'Smart' Rotary Pump from Colfax

Colfax Corp has developed a rotary positive displacement three-screw pump which can monitor its performance, adjust to changing conditions and order its own replacement parts without human supervision.

The TX2020 concept pump continually monitors flow rate, pressure, liquid viscosity (thickness) and energy consumption. If it determines adjustment is necessary to maintain flow, it can change speed or heat the liquid, to lower its viscosity. The pump software includes a preventive maintenance calendar and the ability to determine which parts need replacement and issue a purchase order for them, based on foreseen needs or detected problems.

The concept pump, suitable for marine applications, has been designed for a variety of configurations and can operate by itself at a remote pumping location or be connected to a network of pumps managed at a central office.