---
title: Using speed variation for pumps
date: 2018-11-28T11:00:00-05:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/using-speed-variation-for-pumps"
section: Publications
---
Industrial, commercial and municipal engineering facilities use many types of rotating equipment. Pumping systems account for nearly 20% of the world’s energy used by electric motors and 25% to 50% of the total electrical energy used in certain industrial facilities.

 

1. This paper describes opportunities to reduce energy consumption and possibly improve performance and reliability along with reducing lifecycle costs when pump flow is controlled with variable speed drives. It focuses on the advantages this method can have for mineral processing facilities, where variable speed drives can optimize plant production and save energy.
    
    It also includes a discussion on the impact pumping systems have on the efficiency of a speed control method. This paper also describes several types of speed variation devices currently used for pumps.
    
    Finally, it refers readers to a publication by the Hydraulic Institute for more in-depth information about variable speed pumping.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA

 

    1. ![Roman Dorfman](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/132236/RomanDorfman.webp)   
    
     Roman Dorfman, P.Eng.
    
    Principal Engineer, Piping
    
         [  ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/romandorfman/)
 
 

       

  

  

 

     - [  27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp)
    - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance")
- [  02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp)
    - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing")
- [  19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Speed is earned early in projects 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
    - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects")
- [  17 Jun 2026 
    
     Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp)   
        
         Pierre Boucher, P.Eng.
        
        Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations")
 
 

       

 

 [ See all 

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") 

 

   

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think it further  
together [ Contact us    

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  Industrial, commercial and municipal engineering facilities use many types of rotating equipment. Pumping systems account for nearly 20% of the world’s energy used by electric motors and 25% to 50% of the total electrical energy used in certain industrial facilities.

 

1. This paper describes opportunities to reduce energy consumption and possibly improve performance and reliability along with reducing lifecycle costs when pump flow is controlled with variable speed drives. It focuses on the advantages this method can have for mineral processing facilities, where variable speed drives can optimize plant production and save energy.
    
    It also includes a discussion on the impact pumping systems have on the efficiency of a speed control method. This paper also describes several types of speed variation devices currently used for pumps.
    
    Finally, it refers readers to a publication by the Hydraulic Institute for more in-depth information about variable speed pumping.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA