Testing fabric color fastness with gray cards is a fundamental and crucial evaluation method in the textile industry. It primarily serves to objectively assess the degree of color change in textiles after undergoing tests such as rubbing, washing, perspiration exposure, and light exposure, as well as the potential for color transfer to adjacent fabrics.

1. What is Fabric Color Fastness?

Colored fabrics during production or garments made from them during use are subjected to various external environmental factors. The ability to resist these external forces is termed the colorfastness property of the fabric or garment.

2. What is Fabric Discoloration?

In dyed textiles, environmental factors can cause fiber color loss, destruction of dye chromophores, or generation of new chromophores. This leads to changes in color saturation, hue, and brightness.

3. What is fabric color migration?

This refers to the phenomenon where, under various environmental influences, dyes detach from the originally coated fibers and transfer to other fabrics, causing them to become stained.

During colorfastness gray scale grading, discoloration and migration gray scales are used to evaluate colorfastness. Currently used gray scales include AATCC, ISO, JIS, and Chinese National Standard GB gray scales. Each gray scale has slightly different gray levels.

4.How to Use Gray Scales to Test Fabric Color Fastness

4.1 Discoloration Gray Scale: Used to evaluate changes in the test sample's own color. It consists of 5 pairs of small gray cards, ranging from Level 5 to Level 1.

Level 5 indicates no change at all, while Level 1 indicates the most severe change. Within each pair, the left card is a fixed neutral gray, and the right card gradually lightens in shade, representing the degree of color change.

4.2 Dye Transfer Gray Cards: Used to evaluate the degree of color transfer from the test sample to an adjacent white fabric (commonly called the backing fabric). Consists of 5 pairs of small white and gray cards, ranging from Level 5 to Level 1.

Level 5 indicates no color transfer whatsoever, while Level 1 indicates the most severe color transfer. In each pair, the left card is a fixed white, and the right card is a progressively darker gray, representing the degree of color transfer.

5. Color Fastness Gray Scale Evaluation Method

Grading Scale Table

Masking Card

(As shown above), during grading, specially designed apertures are used to mask sample cards for evaluating multi-fiber fabric staining, rubbing colorfastness staining, and general staining assessment.

Using masking cards allows better focus on the sample being graded while covering other areas to prevent visual interference.

6. Grading Environment

6.1 Light Source

We commonly use the D65 light source. The bulb lifespan is 2000 hours. Other light sources may be specified, such as F light source, 84-P light source, UV light source, etc.

6.2 Darkroom Lighting

Darkroom: The grading process must be conducted in a darkroom with constant humidity and temperature. Additionally, the walls and furnishings of the darkroom must be painted in a neutral gray shade, approximately matching the level between Grade 1 and Grade 2 on the gray scale (roughly equivalent to Munsell N5). As shown in the image above, the left side displays the neutral gray of the walls with the lights on, while the right side shows the color after the lights are turned off. The entire darkroom must be free of any light sources other than the light source from the grading lightbox. Furthermore, no other objects should be present on the grading table.

7. Observer's Line of Sight

Grading Angle

Grading samples using gray cards requires precise angles! This standard mandates:

- Sample positioned at 45° to the horizontal plane

- Grading light source at 45° to the sample

- Observer's eyes at 90° to the sample

Observer-to-sample distance: 50-70 cm.

8. Precautions for Viewing Color Fastness Evaluation Cabinets

8.1 Light Source is Critical: Grading must never be conducted under everyday indoor lighting (e.g., incandescent or fluorescent lamps), as results will be severely distorted.

8.2 Viewing Angle: During observation, the sample and gray card should be placed on the same plane, with the line of sight forming approximately a 45° angle to the sample surface.

8.3 Multiple-Rater Grading: For greater objectivity, two or more graders should independently evaluate samples, then average the ratings. If discrepancies exceed 0.5 grades, a third grader must re-evaluate or consensus must be reached through discussion.

Gray Scale Maintenance: Gray scales are precision instruments. Avoid soiling, scratching, and light exposure. Store in protective sleeves after use.

Gray scale grading represents the final presentation of colorfastness test results and constitutes the concluding step in colorfastness testing. Regardless of prior process accuracy and standardization, grading errors can invalidate the entire test. Grading remains a challenging task. Ensuring consistency among personnel within the same laboratory is crucial, as is maintaining consistency between testing institutions. As more brands collaborate with multiple laboratories, inter-laboratory consistency becomes increasingly vital.

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What is the toy safety test simulation little finger? At present, the safety of children's toy products has become the focus of attention in all countries, and safety is an important indicator for measuring toy products. How to find safety problems and solve them in time when designing and manufacturing toy products? How to avoid product recall due to non-compliance with the standards of toy importing countries? This requires testing of toy products.

Toy safety simulation of small fingers, in line with GB6675, EN71 and other standards of simulation testing, through the imitation of children's fingers, to assess whether touching the surface of the toy or accessories (points and surfaces of the toy) may lead to danger. There are two types of AB, A refers to be used for under 3 years old and B refers to be used for over 3 years old.

The test is performed by extending the articulating reachable probes towards the part or parts of the toy under test in any manner, with each probe rotated 90°to simulate finger joint movement. Finally, a part or component of a toy is considered to be accessible if any part before the shoulder of the shaft can reach it, visually identifying the potential hazards of the toy for everyone.

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Oil content is one of the key indicators for evaluating the performance of all fibers and fiber products except cotton, expressed as the percentage of oil content per unit mass. Different product standards use terms such as“residual fat content,”“oil content,” “dichloromethane-soluble substances,”or“ethanol extractables” as test item names.

1. In chemical fibers, oils primarily originate from additives introduced during spinning and textile processing. These additives prevent or eliminate static buildup while imparting softness and smoothness to the fibers. Oil content is a critical indicator for chemical fibers: excessively low levels may cause static electricity due to friction during production, while excessively high levels impair moisture absorption and increase susceptibility to dust accumulation.

2. The oils in feathers and down primarily originate from residual oils on duck and goose bodies after washing and disinfection processes. Excessive oil content can cause odors and bacterial growth, while insufficient oil affects the external structure of down, making it brittle and reducing the product's warmth.

3. The pupa oil in silk originates from silkworm cocoons. High oil content reduces elasticity, impairs moisture absorption and breathability, and causes odors.

4. As mammals, sheep possess sweat glands. Thus, physiological impurities in wool fibers primarily include sebaceous wax secreted by sebaceous glands, sweat secreted by sweat glands, and shed skin flakes. During raw wool processing, greasy wool sheared from sheep undergoes washing machines to remove sebaceous wax, sweat, and other impurities before drying to produce washed wool. Therefore, the oil content measured in the ethanol extract of washed wool is a key indicator of whether wool grease and sweat have been effectively removed, serving as a benchmark for evaluating washing quality.

5. During the process of combing washed wool into slivers, wool oil is added to impart smoothness, softness, and antistatic properties to loose fibers. This facilitates the passage of wool fibers through combing and spinning equipment, preventing issues like loose fibers, tangling, and breakage. Dichloromethane-soluble substances reflect components in cashmere knitwear extractable by dichloromethane solvent. These primarily include various lubricants added during production, such as spinning oils, detergents, and softeners, along with small amounts of residual natural wool grease wax. If the amount of wool oils added during production is improper, this indicator in the product may be elevated. In severe cases, this can lead to an unpleasant odor and a sticky feel.

6. Test Principle

Utilizing the property that fats and oils are soluble in organic solvents such as ether, dichloromethane, and ethanol, organic solvents are employed to extract fats and oils from the sample. The organic solvent is then evaporated in an oven. The residual fat and oil mass and the sample mass are weighed, and the oil content of the sample is calculated.

7. Test Standards

Standards vary depending on the product type, such as:

GB/T 14272—2011 “Down Garments” Appendix C: Determination of Residual Fat Content

FZ/T 20018—2010 “Determination of Dichloromethane-Soluble Substances in Wool Textiles”

GB/T 24252—2009 “Silk Quilts” Appendix C: Test Method for Oil Content in Fillings

GB/T 6504—2017 “Chemical Fibers—Test Method for Oil Content”

GB/T 6977—2008 Test Methods for Ethanol Extracts, Ash Content, Vegetable Impurities, and Total Alkali Insolubles in Cleaned Wool — Test Method for Ethanol Extracts in Cleaned Wool

8. Are different testing methods interchangeable?

Although oil content testing methods vary for different types of fiber products, the underlying principles remain consistent. These methods utilize solvents such as diethyl ether, dichloromethane, or ethanol to extract fats and oils from the sample. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind residual fat. The sample's oil content is calculated using a formula. The QuicExtra Rapid Fiber Oil Extractor is compatible with extraction solvents such as petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and dichloromethane.

9. Testing Equipment

QuicExtra Fiber Oil Rapid Extractor

Also known as the Fiber Oil Rapid Extractor, this device utilizes the principles of solvent penetration and evaporation (using solvents such as petroleum ether, diethyl ether, or other organic solvents) to dissolve oils within textile fibers. This enables the detection of oil content in wool and synthetic fiber samples. Featuring a 3-station design, it rapidly and thoroughly extracts oils within 10 minutes, automatically calculates oil content, and uploads results to the system upon confirmation.

The oil content of different textile fibers varies depending on fiber type and processing requirements. Below are typical oil content ranges for common textile fibers (for reference only), generally expressed as percentages:

Polyester: 0.3% - 1%

Nylon: 0.5% - 2%

Polypropylene: 0.2% - 0.8%

Acrylic: 1% - 3%

Wool: 1% - 3%

Cotton: Below 0.5%

Viscose: 0.3% - 0.8%

Modal: 0.2% - 0.5%

Aramid: 0.1% - 0.5%

Carbon Fiber: Below 0.05%

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In daily life, down penetration can occasionally occur in down jackets and duvets, creating a negative consumer experience.

1. Down Burst Factors

Down feathers in down products contain a large amount of stagnant air. When a down quilt is squeezed, the air inside the down product is expelled through the fabric and needle holes. These airborne particles, called down filaments (hereinafter referred to as flying filaments), are carried by the high-speed airflow and attached to the fabric of the quilt, causing down bursts.

Down bursts can occur for a variety of reasons, such as insufficient fabric density, large needle holes, or poor down quality. This directly impacts the appearance and warmth of the down.

1.1 Down Structure

Because down is composed of protein molecules with a unique tree-like structure, they are easily charged by friction, causing like charges to repel each other and leak through micropores or seams. When down is subjected to external forces, it tends to rebound. During this rebound, air bursts through the fabric, pushing down feathers out from both sides. Furthermore, down is composed of a large number of components, and the tips of down filaments, feathers, and feathers are sharp, making it easy for them to burst through the fabric.

1.2 High Unfinished Down Content

The higher the unfinished down content in a down, the more it will be pierced; conversely, the lower the unfinished down content, the less it will be pierced.

For example, in 90% down that meets the national standard GB/T 14272-2021 "Down Clothing," the detectable unfinished down content can reach up to 10%. With such a high unfinished down content, it's difficult to minimize or eliminate piercing.

Experimental data shows that as the total amount of unfinished down decreases, the number of pinhole-pierced down decreases. When the unfinished down content drops below 3%, the number of pinhole-pierced down decreases by over 80% compared to down with a 12% unfinished down content.

1.3 Low density of the outer and inner lining material, resulting in high air permeability

In existing down jacket construction, the outer fabric, lining, or lining material may all be used to encase the down, and come into close contact and friction with the down.

The lower the density of the outer and inner lining material, the larger the gaps between the fabric fibers, resulting in higher air permeability and an increased chance of flyaway fibers penetrating the fabric. Some companies use calendering or coating processes to reduce fabric air permeability, achieving better initial down-proofing properties. However, as the down jacket is washed and rubbed, the down-proofing effectiveness of calendering or coating diminishes, and down penetration increases. Only by increasing the fabric density to achieve an air permeability of 1-3 mm/s can long-lasting down-proofing properties be achieved.

1.4 Filling Sequence

Currently, most factories use down filling machines. There are two filling processes: filling first and then quilting the down bag; quilting the down bag first and then filling each cell with down. The first filling process is more efficient, as each quilting needle hole compresses some down. These down fibers are close to the needle holes and easily escape through them due to airflow or friction. The second filling process is less efficient, but the quilting needle holes don't compress the down. To escape, the fibers must penetrate the down surrounding them and escape with the airflow, making this process significantly more challenging than the first. Experimental data shows that the amount of down that escapes when quilting first and then filling is reduced by over 60% compared to filling first and then quilting.

Taking all of the above factors into consideration, if companies want to ensure low down penetration in down products, they must implement effective measures and increase product costs to address this issue.

2. Anti-Down Penetration Test Method (Rotating Box Method)

2.1 Ready-to-Draw Down Garments

Principle: The entire test sample is placed in a rotating box of a testing instrument containing shaped silicone rubber balls. The rotating box rotates at a constant speed, bringing the shaped silicone rubber balls to a certain height and impacting the sample within the box, simulating the various squeezing, rubbing, and collision experiences experienced by the test sample during wear. The overall anti-down penetration performance of the garment is evaluated by calculating the number of down, feathers, and down fibers that emerge from the sample per unit area.

2.2 Down Quilts

Principle: Sample bags of fixed size are cut from the down filling area/layer of a finished down quilt or composite down quilt and placed in a rotating box of the testing instrument filled with hard silicone balls. The rotating box rotates at a constant speed, carrying the silicone balls to a certain height, where they impact the sample inside the box, simulating the various squeezing, rubbing, and collision effects that down quilts experience during use. The overall down penetration resistance of the down quilt is evaluated by counting the number of feathers, down, and down fibers that emerge from the sample bag.

[GB/T 12705.2-2009 "Textiles - Test Method for Down Penetration Resistance of Fabrics - Part 2: Rotating Box Method"]

Evaluation of anti-down drilling performance:

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In modern manufacturing, product airtightness and reliability testing have become paramount for quality control. This is particularly true in sectors such as automotive parts, new energy batteries, refrigeration equipment, heat exchangers, and household appliances, where even the slightest leak can result in significant economic losses and safety hazards.

Among numerous testing technologies, helium testing equipment, with its high sensitivity, fast detection speed, and strong stability, has gradually become the industry's preferred choice.

The following details the industry applications of helium testing equipment, the importance of selecting a source manufacturer, and recommends a trustworthy source manufacturer, HJ Test System.

I. Major Industry Applications of Helium Testing Equipment

1.Automotive Parts

New energy vehicles and traditional fuel vehicles have extremely stringent airtightness requirements. Key components such as battery packs, condensers, compressors, and oil coolers must undergo rigorous helium leak testing to ensure vehicle safety and long-term stability.

2. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry

In refrigeration systems, leaks not only reduce equipment performance but also pose environmental risks. Helium testing equipment can help manufacturers quickly locate leaks during the production process, significantly reducing after-sales repair costs and enhancing brand reputation.

3. New Energy and Energy Storage Industry

The sealing performance of lithium battery and hydrogen fuel cell casings directly impacts the safety of energy storage systems. Helium testing technology ensures that battery casings and valves remain reliable under high temperatures and pressures, meeting international safety standards.

4. Heat Exchanger and Home Appliance Industry

Whether it's a plate heat exchanger, refrigerator, or water heater, the sealing performance of welds and pipe connections directly determines the product's lifespan. Helium testing can help manufacturers control quality at the source and avoid post-sales risks.

II. Why Choose a Source Manufacturer of Helium Testing Equipment?

Faced with numerous suppliers, companies are most concerned about equipment quality, price, and after-sales service. Choosing a source manufacturer offers the following advantages:

Technical Support: Source manufacturers possess independent R&D capabilities, ensuring equipment accuracy and stability.

Customization: We can tailor testing solutions to meet customers' diverse process requirements.

Better Cost: We avoid multiple layers of agency markups, resulting in more reasonable prices. Comprehensive after-sales service: We provide installation and commissioning, training, and remote support to ensure long-term, stable equipment operation.

III. HJ Test System: A Trusted Source

As a leading source manufacturer of helium testing equipment, HJ Test System has many years of experience in airtightness testing. Its products are widely used in various industries, including automotive manufacturing, new energy, refrigeration, home appliances, and heat exchangers.

Core Advantages:

Complete product range: including helium testing systems for plate heat exchangers, helium leak detection equipment for automotive parts, and battery housing airtightness testing systems.

Strong R&D capabilities: We independently master core technologies, resulting in highly sensitive equipment and high testing efficiency.

Customized services: We provide standardized and customized testing solutions based on customer process requirements.

Comprehensive after-sales service: We provide rapid response, equipment installation, operator training, and remote technical support.

Application Cases:

Automotive Industry Client: After a new energy vehicle manufacturer implemented HJ Test System's battery pack helium testing system, they saw an 18% increase in product qualification rate and a significant reduction in after-sales issues. Refrigeration Industry Customer: A large air conditioning company has saved over 2 million yuan in annual after-sales costs by adopting a helium leak detection system.

IV. FAQ

Q1: What is the detection accuracy of helium detection equipment?

A1: Helium detection equipment has a sensitivity of up to 10⁻⁷ mbar·L/s, capable of detecting extremely small leaks, far exceeding traditional detection methods.

Q2: What products are suitable for helium detection equipment?

A2: It is suitable for a variety of industries, including automotive parts (battery packs, compressors, condensers), refrigeration equipment, plate heat exchangers, energy storage batteries, and home appliances.

Q3: Is the HJ Test System customizable?

A3: Yes. HJ Test System can provide customized helium detection system solutions based on customer process parameters and testing standards.

Q4: Is the helium detection equipment complex to maintain?

A4: The equipment is well-designed, routine maintenance is simple, and we provide comprehensive training and technical support, allowing customers to quickly get started.

Q5: Why choose HJ Test System, a source manufacturer?

A5: We have become a long-term partner of many manufacturers due to our independent R&D and production capabilities, high product precision, reasonable costs, and comprehensive after-sales service.

As global manufacturing continues to improve quality standards, the application of helium testing equipment will become even more widespread. Choosing a professional source manufacturer not only ensures testing accuracy and efficiency, but also reduces production and after-sales costs.

As an experienced source manufacturer of helium testing equipment in the industry, HJ Test System has become the preferred partner of many companies with its superior technical strength and comprehensive service system. If you are looking for high-performance helium testing equipment and a reliable source manufacturer, HJ Test System is undoubtedly the best and most trustworthy choice.

The challenges of wastewater treatment are intensifying

Global wastewater treatment equipment manufacturers face the same challenge: the increasing presence of solids in wastewater, sewage, and surface water, such as wet wipes and other braided contents that can clog pumps. Despite this, especially in an era of shrinking budgets and increasing process complexity, operating wastewater treatment plants must be as efficient, trouble-free, and maintenance-free as possible.

Ensuring Reliable and Efficient Wastewater Treatment

As experts in wastewater treatment, SUOU offers tailored, end-to-end solutions for pumps, valves, and services, enabling your equipment to operate more efficiently and reliably. Optimized processes enhance equipment performance while reducing maintenance costs.

SUOU energy-efficient, low-maintenance pumps can be used in all stages of purification, such as initial purification in influent pumping stations, conveying primary sludge and floating sludge, and activated sludge recycling in biological processes.

SUOU: Clog-Free, Completely Reliable

SUOU WQ (QW) series wastewater pumps feature clog-free impellers and large free-flow paths, ensuring efficient discharge even with high solids content. Energy-efficient drives, wear-resistant materials, and intelligent automation optimize your processes, enhance equipment performance, and ensure reduced maintenance costs. Longitudinal waterproof inlet pipes and mechanical seals with covered springs are suitable for particularly abrasive wastewater, ensuring a higher level of reliability.

SUOU mixers and agitators help break down harmful substances through wastewater circulation. SUOU agitators feature optimized hydraulic performance, rupture-resistant blades, and exceptionally long maintenance intervals, setting the standard in their segment.

With decades of market experience, SUOU offers extensive application knowledge, even for large projects. You benefit from the assistance of application and service experts throughout the equipment's lifecycle.

Offering a wide range of products for wastewater treatment:

Dry-installed wastewater pumps

Booster pumps

High-pressure pumps

Inline pumps

Mixers, agitators, and tank purification equipment

Standard pumps

Submersible recirculation pumps

Shell pumps and well submersible pumps

Volcanic pumps

Submersible pumps

Applications:

Wastewater treatment plants treating wastewater mechanically, biologically, and chemically

Sludge treatment

Flood and stormwater overflow

Tank purification

Surface drainage

Drainage

Benefits:

Choose the best products from a range of pumps in various configurations for all wastewater treatment processes

Extensive international experience providing strong consulting services to planners, equipment manufacturers, and operators

Reliable and efficient operation with non-clogging impellers and energy-efficient drives

Reliable international supplier of pumps, valves, and services

Service and spare parts solutions covering the entire lifecycle

Towards a Zero-Carbon Factory: KSB Shanghai's Carbon Verification, Product Carbon Footprint, and Renewable Energy Practices

 

Amidst the global response to climate change, controlling greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development have become crucial responsibilities for businesses. Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd. is deeply aware of this and is actively engaged in carbon reduction efforts. By organizing carbon emission and carbon footprint verification activities and implementing a series of greenhouse gas control measures, we contribute to addressing global climate change.

Continuing Carbon Verification Activities

Against the backdrop of global efforts to address climate change and promote green development, my country's "Dual Carbon" strategy has become an important guide for the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd., with its keen insight into current trends, has proactively responded and implemented measures. In 2021, the company invited the China Quality Certification Center to initiate third-party carbon verification work in accordance with the ISO14064 standard. By verifying and analyzing energy consumption data, we identify energy-saving and consumption-reduction sources and effectively reduce CO2 emissions by reducing energy consumption.

In its carbon emissions verification work, Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd. adheres to a scientific and rigorous approach, conducting in-depth investigations and precise calculations of every carbon emission source throughout its production and operations, in accordance with the internationally recognized ISO14064 standard and specifications. The verification covers Scope 1 direct emissions, Scope 2 indirect emissions from purchased energy, and Scope 3 indirect emissions from the transportation system and the use of products. Verification activities encompass all stages, from raw material procurement and production and processing to product transportation. Through years of meticulous verification, Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd. has established a complete and accurate carbon emissions data system, providing solid data support for the development of scientifically sound emission reduction measures and promoting and achieving annual emission reduction targets.

In 2024, Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd., building on its carbon verification efforts, expanded its product carbon footprint verification to address the growing customer awareness of energy conservation and environmental protection, as well as the international market's demand for product carbon emissions. During the accounting process, the team conducted an in-depth analysis of carbon emissions from raw material procurement, including emissions from raw material use and energy consumption during transportation. They fully considered the carbon emission intensity of different transportation modes (road, rail, sea, etc.) and the impact of transportation distance on carbon emissions. During the manufacturing phase, detailed statistics were compiled on greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption of production and testing equipment.

Through the team's tireless efforts, they successfully completed the carbon footprint accounting for the ETB 125-100-315 and ETB 100-080-315 products and obtained product carbon footprint certificates from the China Quality Certification Center.

This product carbon footprint accounting has yielded significant results for the company. Firstly, it provides a clearer understanding of the carbon emissions of the two products, identifying the main sources and key links in the manufacturing process, and charting the course for subsequent energy conservation and emission reduction efforts. Secondly, this initiative demonstrates the company's commitment to actively implementing the concept of green development and will help enhance its brand image and market competitiveness. Completing the carbon footprint accounting for these two products is just the beginning of Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd.'s green development journey. Going forward, the company will use these two products as a breakthrough point to gradually expand the scope of its product carbon footprint accounting and promote the development and production of more green products. Furthermore, based on the results of the accounting, the company will develop practical emission reduction measures. Through technological innovation, process optimization, and energy structure adjustments, the company aims to reduce product carbon emissions and provide customers with more low-carbon, environmentally friendly products.

Benchmarking against green factories and continuously implementing green emission reduction efforts

As the concept of sustainable development becomes increasingly popular, green transformation in the industrial sector has become a major trend. As a leader in the industry, Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd. has actively responded to this call and is fully committed to achieving green factory standards by 2025, aiming to build a resource-efficient, environmentally friendly modern factory.

In the process of building a green factory, Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd. attaches great importance to energy management. Through a series of technological transformations and management optimizations, it has successfully passed energy management system certification.

This certification is not only a recognition of Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd.'s energy management efforts, but also a significant milestone in its journey towards green development. Under the guidance of its energy management system, Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd. meticulously streamlined and optimized its production processes, conducting comprehensive energy-saving assessments and improvements across equipment selection, production processes, and energy procurement. Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd. also introduced an advanced energy monitoring system to monitor energy consumption in real time, promptly identifying and addressing energy waste.

To further reduce carbon emissions and achieve green development, Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd. has invested heavily in green energy applications. As early as 2021, the company achieved a 50% reduction in water consumption through the renovation of its water supply and drainage network. The first phase of its rooftop photovoltaic system was installed and connected to the grid in September 2023, and the second phase was completed in October 2024. Together, the two rooftop photovoltaic systems will generate over 6 million kWh annually, meeting over 50% of the factory's electricity needs and reducing carbon emissions by 2,000 tons annually. By the end of 2024, the company's carbon emissions reduction from electricity, water, and natural gas consumption had decreased by 52% compared to 2018. The company achieved the KSB Group headquarters' goal of a 30% year-on-year reduction in carbon emissions by 2025 compared to 2018, ahead of schedule.

In production, the company continuously optimizes processes, improves energy efficiency, and reduces carbon emissions at the source. It also strengthens supply chain management, encourages suppliers to embrace green development, and builds a green supply chain to ensure low-carbon processes in raw material procurement and product transportation. The company will also actively participate in industry exchanges and collaborations, share its experience in establishing green factories, and contribute to the green development of the entire pump industry, leading the industry towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

Future Outlook

Shanghai KSB Pump Co., Ltd. will continue to unwaveringly advance its green and sustainable development strategy, incorporate zero-carbon factories into its corporate development strategy, and continuously strengthen carbon emission management and control. The company will further increase investment in clean energy utilization, production process innovation, and green supply chain integration, continuously exploring new emission reduction technologies and methods, and strive to achieve even higher emission reduction targets. The company will actively participate in carbon emission-related activities within the industry and society, strengthen cooperation and exchanges with governments, research institutions, and businesses, and jointly promote solutions to global climate change and contribute more to building a beautiful home for our planet.

What are the key terms of centrifugal pump?

1. Working point: the point on the performance curve that represents the actual running condition of the centrifugal pump is the intersection of the head curve and the resistance curve.

2. Specified point: the point determined by the specified flow rate and the specified head on the performance curve.

3. Head rise: the algebraic difference between the total water head at the outlet and the total water head at the inlet.

4. Close Yangcheng: the total head when the pump flow is zero.

5. Specified head: the total head corresponding to the specified flow rate on the contract sheet.

6. Cavitation margin: The difference between the absolute total water head at the inlet relative to the NPSH reference plane and the vaporization pressure head.

7. Allow suction vacuum height: For different types of pumps and different operating conditions, consider a certain safety margin of suction vacuum height.

8. Rated flow: the flow rate at the guaranteed point.

9. Pump output power: the power transferred to the output liquid by the pump.

10. Pump input power (shaft power): the power transmitted from the drive machine to the pump.

11. Drive input power: the power absorbed by the pump drive.

What are the wrong ways to use a pump?

As a key component for water transportation and pressure boosting, pumps play a vital role in water supply systems. However, they frequently encounter operational issues, most of which stem from improper usage. Years of practical experience have identified ten common misuse patterns in pump operation.

1.Overload

Whether it is flow, pressure or speed, long-term excessive deviation from the rated design point of work, may lead to increased pump load, such as centrifugal pump full open power maximum, shorten its life, or even "death".

2. Difficulty in medium inhalation

● The imported liquid level is too low, which is easy to produce vortex, suck in air, resulting in cavitation, flow head reduction;

● The inlet pipe or inlet is blocked by foreign matter, resulting in reduced flow and head;

● When the medium temperature increases, the vaporization pressure of the medium increases, and the cavitation margin decreases, resulting in the decrease of the suction stroke;

● The inlet pipe is unreasonable (such as: too many elbow joints of the inlet pipe, the pipe diameter is smaller than the pump inlet), the pipeline loss increases, and the cavitation margin decreases, which is easy to cause cavitation;

● The installation altitude of the pump is increased, the atmospheric pressure is reduced, the cavitation margin is reduced, resulting in the suction stroke is reduced.

3. Close the valve only, and the water pump is not powered off

In addition to automatic pumps and intelligent pumps, ordinary water pumps are operated for a long time under closed valve conditions, and there is no bypass. All the energy consumption of the system is wasted in "heating" water, resulting in pump cavitation, which causes unstable operation of the pump and even accidents.

4. CORROSION

The conveyed medium may corrode flow components and mechanical seals. For example, hydrochloric acid corrodes stainless steel, and hydrofluoric acid corrodes silicon carbide.

Note: The corroded surface will appear with a dense array of pinholes of varying sizes, resembling the surface of the moon.

5. Erosion

The liquid carrying solid particles will continuously wash the pump chamber, impeller and other flow components, so that the pump's service flow, head and life are reduced.

Note: In case of severe abrasion, fish scale pattern will appear on the abraded surface.

6. Pump body cracking

Due to the blockage of export or the high pressure of import, or the freezing of liquid in the pump chamber due to low temperature, the actual pressure of the pump chamber is far higher than its bearing pressure, and finally the pump body cracks.

7、vibrate

The pump is installed on a rigid foundation, lacking vibration damping measures, or the foundation is too weak to provide sufficient strength. The inlet and outlet pipelines lack support, resulting in uneven force on the unit, which binds the pump's operating vibration, and the pump "jumps" like on a trampoline.

8. Dampness

● The onshore pump is in a wet environment for a long time or the mechanical seal fails, and the liquid leakage splashes to the motor's non-sealed part.

●  The sealing of the submersible pump is failed, the cable is not sealed, the pump is exposed to moisture in the humid environment or the cable is dropped into the pool, resulting in liquid intrusion into the motor chamber.

Note: If there are water stains and condensate beads in the motor and the insulation resistance is less than 50 megohms, it is considered to be damp.

9. Irregular inspections

Pumps never get enough "care". They are not checked and maintained regularly according to the instructions, the machine seal is not replaced irregularly, the iron pump and aluminum pump are not repainted, and the vibration is not checked, so that the pump from "minor disease not treated" to "major disease not treated".

10. Poor heat dissipation

● The submersible electric pump motor is exposed to the water surface for dehydration operation, or sunk in the mud, so that the motor heat dissipation is slow, easy to cause burning, especially the oil-filled motor heat dissipation is bad, there is a chance of explosion.

●  The onshore pump is installed in the corner or in the closed box, and the fan cannot ventilate the surrounding air, resulting in poor heat dissipation of the motor.

XYLEM serves the top sewage treatment plants in Asia

As the largest sewage treatment plant in Asia, Shanghai Zhuyuan Sewage Treatment Plant covers an area of 33.79 hectares, with a total treatment capacity of 3.4 million tons per day, serving a population of 6 million. It ranks among the first batch of green and low-carbon benchmark sewage treatment plants, providing ecological and environmental protection for the sustainable development of Shanghai.

Sailor's flagship wastewater treatment system, featuring UV filtration, sedimentation tanks, and pump-aeration technology, has enabled Shanghai Zhuyuan Wastewater Treatment Plant to achieve' volume reduction and capacity upgrade'. This innovation has reduced CO₂ emissions by 16,400 tons, generating annual economic benefits of approximately 13 million yuan, while ensuring operational excellence and sustainable development.

UV System

WEDECO Duron UV System

♦ The total UV treatment capacity reaches 2.6 million tons per day (cumulative from Zhuyuan Plant 1, 2, and 4)

♦ Unique 45-degree slanted fabric lamp with enhanced sterilization effect

♦ ECORAY's lamp tubes and advanced rectifier technology reduce operating costs

Filter system

Leopold denitrification deep bed filter

♦ China's largest single-phase denitrification filter project, with a daily processing capacity of 1.1 million tons

♦ Ultra-long running cycle and ultra-low backwash water consumption

♦ Ensure Class 1A effluent quality at high filtration rates

Pump and Suction System

Flygt Flying Submarine Pump, Custom High-Flow Pump

(PL Series Axial Flow Pumps, N Series Submersible Pumps)

♦ World leader in submersible pump innovation

♦ Continuous and efficient, no clogging

♦ Easy installation and smart control

♦ Meet all pumping needs of sewage treatment plant

B&G GLC Series Vertical Pipeline Pump

♦ Ultra high pump efficiency and ultra low cavitation margin

♦ Compact structure, stable and reliable

Lowara e-SV Vertical Multi-stage Pump

♦ High efficiency achieved by sophisticated hydraulic model