out that “Pump Systems Matter” â„¢, and begin to transform the market for energy efficient pump systems and services.For the past few years HI has been involved with developing new educational materials related to pump systems, especially the Pump Life Cycle Cost (LCC) Guide.  The e-learning site, www.pumplearning.org, with its first course on “Centrifugal Pumps: Fundamentals, Application and Design,” and the new Variable Speed Pumping Guide are other valuable resources for pump users.  To learn about the “Pump Systems Matter”â„¢ program and how to become a Charter Partner of this initiative, interested companies should contact HI Executive Director Robert Asdal at (973) 267-9700 x 13 or via [email protected].