The rate of wastewater treatment in India is very poor and this has critical implications for our environment and health. This is where there is an opportunity for infrastructure development in water & wastewater segment, says Farrokh Bhathena, Director – Sales and Marketing, KSB Ltd.

How is the water & wastewater infrastructure evolving in India? Which segments drive the demand for pumps?

There are two major segments driving infrastructure investments, Building Services and Water & Wastewater. Be it 100 smart cities of India, new airports coming in various cities including North-east part of India, data centres, high-rise buildings in metro cities, shopping malls, theme parks, new parliament building, National War Memorial etc.

The rate of wastewater treatment in India is very poor and this has critical implications for our environment and health. It also has a substantial impact on fresh water scarcity. This is where there is an opportunity for infrastructure development in Water & Wastewater segment in terms of expanding the network of sewage pipes and setting up wastewater treatment systems.

Indian Government has taken enormous WATER missions like National Water Mission,  has initiated a campaign Catch the Rain, Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal-Har Ghar Nal), Namami Gange Programme (effective abatement of pollution and conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga), Atal Mission (to establish infrastructure that could ensure adequate robust sewage networks and water supply for urban transformation by implementing urban revival projects, and AMRUT mission (ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewage connection). Due to this there are many upcoming sewage treatment plants, flood control pumping stations, water treatment plants, and effluent treatment plants at various locations in India. 

What are the key growth drivers for this market?

The growing population and urbanisation as well as industrial development, which all lead to higher volumes of wastewater and the treatment of the same is the biggest driver.

Growing investments and stricter regulations for water and wastewater transport and treatment, climate change with increasing flooding, the development of new technologies is aimed at low total cost of ownership and more water reuse.

What are the latest pumping solutions and applications in water & wastewater sector?

There is a very active market in all water and wastewater applications such as water intake, water treatment, water supply, irrigation, flood control, municipal wastewater transport/treatment, sludge management, industrial wastewater treatment and wastewater reuse.

Availability of fresh water has been the main reason of growth of civilisation. Lack of readily available fresh water has created a demand of desalination plants in Indian cities in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujrat to convert seawater into potable water or drinking water.

KSB is a globally recognised specialist in the field of water treatment and seawater desalination. Our pumps, valves and services set the standards in waterworks and desalination plants.

What are the upcoming technologies in water pumps and sewage pumps?

Digitalisation in the pumps required in Water & Wastewater segment is increased, so as to have remote monitoring of the pumping stations. New generation of wastewater pumps come in combination with non-clogging impellers and high-efficiency motors. KSB Pumps offers best-in-class efficiency in pumps used in the water and wastewater segment. In water applications, the impeller plays a key role, the design, geometry and free passage of an optimally selected impeller ensures maximum freedom from clogging.

Different impeller types can be used depending on the respective requirements. 

The F-max free flow impeller from KSB gives maximum efficiency and minimum clogging risk due to the asymmetric arrangement of its vanes. This impeller offers a large, free passage that allows solids of different sizes to pass without difficulty. Moreover, the slightly convex profile of the hub in the middle of the impeller reliably prevents all risk of clogging from long-fibrous materials such as hygiene wipes.

How is the technology evolving in pumps? What are the green technologies used in pumps?

Renewable energy is part of the global fight against climate change. One of the greatest challenges of our time is to balance a growing demand for energy with the need for greater environmental protection. This can only be achieved by designing pumps with high efficiency, using variable frequency drives to avoid wastage of power etc. KSB pumps are designed to meet such challenges as well as ensure reliable and trouble-free operation, once they are installed.

Sustainable environmental protection requires reliable, long-lasting products and high-efficiency products which conserve energy. Pumps in this sector can be exposed to very aggressive environments. It is therefore important that systems deliver trouble-free operation at all times.

KSB pumps make a valuable contribution to the optimum economic efficiency of your plant right from the outset. This minimises maintenance, repair and lifecycle costs. KSB Pumps has high-performance and reliable components in the pump – optimised for operational reliability.