KSB Omega. Axially split volute casing pumps for water transport and distribution
In water supply, industrial cooling, irrigation or fire-fighting systems, choosing the right pump directly affects operating costs, installation reliability and equipment service life. For these applications, KSB developed the Omega series: axially split, double-suction centrifugal volute casing pumps designed for high flow rates and high pressures.
Omega H is a horizontally installed pump, while Omega V is the vertically installed version. Both are built around a double-entry impeller that balances the axial hydraulic forces, reducing the load on the bearings and extending the service life of the assembly.
Where Omega is used
Omega series pumps are designed for pumping water and other fluids with a low solids content. The main fields of application include:
- water supply stations (waterworks);
- desalination plants;
- pressure boosting systems;
- long-distance water transport;
- service and cooling water for power plants;
- irrigation pumping stations;
- drainage stations;
- fire-fighting systems;
- shipbuilding applications;
- district heating and cooling systems.
Pumped fluids include river, lake and groundwater, stormwater, cooling water, condensate, heating water and drinking water.
Main technical data
The Omega series covers a wide performance range:
- nominal size: DN 80 – 400 mm (3″ – 15″);
- maximum flow rate: up to 4,400 m³/h;
- head: up to 210 m;
- operating pressure: up to 25 bar;
- fluid temperature: 0°C – 140°C.
The main design feature of the Omega series is the axially split volute casing. It gives access to the impeller and sealing systems without removing the suction and discharge pipes, which significantly reduces intervention times.
The casing has integral support feet and replaceable casing wear rings. The impeller is a radial impeller, with optional impeller wear rings for additional protection. The pump shaft is completely dry, protected in the seal area, which prevents direct contact between the fluid and the shaft.
The double volute design reduces radial forces on the shaft and bearings, contributing to quiet, low-vibration operation.
Materials for every operating environment
An important feature of the Omega series is the variety of casing / impeller materials available, which allows the pump to be matched to the aggressiveness of the fluid and to the ambient conditions:
- GB — grey cast iron / bronze: for normal water, optimised cost;
- GC — grey cast iron / stainless steel: for moderately aggressive water;
- SB — nodular cast iron / bronze: for higher pressures and greater mechanical strength;
- SC — nodular cast iron / stainless steel: for general industrial applications;
- DD — duplex steel / duplex steel: for corrosive media, seawater and desalination plants.
Seals and bearings
Bearing capacity is generously sized, and the calculated Lh10 bearing life is 100,000 hours, ensuring long operation without interventions.
Corrosion- and abrasion-resistant materials ensure maximum service life for the shaft protection sleeves, the casing and impeller wear rings, and the pump impeller.
The second generation of the KSB Omega series includes a number of improvements over the previous version. In the vertical version, Omega V, the bearing system has been redesigned, with grease-lubricated rolling element bearings at both ends of the shaft. This eliminates the plain bearing lubricated by the pumped fluid. A mechanical seal is available as standard, and the size range has been extended with new variants such as DN 100-250 with shaft unit DW40.1, DN 150-215/265 with DW40.2 and DN 200-250 with DW40.3.
These changes simplify maintenance and increase reliability, especially in applications where fluid quality may vary.
Accessories and monitoring
Omega series pumps can be fitted with a wide range of accessories and monitoring systems, for operation under optimum conditions and easier maintenance:
- cyclone separator, for applications with fluids containing solid particles;
- air release valve, manually or automatically operated;
- drain valve;
- system for monitoring the pump's operating parameters;
- Pt100 temperature sensors for bearing monitoring;
- SPM nipple for vibration measurement and bearing condition monitoring as part of predictive maintenance.
Pump performance can be verified by tests carried out in accordance with DIN ISO 9906 (Grade 1B, 2B, 1U) and ANSI/HI 14.6-2011. The KSB quality management system is certified to ISO 9001 / EN 29001.
For drinking water supply applications, depending on the configuration and project requirements, variants are available with certifications such as ACS, WRAS, NSF 61 and UBA.
Why choose Omega / Omega V
The KSB Omega / Omega V series is designed for applications that require high flow rates, reliable operation and a long service life, with low maintenance requirements.
The axially split casing design, together with the double-suction impeller, helps make maintenance easier and achieve favourable hydraulic operating conditions. The wide range of construction materials and the available sealing options allow the pump to be adapted to the specific requirements of each application. Thanks to these features, Omega pumps can be used in a wide range of installations.
For new projects, Generation 2 offers a number of design improvements, including an optimised bearing system and a mechanical seal in the standard configuration. Generation 1 remains relevant particularly for applications where existing pumps need to be replaced while keeping compatibility with the current installation.
Technical advice on choosing the right configuration
Choosing a pump from the Omega series must be based on the actual operating conditions of the installation. The main parameters to consider include
- the required flow rate,
- the head,
- the fluid characteristics,
- the operating temperature,
- any solid particle content and
- the suction conditions, including the available NPSH.
The Techworks can provide technical support to select the right configuration, from choosing the size and materials of construction to defining the seal type and the accessories required.
Based on this information, the design variant that best meets the technical requirements and operating conditions of the installation can be selected.
Need the right KSB Omega configuration for your application?
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