Challenge

The Time Warner Center completed construction in 2003.  The building’s original booster pumps were constant speed, horizontal split case pumps that provided water to potable fixtures.  Over the course of 10 years, the building paid high maintenance costs due to frequent replacement of the Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) on the discharge of the pumps.  A new federal code requirement, NSF/ANSI 61, also called for different materials of construction to reduce lead in drinking water. 

Solution

The engineering team recommended QuantumFlo’s WisperFlo variable speed booster pump package.  The WisperFlo does not use a PRV, but rather a variable frequency drive (VFD) and control logic to maintain system pressure based on demand. A submersible vertical multistage pump type is used on the WisperFlo instead of a horizontal split case type.  The submersible pump is surrounded by water within a stainless steel canister.

Providing the same output, the motor horsepower required was decreased from 60HP to 30HP.  The lower horsepower, variable speed capability, and removal of the PRV will allow for substantial operating and maintenance savings.  The new booster system complies with NSF/ANSI 61 and the submersible pump design also greatly reduced the noise that was formerly caused by the old pumps.

Products on the Job

QuantumFlo WisperFlo variable speed, constant pressure booster pump package
No PRV, No Bladder Tank