Comparing Kirloskar pumps V/s Ellen pumps

The kind of self -priming pumps that handle liquids like water are generally used in single  or multi-stage construction and are much in demand nowadays. Hence we thought of comparing the two strongest brands in this sector. These pumps are self-priming, run on single-phase electric connection, and have pumping capacities between 0.5 and 1.0 horsepower (hp). They are commonly used in houses to increase the pressure of the water on supply line or to fill the overhead tank. While such pumps are manufactured in both organized and unorganized sectors, we decided to compare two leading brands to know who scored the highest on energy efficiency and overall effectiveness apart from value for money.

Value for money

Kirloskar pumps begin from MRP: Rs 4,225 and keep on increasing as per size and specifications of the pumps and Ellen pumps too fall in the same category. Neither is more or less competitive and both have a more or less the same niche market and provide equal value for money charged.

Next we thought of comparing it on other parameters like efficiency,
noise, self-priming time, heating , etc.

Electrical efficiency

As an industry standard for such pumps, we know that a rated
frequency, the pump should give a minimum of 90 per cent of rated
total head at a minimum of 90 per cent of rated discharge. The pump should not take more than 110 per cent of the declared power input at the guaranteed duty point. The motor should not get overloaded in the operating head range of +- 25 per cent of rated head at rated voltage when the supply frequency is within the limits (+- 3 per cent of the rated frequency). The maximum allowable current should be 1.07 times of the declared full load current. Both Ellen and Kirloskar pumps gave the same efficiency.

u Rated Total Head

The total head is the sum of the static head and the friction head.
All the Ellen branded pumps passed in the rated total head but
Kirloskar scored the highest points and was the most efficient of the
two.

u Rated Discharge

Rated discharge means output water per second or in other words, how much volume of water comes out in one second. In this category too Kirloskar scored a bit better then Ellen pumps.

Overall Efficiency

The pump set runs for years and remains in use almost every day. For a pump that is of the capacity of half or one horsepower, power
consumption can be substantial. Overall efficiency of the tested pump sets varied from 9.37 per cent to 13.73 per cent. Higher efficiency is considered better in terms of higher water output with low power consumption. In this regard, Ellen pumps did better than Kirloskar.

u ‘No Load’ Test

At a rated voltage, the no-load wattage was measured. The lowest no-load wattage was found in Ellen pumps making it the top scorer. When compared to Kirloskar pumps, under specific testing
conditions.

u High Voltage Test

After temperature rise test, 500 V AC current was applied for one
minute between windings and frame to check if there was any
flash over. Both the brands passed in this test with the same ratings, which means both were equally built to take this voltage fluctuation
test.

u Breakaway Torque

Minimum breakaway torque should be 30 per cent of full-load torque. All brands need to conform to this requirement as specified in the Indian Standard. It should be sufficient to accelerate the motor under the burst condition of voltage and frequency for which the appliance has been designed. Both the brands had equal Breakaway torque.

u Pull-out Torque

The highest torque that the motor can develop while running at rated voltage and frequency is called pull-out torque. The minimum pull-out torque should be 150 per cent of the full-load torque. Ellen pumps was the winner in this with maximum pull-out torque.

u Moisture-Proof Pumps

Pumps are required to work in wet and dry condition and are expected to be resistant to both moisture and dry weather to a certain level. All  brands need to comply with this requirement when tested as per the laid-down ISI guidelines and both Ellen and Kirloskar pumps were sufficiently moisture proof.

Temperature-Rise Test

Temperature rise test of a pump at rated voltage and at reduced
voltage was measured to check how the pump behaves with changes in voltage, whether it gets all heated up or is able to function
optimally. The lower the temperature rises the better it is for
maximum performance of motor. For temperature at rated voltage, the top scorer was Kirloskar pumps but for temperature at reduced voltage, the top score was Ellen pumps.

u Noise Level and Vibration Measurement Test

The noise level was measured at a distance of one meter around the
motor with rated voltage applied under ‘no load’ condition. The lowest noise level and vibration was of Ellen pumps when compared to Kirloskar pumps.In conclusion- we can say that both the brands have their good and
strong points and although both brands are respected in the market, the customer has to make a smart choice based on the specific
requirements that he/she needs.• In overall efficiency (high water output at low energy consumption),
Ellen pumps performed on better than the Kirloskar pumps when we tested the two.• In pump performance and amount of water output, Kirloskar topped way ahead of Ellen pumps.

• Most of the brands do not attain the declared rated load of 0.37
kilowatts or 0.5 horsepower, but Ellen pumps did reach the rated load.

• The pumps of brands Ellen and Kirloskar were both ISI-marked.

• Kirloskar had  18  and  15 months’ warranty, respectively, while
Ellen gives 12 months’ warranty and free servicing .

• Ellen pumps produced higher noise levels (88.0), while Kirloskar
made the least noise.

• Kirloskar showed maximum vibration (0.7 mm/sec) whereas Ellen pumps were amongst the lowest vibrations creation levels.

• Kirloskar pumps are still more expensive than Ellen pumps due to
brand pricing and advertisement costs, but otherwise Ellen pumps are more affordable and economical overall.

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