PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
pumps off er near-silent performance. (Traditionally this type of technology is used in the food industry, but R&D teams have recognised the benefi t of using the technology in condensate pumps.) Rotary diaphragm technology boasts many benefi ts, lowering sound levels and improving effi ciency. It features no touching parts, so it is quieter, with a vibration reduction; it also boasts smooth effi ciency and torque, prevents overheating, and increases a pump’s longevity, marking an evolution for condensate pumps. Silence is designed into this type of pump rather than requiring any anti-vibration dampers or attenuation to lower sound levels.
On-demand operation Another key design development that is making pumps quiet is on-demand operation. On-demand condensate pumps are the logical step in pump evolution. These pumps are designed with intelligent, sophisticated controls and clever sensors that collect data and adjust switching levels and motor speed depending on the fl ow rate, ensuring it only works, removing condensate, when needed. This means reducing motor noise and off ering cost and
energy-saving benefi ts, maximising reliability and extending pump life. Featuring innovative intelligent variable speed demand control, the pump dynamically adapts to its environment, reducing the fl ow to the minimum required. With the in-built capacitance sensor technology replacing the old fl oat and switch design, the pump is easy to install and easy to maintain. The demand control is enabled by an innovative electronic fl oat switch that provides more precise control and improved reliability than mechanical alternatives and is ideal for integrating with digital control systems. This means the pump is highly energy effi cient and its on-demand control uses 10 times less energy than its predecessor, which used piston technology, since energy is not wasted.
Performance
Since the mid-2000s, both wall-mounted and fl oor- standing AC units have been reducing in size, driven by consumers desiring a more aesthetically pleasing look in habitable rooms. With size at such a premium in modern developments, smaller AC units are an attractive option for developers. As a result, condensate pumps have undergone redesigns. First, pumps became smaller with the launch of mini pumps, and now mini pumps have become more powerful. For example, the 5th Gen Silent+ Mini Lime Pump now delivers a new powerful fl ow rate of 40L/h, around four times the performance of a piston-based mini pump, as well as boasting a larger tank and head capability, making it suitable for a wider range of applications, including high wall split systems. These developments make larger condensate pumps, such as the Maxi Lime pump, now obsolete, saving space for developers. It also means ACR engineers only need one pump rather than two. For HVACR wholesalers it simplifi es stock management and increases warehouse space, with fewer product lines required.
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Installation ACR engineers are always a key consideration when it
comes to condensate pump design, so manufacturers have designed the latest mini elbow pumps to be simpler and faster to install. As a result, the latest pumps have fewer parts to connect since there is no longer a need for a damper, anti-siphon, buttons or lights. Plus, the latest pumps have Univolt compatibility with both 110v and 230v, which means there is no need for separate pumps. Consequently, ACR engineers only need to carry one type of elbow pump in their vans, not two and can be assured they have the right pump for the job. The Univolt also means that engineers can be confi dent that the pump can operate anywhere in the world without changing performance. Perfect for replacement installations, these pumps also
provide backwards compatible Plug & Play. The pumps are compatible with all APG trunking for ease of replacement. Engineered to fi t discreetly in trunking elbows the Silent+ Mini Lime off ers installation versatility thanks to its compatibility with a raft of trunking systems for both left or right install options. ACR engineers will also be pleased to hear that the latest mini elbow pumps feature an easy clip-on/off reservoir, making service and maintenance easier and reducing the risk of spillages. The pumps also feature three-stage fi ltration to avoid blockages. Plus, with the environmental impact a big consideration for manufacturers, the newest pumps see a reduction in packaging, reducing waste on-site. All-in-all, manufacturers are so assured by the technology
featured in the new generation of mini elbow pumps that pumps now come with a 3-year warranty rather than two since they provide improved reliability and increased performance.
Air conditioning technology has come a long way from
its roots in New York over 100 years ago. As air conditioning design changes to become smaller and more effi cient to meet customer demand, condensate pump design will follow suit. With air conditioning requirements and demands only set to grow over the next 30 years, it will be interesting to see what the market can come up with next.
www.acr-news.com • March 2025 31
Over 20 years later, it is no surprise that the condensate pump design has seen a signifi cant redesign. Smaller, quieter, and more intelligent and effi cient – the pump industry has had to keep up with the latest in consumer demands.
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