For the water and sewerage sector, ensuring consented flow is a critical part of operations and blockages are a massive concern. Blockages occur in the pumping of any non-constant fluid, such as sewerage, because of the gradual build-up of debris on the pump impellers. Over time this build-up leads to a blockage, which in many cases entails the lifting of the pump from the wet well to carry out maintenance work.

Pre-Blockage Detection is a unique patented function of Retroflo's RPC_2000. The system compares real-time data against benchmarked data to pre-empt blockage situations and implement automated corrective action. Solids build-up on the pump impeller is immediately detected by the RPC_2000 and a self-cleansing sequence is initiated.

Without Pre-Blockage Detection small deposits of debris on an impeller would lead to a much larger build-up and eventually a blockage condition. In the period between the initial deposit and eventual blockage the pumps performance will be compromised, resulting in increased energy costs. The RPC_2000 ensures that the impeller remains debris free and maintains optimum performance.

Another consequence of blockages, and of equal concern for the sector, is the discharge of untreated sewage into the watercourse. This can have a significant environmental impact, and under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations of 1994, water companies are subject to tough penalties should it be proven that sewerage pollution was caused by a pumping station not delivering its consented flow. Bob Dixon, Pumping Station Framework Manager for Northumbrian Water (NWL) has been involved with Retroflo's projects from the outset and understands issues relating to pumping stations better than most. As one of the country's 12 water and sewerage service providers, NWL is investing £380 million in improving the wastewater network through investment and operational improvements. Retroflo technology is part of this investment.

"We have over 800 pumping stations, many inherited from local authorities, and we undertook a process of identifying what work needed to be done through asset surveys," explains Bob. "The biggest issues identified were blockages."

"Prior to installing the system in our Red Row Pumping station, we had hoped for a reduction in blockages," says Bob Dixon. "Actually, we have virtually eliminated blockages, and we're not far from completely doing so."

At Dene House, a mid-sized NWL pumping station on the Northumbrian Coast, the benefits of the Retroflo system are clear to see. Since the system became operational in January 2008 the station log lists a single reactive call-out. During the same period in2007 the log records 49 call-outs. Ian Gibson, a Project Manager for contractor Byzak, oversaw the 10-week refurbishment of Dene House, which included installing the Retroflo system to control new pumps and VSDs. Over his 14 years in the water industry Ian has encountered the recurrent problems particular to pumping stations - principally frequent blockages and the resultant maintenance call-outs.

He explains: "The previous firm I worked for had two or three goes at sorting out the problems of troublesome stations - with little success. It's been good to be involved with this project. Working with Retroflo on a day-to-day basis I've seen the benefits of the system at the front-end. To be honest, I can't see how the industry can ignore it. It's what has been needed for a long time."

Retroflo's system-wide solution is the world's first to offer pre-blockage detection, consent security, intelligent flushing cycles, periodic efficiency testing and asset data storage, within a single system. The people behind Retroflo believe that the technology they have developed represents a revolution in pump control systems. The impressive figures produced by the RPC_2000 in operation back up these claims.

The development of Retroflo's RPC_2000 represents a breakthrough in pump control systems. It is the world's first to offer pre-blockage detection, consent security, intelligent flushing cycles, periodic efficiency testing, and asset data storage, within a single system. In operation at various sites the system has recorded impressive results, including a minimum 12% energy saving, vastly reduced operational call outs, no consent failures, and a CAPEX payback within 12 months. It is these figures that have created it's award-winning credentials.

Innovation is about doing things differently, in a way that is exciting and impactful. The annual IET Innovation Awards was established to herald those at the forefront of innovation. A world leader in developing science, engineering and technology, the IET has more than 150,000 members in 127 countries with a global knowledge network facilitating the exchange of information.

Speaking about the process of identifying suitable nominees for the awards IET Chief Executive, Robin McGill, said: "In short-listing the entries, the judges were looking for innovative engineering projects, products or processes for commercial use that demonstrate genuine novelty and represent a significant technological advance for the industry or technology sector."

This year's Built Environment category was open to entries that demonstrated engineering, scientific and technological innovation. The RPC_2000 was one of three short-listed finalists from over 300 entries and finished runner-up.

Andy Laundon, Operations Director for Retroflo, is understandably delighted with the accolade, saying it feels like reward for all the hard work he and his team have put into developing the system. The Retroflo concept, he explains, was no 'Eureka!' moment, rather a clear idea of how a pumping installation could work efficiently: "It was an idea formed over many years in the industry, and with the knowledge I gained from working with early variable speed operations."

Lee Bishton, Technical Director of Retroflo, says a system-wide approach was the key to creating the ground-breaking product: "Solutions in the pumping industry seemed to exist at component level but not as a system-wide solution. We were able to find the solution through adopting a holistic approach where all the characteristics of a wet well (level, flow, speed) are monitored and analysed by a single system."

It is the impressive figures produced by the RPC_2000 in operation that helped convince the judges to short-list the system. At pumping installations currently operating Retroflo systems there has been a minimum 12 percent reduction in energy costs. This combined with little or no operator call-outs, cleaner wells and the security of consented flow, has enabled pumping installations, in many cases for the first time, to operate at optimum efficiency.

This growing need for reduced OPEX (operational expenditure) and improved carbon management has been the driving-force behind the Retroflo project and the company is positioned to be at the vanguard of improving the industry's carbon management.

What is also clear is that the Retroflo RPC_2000 has the potential for wide application across the pumping sector at large, a fact recognised by the nomination for the World Pump Awards 2008 in the Innovation of the Year category to be announced later this year.

Changing legislation on energy and environmental issues are undoubtedly one of the biggest drivers of innovation in the pumping sector. In addition, new EU directives recognise the increased demand for the introduction of a systemic approach to the way pumps are used and controlled. What’s clear is that the well-established component- based approach does not take into consideration the potential energy and efficiency savings from monitoring and controlling all the parts that make up a pumping installation.

Uniquely, Retroflo’s patented pump control technology takes a systematic approach to the traditional problems associated with pumping non-constant fluids. Utilising the full range of pumping data available, Retroflo’s RPC_2000 system has been proven to deliver substantial energy-savings whilst dramatically reducing pump blockages. This is achieved through the continuous dynamic monitoring of the pump characteristics over a range of wet well levels and pump speeds. And the results speak volumes.

At pumping installations currently operating Retroflo systems there has been a minimum 12 percent reduction in energy costs. This combined with little or no operator call-outs, cleaner wells and the security of consented flow, has enabled pumping installations, in many cases for the first time, to operate at optimum efficiency.

It is this growing need for reduced OPEX (operational expenditure) and improved carbon management that has been the driving-force behind the Retroflo project. A recent study by the US Department of Energy concluded that with pumping stations accounting for around 25 percent of the world’s electrical motor energy, the pumping sector now offers the largest opportunity for energy efficiency improvements in industry. It’s now well established that component improvements alone will offer only small reductions, whereas a systematic approach can provide potential energy and operational savings of between 30-40 percent.

With an estimated 75 percent of pumps over-sized by 20 percent to secure the consented flow of a pumping installation, the use of Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) is playing a significant role in energy reduction. Where VSDs are used a small reduction in pump speed can significantly reduce energy costs. For example: a reduction in motor speed of 20 percent (from 100 percent to 80 percent) equates to a 48.8 percent power reduction. But while process control and energy conservation are the two primary reasons for VSD operations, their use is not without problems.

In many cases the increased frequency of blockages and higher maintenance costs of running VSDs outweighs the energy-saving benefits. Many operators of non-constant fluid installations opt for the tried-and-tested option of fixed speed pumping rather than variable speed constant level pumping because of a lack of faith in VSDs to deliver trouble free consented flow. Fixed speed pumping also has its own problems. Cycling pumps on and off results in frequent high surges of electrical current, increasing energy costs and wear to parts of the pump. It is also well known that this batch type pumping can cause network problems through surges in the flow of the process.

The Retroflo RPC_2000 is specifically designed to overcome the problems associated with VSDs and constant pumping. The system recognises that every pumping station is different, not only in physical parameters but also in its operating requirements for consents and storage, population served, and its position within a network. These variables are calculated and processes are automated to realise the energy-saving benefits of VSDs while ensuring consent security. This in turn means less energy is consumed because pumps are running either slower, or less frequently, and asset life of pumps is increased because of the reduction in running.

The people behind Retroflo believe that the technology they have developed represents a revolution in pump control systems – and the world’s first to offer pre-blockage detection, consent security, intelligent flushing cycles, periodic efficiency testing and asset data storage, within a single system.

Andy Laundon is one of the founders of Retroflo and its Operations Director. The Retroflo concept, he explains, was no ‘Eureka!’ moment, rather a clear idea of how a pumping installation could work efficiently: “It was an idea formed over many years in the industry, and with the knowledge I have gained from working with early variable speed operations.”

“Previously to ensure a pumping station continued to maintain its design flow or consented flow for the years ahead, you would tend to install larger pumps to compensate for drop off in performance and wear over time, and those pumps would invariably be operated at full speed. Now customers can install correctly sized pumps with the comfort that as-new performance will be maintained, or otherwise automated early warnings of wear being provided. This allows preventative maintenance regimes to be adopted.”

An appreciation of the issues relating to securing a consented flow for a waste water pumping station helps in understanding the Retroflo concept. Typically the pass forward flow of the station, which is the basis for the consented flow, is calculated by taking the population of its catchment and applying industry guidelines for per capita contributions (litres per head per day). Infiltration factors are applied and any trade effluent flow is added in order to determine the design Dry Weather Flow rate. This figure is further factored to allow for surface water contributions; the final figure defines the pass forward flow.

Anywhere a consented flow is stipulated by the regulatory authorities blockages are a major concern because of the risk of untreated or undiluted sewage being discharged into the watercourse. According to Environment Agency figures, the UK’s water industry caused 19 percent of serious water pollution incidents in 2007. Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Regulations of 1994, water companies are subject to tough penalties should it be proven that sewage pollution was caused by a pumping station not delivering its consented flow.

Bob Dixon, Pumping Station Framework Manager for Northumbrian Water (NW) has been involved with Retroflo’s projects from the outset and fully understands issues relating to pumping stations. Northumbrian Water provides 2.6 million customers in the North East of England with water and wastewater services and will invest £249 million between 2005 and 2010 to upgrade its vast sewerage network. Retroflo technology is part of this investment.

“NW provided a platform to put the projects in place,” explains Bob. “We have over 800 pumping stations, many inherited from local authorities, and we undertook a process of identifying what work needed to be done through asset surveys. The biggest issue identified was blockages.”

Blockages occur in the pumping of any non-constant flows, such as sewage, because of the gradual build-up of debris on the pump impellers. Over time this build-up leads to a blockage, resulting in time consuming and costly call- outs, in many cases entailing the lifting of the pump from the wet well to carry out maintenance.

The RPC_2000 utilises a Pre-Blockage Detection facility to overcome this problem. An initial analytical process records the characteristics of the pump across the range of well levels and pump speeds and the system constantly compares benchmark data against current data to determine the criteria of the unblocking cycle: i.e. reverse direction, its speed and duration, and the number of self-cleanse sequences made prior to pump trip.

The result, explains Bob Dixon, is a vast improvement: “We have virtually eliminated blockages at one of our pumping stations which experienced frequent blockages before Retroflo was installed.”

The successful installation of Retroflo technology in two pumping installations led the Retroflo team to realise the system had a far broader reach than first imagined. “We thought our system was unique and therefore patentable,” says Andy Laundon. “When it proved patentable, we decided to invest in the Research and Development of a standardised instrument which could be programmed for site specific conditions.”

What the company had effectively come up with was a new approach to a pumping control system. The next step was to design a solution applicable to a wide range of manufacturers’ equipment (pumps and drives) that could either be incorporated in new installations, or integrated into existing systems.

Lee Bishton, Technical Director of Retroflo, has played a key role in taking the project from concept, through research and development, to the launch of the RPC_2000.

“I knew what an operator would want from a system,” says Lee. “Our process was to use a collaborative approach – taking on board problems and coming up with solutions. Pump blockages in particular are an industry-wide problem. Solutions in the pumping industry seemed to exist at component level but not system-wide. We were able to find the solution through adopting a holistic approach where all the characteristics of a wet well (level, flow, speed) are monitored and analysed by a single system.” In 2006 Lee began to write the control philosophy behind Retroflo. The first implementation and testing of the system was carried out at a Northumbrian Water pumping station and was then rolled out to other NW sites. Despite every pumping station being different, what soon became apparent to the design team was that they were able to standardise the processes required to monitor and analyse pump speeds, wet well levels and flow in any given installation.

“In effect,” says Lee, “we created a standard product that can be fitted or retro-fitted to any pumping station.” At another mid-sized NW pumping station, on the Northumbrian Coast, the benefits of the Retroflo system are clear to see. Since the system became operational in January 2008 the station log lists a single reactive call-out, contrasting with the log for 2007 which records 49 call-outs.

Leading UK water industry contractor Byzak was appointed to NW’s framework agreement for the refurbishment of pumping stations. Byzak is the approved installer for Retroflo and to date has completed the refurbishment of over 50 NW stations with projects ranging from minor works to multi-million pound refurbishments.

Ian Gibson, a Project Manager for Byzak, oversaw a 10-week refurbishment programme at a NW site, which included installing the Retroflo system to control new pumps and VSDs. Over his 14 years in the water industry Ian has encountered the recurrent problems particular to pumping stations - principally frequent blockages and the resultant maintenance call-outs.

He explains: “The previous firm I worked for had two or three goes at sorting out the problems of troublesome stations - with little success. It’s been good to be involved with this project. Working with NW and Retroflo on a day-to-day basis I’ve seen the benefits of the system at the front-end. To be honest, I can’t see how the industry can ignore it. It’s what has been needed for a long time.”

The retro-fit capability of the system provides opportunities for dealing with historically problematic sites and the success of such installations has been demonstrated by greatly improved carbon management and reduced maintenance costs. At another NW station, in the Tees Valley, energy costs have been reduced by 20 percent following refurbishment and the installation of the system.

While it makes sense to focus on the system’s pump control and pre-blockage facilities, the RPC_2000’s inbuilt diagnostic tools incorporate several other features aimed at improving efficiencies and performance. Because pump installation costs typically account for about 10 percent of pump station expenditure, it is the life cycle costs that offer the greatest potential for savings.

For example, Retroflo’s Intelligent Flushing Cycle uses historical data to predict the incoming flow rate, allowing the well to fill to a pre-set level before initiating a rapid well-emptying sequence. The benefits of this are twofold: dilution of settled solids in the well; and the rapid emptying of the well usually ensures self-cleansing velocities are generated in the rising main, alleviating solids settlement and septicity problems.

Another feature of the system is Periodic Pump Efficiency Testing, a process that monitors wear on pumps; alerting operators of maintenance issues should a pump begin to lose performance. While operational savings are mainly derived from lower energy costs and fewer call-outs, the benefits from improved asset lives cannot be ignored. And far from being ignored, the RPC_2000 is making the industry sit up and take note. Retroflo was a winner at the prestigious IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology ) Innovation Awards and was one of six companies shortlisted for the Pump Industry Awards 2008 in the Technical Innovation of the Year category.

Future Water, The Government’s water strategy for England, published in February 2008, highlights the need for innovation in reducing the UK water industry’s approximate four million tonnes of greenhouse gas emission. In his introduction Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, states that: ‘The way we pump, treat, and clean water has profound implications for energy use. .. The water industry is a major energy user, and there’s a carbon impact here that simply has to be tackled.‘

The RPC_2000 is uniquely positioned to be at the vanguard of improving the industry’s carbon management. The impressive figures produced by the system in operation clearly demonstrate the efficiencies associated with its use. What is also clear is that the Retroflo RPC_2000 has the potential for wide application across the pumping sector at large. When this happens the savings could be huge.