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Flood Control Pump Market is Huge

Mr. Sanjeev Sirsi, Head Municipal Business Water Utility INDO- Region Grundfos is a dynamic business leader with over three decades of experience in shaping strategies and  managing complex business operations for sustainable top and bottom-line growth. He has successfully led the scaling of the water utility business for Grundfos in India – revenue generation, market expansion, policy advocacy and engagement and automation partnerships are his areas of expertise.

1. How do you assess the market outlook for the Flood Control pump segment?

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Flooding occurrences have doubled since 2000, and urban populations are expected to grow in flood-prone regions. The global economic impact of floods is projected to be massive. As a result, the demand for rainwater stations, stormwater retention tanks, flood control pumping stations, and road drainage systems is estimated to be substantial.  Here is the content rewritten as a clean, professional paragraph without repetition or extra spaces:

2. How does Grundfos provide cost- effective and modern flood control solutions ?

The solutions offered by Grundfos are cost-effective on multiple counts. Firstly, Grundfos pump gate enable up to 40% reduction in mechanical, electrical and engineering expenses. Our pump gate also offers 20% lower maintenance costs compared to traditional systems. There is also an elimination of the expensive land acquisition process. As a result, there is a minimization of the overall infrastructural footprint. It must be emphasised that the pump gate technology combines the functionality of both flood gates and pumps. This eliminates the need for separate reservoirs and pumping stations. Our system of horizontal pump mounting minimizes pressure losses. Our pump motors and other electrical components are also smaller due to optimized design. These factors make our solutions truly state-of-the-art. Grundfos has also introduced PPS HF stormwater series, an integrated prefabricated pump station focused on high-flow transportation in. Municipal, water conservancy and other fields. This solution utilizes advanced technologies such as Computational Fluid Dynamics and Finite Element Analysis which not only maximizes system reliability and operational efficiency but also addresses the challenge of large land requirements for traditional pump station construction. The fully buried design of the pump station allows it to blend seamlessly with the surroundings, while enabling remote monitoring and unattended operation.

3.How can submersible pumps transform urban flood resilience? Could you share insights about Grundfos submersible pumps and their role in revolutionizing flood control ?

Grundfos submersible propeller pumps (Axial flow/ Mixed flow) can play a transformative role in urban flood resilience. Grundfos submersible propeller pumps are an effective intervention due to several factors:

  • They are equipped with Turbulence Optimizer technology reducing stress in pump parts.
  • They can handle flows up to 33,120 cum/hr
  • Heads up to 40m
  • They demonstrate Hydraulic efficiency up to 87%
  • They can handle installation depth up to 20m
  • They come with compact design and show superior performance. The expertise that Grundfos brings in flood management also may be illustrated through the following examples:
  • Grundfos has commissioned operated and maintained a flood control pumping station at IRLA in suburban Mumbai. As part of this solution, storm water was channelized into a dedicated flood control pumping station with eight 500KW axial flow pumps each pump delivering 6 cum/sec at 6m head. Grundfos supplied a comprehensive electro-mechanical solution with pumps, software, HT control panels and SCADA system working since last 15 years.
  • Grundfos has also intervened in the Indonesian city of Semarang – a flood Grundfos has also intervened in the Indonesian city of Semarang, a flood-prone area. The pumping station installed by Grundfos has a capacity of moving 126,000 m³/hr. The axial flow pumps have kept the area dry since 2014.

4. How do Grundfos pumps compare to traditional pumps in terms of energy efficiency? What are the long-term benefits of using energy-efficient pumps?

Grundfos solutions are synonymous with:

  • High efficiency and reliability

  • Optimised hydraulics leading to lower energy consumption

  • Lower life cycle cost

  • Dedicated controls with high reliability

All factors leading to Reduced carbon footprint Enhanced sustainability Lower operational and maintenance cost

5. How does remote monitoring and control technology enhance the operational efficiency of Grundfos pumping systems?

Grundfos Connect (GC) systems significantly enhance the operational efficiency and reliability of pumping systems. They provide a cost-effective way to monitor pump installations from anywhere. Grundfos Remote Management systems are superior due to the following features:

  • Grundfos Connect – GPRS/SMS data transmission: Enables instant communication and real-time data relay from remote sites, allowing operators to monitor and make timely decisions.
  • Multi-purpose I/O board: Acts as an effective bridge between multiple sensors and devices for improved system control.
  • Sensor and switch connectivity: Ensures continuous monitoring of system parameters, supporting risk assessment and proactive interventions.
  • Reduced onsite inspections: Remote monitoring delivers real-time data, significantly reducing the need for in-person site visits.
  • Comprehensive data backup: Secures operational data with reliable backup for timely retrieval.
  • Supports communication with SCADA systems: Offers centralized control for all pump operations through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.
  • Compatible with various fieldbus protocols: Enables easy integration with diverse communication systems, ensuring scalability.
  • Motor protection against voltage variations: Safeguards motors from damage due to electrical fluctuations against surges and shocks and guarantees reliability of equipment.
  • Preventive maintenance tracking: Enables continuous monitoring of equipment, schedules timely servicing and repairs, and ensures overall system health.

6. How does Grundfos collaborate with local communities and NGOs to promote sustainable water management practices and improve livelihoods?

Grundfos has implemented innovative, sustainable water management solutions by working closely with local communities and assessing their specific water needs. Additionally, Grundfos has partnered with NGOs to promote sustainable water practices and improve livelihoods, ensuring long-term impact and community empowerment.

  • As part of CSR efforts, Grundfos has collaborated with the Watershed Organisation Trust to increase crop productivity through soil and water conservation and water resource development in Pune. The various project activities impacted 528 farmers directly and 496 farmers indirectly.
  • In another CSR-facing activity, Grundfos partnered with the Rotary Club of Madras East to offer vocational skilling in plumbing for underprivileged youth in Tamil Nadu.

7. What innovations has Grundfos adopted with respect to flood management solutions?

Grundfos has been formulating innovative flood management solutions. Some of them are:

  • Pump Gate Technology: Grundfos has integrated axial flow pumps with flood gates to offer a unique solution. This dual functionality eliminates the need for separate reservoirs and pumping stations. It protects local communities from flooding without the traditional space requirements and allows for easy operation and maintenance. Grundfos has implemented this solution in Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and the Philippines.
  • Integrated Prefabricated Pump Station – PPS HF Stormwater Series: To meet growing market demand, Grundfos introduced the PPS HF Stormwater Series—an integrated prefabricated pump station focused on high-flow transportation in municipal, water conservancy, and other sectors. Based on advanced European prefabricated pump station technology, it is tailored to local application needs.
  • Storm Water Retention Tanks Design: These tanks serve as temporary storage for excess stormwater, preventing hydraulic overload and reducing flood risk by mitigating runoff volume.
  • Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Grundfos uses CFD to design and optimize pump station layouts. This reduces vibration and noise during operation, ensures smooth liquid flow with no sediment buildup, and results in a maintenance-free design. It also helps prevent the formation of toxic and foul-smelling gases, protecting the environment.
  • Remote Management (Grundfos Connect): This technology enables real-time monitoring of flood control systems, allowing operators to respond quickly and efficiently from remote locations, improving system reliability and reducing the need for on-site inspections control pump stations to enable operators to make informed decisions, improve response time and system performance.
  • Innovative Pump Technologies – KPL Axial Pumps and KWM Mixed Flow Pumps: These energy-efficient pumps are capable of handling large volumes of water, making them ideal for stormwater conditions and flood prevention in urban environments.