As a manufacturer of mobile pumps, we see electric motors becoming increasingly popular. When compared to pumpsets with combustion engines the advantages are numerous. Electric pumps use less energy, have lower maintenance costs and remove the hassle of weekly site visits just to fill the tank. Further, electric pumps contribute to a cleaner environment with reduced noise and CO₂ emissions. 

BBA Pumps offers a wide range of electric BA centrifugal pumps with priming systems for temporary pumping installations. The final version can be configured by yourself, choosing from assembly style and motor controls such as soft starter or frequency controller. Video BBA Pumps Electrically Driven Mobile Pumps »

Electric PT wellpoint pumps and mobile ATEX certified pumps are fully standardized packages. However, electrically driven high-flow pumps and high-head mining pumps are manufactured according to the customer’s specific requests.

Interesting facts about electric mobile pumps

• BBA Pumps uses only high quality internationally standardized IEC 60034 electric motors. The standard insulation class is F. All electric motors are thermally protected with a PTC. The IP55 protection class ensures resistance to both dust and water. Our electric pumps are optionally available with IP56, IP65 or IP66 protection classes.
  
  
• Our mobile electric pumps will always have sufficient motor power available for use up to a frequency of 50 Hz. At a higher frequency the speed and required pump power increase, in such cases we recommend to use a more powerful electric motor in order to prevent overloading.
  
  
• At a constant frequency, the mains voltage may have a differential of plus/minus 5% than the data shown on the engine type plate. In cases where these percentage deviations are larger, the electric motor must be replaced by a motor with the appropriate winding.
  
  
• Electric BA pumps with a soft starter or frequency controller are fitted as standard with an automatic level control including two float switches. You can order an additional pressure sensor and easily apply it to both controllers. Using the frequency controller, the motor can run automatically at a higher or lower speed (PID control) based on the liquid set level point. This ensures lower operational costs through the reduced energy consumption.
  
  
• If you use a frequency controller for electric pumps from 75 kW or higher, we recommend ordering an insulated motor bearing. This is then mounted on the non-drive side. This interrupts any electrical circuit in the electric motor and prevents damage.
  
  
• The starting current of electric pumps without a controller can increase by a factor of  9,5 x I nominal for IE4 motors. For lower IE class motors the factor is slightly lower. When using a star-delta switch, soft starter or frequency controller, the starting current is considerably lower.
  
  
• The ambient temperature affects the available power of electric motors. The electric pumps from BBA Pumps can be used at full load up to 40 °C. A standard motor winding is sufficient at higher temperatures up to a maximum of 60 °C. However, the motor supplier will adjust the type plate based on a derating factor. At lower temperatures the availability of motor power increases, for example at 30 °C a factor of 1,05 is applicable.
  
  
• At higher altitudes from 1000 meters above sea level, the available motor power decreases. The motor supplier will adjust the type plate based on the derating. This increases to a factor of 0,78 for pumping installations at an altitude of 4000 meters.
  
  
• Electric pumps delivered in open frames are becoming increasingly rare. Sound attenuated pumps with a canopy are now becoming the new standard. The price difference is small and the benefits are significant; with low noise level, optimal safety, good protection against the elements and a high resale value.
  
  
• The vacuum pump is driven by its own electric motor. Depending on the version of the pumpset, it can switch on and off automatically or run continuously.

Energy savings through higher efficiency electric motors

Electric motors account for almost half of the total electricity consumption worldwide. For this reason, the European Union has drawn up IE guidelines to improve the efficiency of electric motors. The goal is to make motors and systems more energy efficient and reduce emissions.

The abbreviation IE stands for International Efficiency, the higher the number the greater the efficiency and corresponding energy savings. There are some exceptions, but in general the following energy classes are required: engines up to 75 kW must be IE3, engines from 75 kW must be IE4. This is a good development, resulting in the enormous increase in efficiency of electric motors of up to 90-95%.

With electric motors, the efficiency at partial load (3/4 load) is sometimes slightly higher than at full load. This can be interesting with electric pumps because they rarely run at full load. When using a frequency controller, the part-load efficiency depends on the frequency and the quality of the controller.