A new centrifugal pump designed for high pressure applications aims to reduce downtime, prolong lifespans and save operational costs.

The Atlas Copco PAC H centrifugal pump is part of the company’s High Head series and can pump to heads of up to 150 m, with a capacity reaching 1 200 m³/hour.

Dewatering pump specialists IPR has been appointed master dealer for the new pump and other Atlas Copco dewatering pumps in Southern Africa.

Designed to handle liquids that contain solids up to 89 mm in size, the PAC H is suited to a range of industrial applications such as quarrying, mining, construction, municipal and agricultural applications, as well as in the oil and gas sector.

The pump features a protected seal and the closed impeller is equipped with deflector vanes that help to keep the mechanical seal clean and free of detritus. IPR MD Lee Vine says that this unique hydraulic design helps the mechanical seal last three times longer.

“With our customers focused on achieving the lowest total cost of ownership on dewatering pump installations, it is important to note that the PAC H boasts a number of features that help customers to reduce the cost of ownership through shorter repair times,” he adds.

The Atlas Copco hinge kit and semi-cartridge seal design is said to make the mean time to repair up to 30% faster. There is also a bolted wear plate and link belts allowing the wear components to be serviced and replaced without dismantling the pump.

The hinge kit facilitates maintenance by having a swing door that allows easy access to the pump’s internal workings. There is a single bolt to remove the impeller and the semi-cartridge seal enables changeout without dismantling the pump, making the lip seal and impeller easily accessible.

In addition, bolted wear rings enable precise and simple replacement compared to pressed alternatives and the use of link belts allows for changeovers without having to dismantle the wet end of the unit. A transducer and floats allow for automatic operation, as well as engine management with alarms and fault shutdown.

“As pump users embrace environmental responsibility and move toward lower emissions, the PAC H pump is there to support their efforts. The model complies with EU emissions requirements, and there are offerings that suit worldwide emission norms and certifications,” Vine adds. “The pump features a 120% fully leak-free structure, making it the environmentally friendly option.”