Intelligent systems drive European pump industry

By Control Engineering Staff July 5, 2006

Intelligent pump systems and similar technologies are the main drivers for growth in the European pump industry, a recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan indicates. Demand for “smart” pumps is increasing across many end-user segments, such as water and wastewater treatment, building automation, and food and beverage.

“European Intelligent Pump Systems Markets” reveals that this mature market generated revenues of $68.5 million in 2005. The total is likely to reach $230.3 million in 2012. The report notes that “the growing uptake of intelligent pumps in these end-user segments is largely due to stringent European Union (EU) legislations on environmental and energy issues,” adding that the expansion in eastern Europe is also likely to open up highly lucrative market opportunities.

According to the analysis, changing legislation is creating demand for advanced equipment that can meet the requirements of EU directives on water and wastewater quality and energy performance. End-users under pressure to comply with new policies are focusing on acquiring more reliable and sophisticated pumps that can reduce energy costs and address issues of cavitation and dead-heading.

End-users, says Frost & Sullivan, are taking a more long-term view of pump and total life running costs, and they are demanding high-efficiency pumps despite higher costs because of the future savings such systems can offer. Among the biggest challenges facing pump manufacturers, F&S continues, is to educate the end-user base about the benefits of integrated solutions.

—Control Engineering Daily News Desk

Jeanine Katzel , senior editor