Recently appointed master dealer for Atlas Copco dewatering pumps in Southern Africa, IPR, says it is well-placed to advise on selecting the most appropriate pumps for specific dewatering projects.

IPR product manager Steve du Toit notes that there are a range of factors to consider when choosing a pump, such as the nature of the fluid to be pumped and the nature of the site.

“You need to know the weight of the fluid, so that the pump has enough power to draw the liquid through,” he says. “In many cases, we find different fluid types on the same construction, quarrying or mining site; sludge, construction materials and other insoluble materials must often be pumped along with the fluid.”

“The pH level in the fluid is also essential to understand, as this indicates how acidic the liquid is,” he explains. “The further the fluid deviates from the neutral … the more chemical impact the fluid will have on the pump’s internal components.”

Du Toit notes that the pump internals must be constructed of appropriate material to ensure resistance to fluids with high acid or base characteristics.

Another important consideration is the nature of the site – whether it is easily accessible, the availability of electric power, if the site is elevated, and the distance to be pumped. These factors will determine, for example, whether a trailer-mounted pump system is required for ease of transport and if a diesel-powered or electric solution is more suitable.

Pumping uphill requires an understanding of the static discharge head – which is the height of the source of the fluid being pumped, to the height of its destination. Du Toit explains that pressure is lost for every metre uphill that is pumped, and a pump’s performance curve must be considered. The performance curve chart describes how much volume over time a pump moves under a given pressure rating. The volume that can be pumped over time is measured in litres per second or cubic metres per hour and shows the pump’s duty point or operating pump point.

Du Toit highlights that IPR can advise customers on all aspects of dewatering pump selection as well as offer advice related to operating procedures and maintenance.