Local pumps manufacturer KSB Pumps and Valves has launched an innovative online acceptance test procedure that no longer requires customers or their engineering teams to be present when acceptance testing takes place.

“Acceptance tests and final inspection are an essential proof of compliance when purchasing pumps and equipment to ensure the guaranteed values on its larger mine dewatering and slurry pumps, as well as its other larger pumps for industry are met,” says KSB Pumps and Valves technical manager Friedrich Görgens.

The service was initially implemented to curb expenses that are usually incurred through travel to test centres, as well as accommodation, as clients had to travel to the test facility to witness their purchased pump being tested.

The remote pumps acceptance testing has also helped businesses continue operating during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Improved Convenience

Online acceptance testing is KSB’s answer to improve the ease and convenience of acceptance testing, says Görgens.

The tests are transmitted live, by using the Internet, and are encrypted to ensure that they are accessible only to required users.

It allows the customer to see a live camera view of the pump in the test facility as well as the characteristic curve generated live from the readings taken and displayed during testing.

“In addition to pressure and flow data, the test software records all further performance data required for a measurement to inspection or testing standard DIN EN ISO 9906, enabling the derivation and assessment of the pump’s efficiency.”

Additional measurement and recording of bearing temperature and vibration are available. These are displayed live in parallel to the performance and incorporated in the final test report.

KSB provides the customer with organisational information, order data sheets and a precise description of the acceptance testing before the actual acceptance test.

This includes details on the measuring instruments used and the corresponding calibration certificates.

After the acceptance test KSB display the results for comment and then emails the customer with the certificates within minutes, says Görgens.

Testing Centres

Online acceptance testing is available at KSB Pumps and Valves South Africa’s test centre in Germiston and the facilities can accommodate pump sets with a drive rating of up to 550 kW and flow rates of up to 3 000 m³/h and discharge pressures up to 60 bar.

Görgens concludes that string tests with the customer’s original motors, transformers and frequency inverters can also be performed