Change Is On the Horizon

Late last year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) enacted the Energy Conservation Standard for Pumps for all domestic pumps. The first of their kind for the pump market, these standards set the minimum efficiency for a given pump model and will lead to a significant share of currently installed pumps to be replaced with higher efficiency models. Glenn Wieczorek, Tsurumi’s managing director for North America, recently sat down with MPT to detail how these new regulations will affect manufacturers and pump users alike.
MPT: The Department of Energy’s Energy Conservation Standard (ECS) for pumps is the first of its kind to regulate pump efficiency in the domestic market. What can pump users expect from these new regulations?
Glenn Wieczorek: First and foremost, end users will save money on the energy required to run these pumps. But it’s important to remember that there may be added costs associated with that improved efficiency, whether that means added capital up front, higher maintenance costs, more downtime or all of the above. Users should fully expect the ECS to yield environmentally efficient products, but the initial costs shouldn’t be ignored.
MPT: Increasing efficiency standards was already a rallying cry in the industry. How prepared would you say most OEMs and suppliers are for the new ECS?
Glenn Wieczorek: If you’re in the pump business, I think it’s safe to say that you know this change is on the horizon and you’re probably aware of the timeframe you have to prepare for it. The degree of that preparedness may differ from company to company, however. It depends on where a given company is starting from in terms of efficiency. I liken it to the Tier system of diesel engines that went into place to bring emissions down—a lot of manufacturers found the standard to be unrealistic while others adjusted more smoothly. I expect to see a similar spectrum of preparedness as pump manufacturers and suppliers adjust to the new ECS.
MPT: It’s estimated that 25 percent of all pumps at work in the United States will need to be replaced with higher efficiency pumps. What opportunities does this present for your business?
Glenn Wieczorek: The Department of Energy’s Energy Conservation Standard specifically targets pumps that handle clean water. Since Tsurumi’s products are strictly geared toward the handling of solid-laden water, the ECS will not affect us directly. That being said, for those businesses and manufacturers that are already compliant and can quickly bring more efficient pumps to market, it’s going to be a great opportunity.
MPT: How would you best advise your clients and partners to best prepare for the new ECS?
Glenn Wieczorek: It’s crucial to gauge the efficiency of your products and act accordingly, whether you’re at an advantage or not. If you’re already meeting the standards set by the ECS, you’ve got an opportunity to share that with people and position yourself as a leader in the industry. If not, it should go without saying that you’ve got until 2020 to adhere to those standards. Wherever you find yourself in the process of preparing for the ECS, it’s important to know where your competitors stand.
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MODERN PUMPING TODAY, May 2016
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