Pumps supplier Integrated Pump Technology recently secured an order for three Faggiolati stainless steel submersible pumps for a major coal-fired power station, in Mpumalanga.

The procurement showcases Integrated Pump Technology’s expertise in dewatering applications, but also underscores the company’s commitment to offering customised solutions that effectively address challenging industrial demands, Integrated Pump Technology key accounts manager Justin Bawden says.

He highlights that the company’s understanding of dewatering applications and material selection, customisation and thorough site analysis capabilities played a critical role in securing the order.

“Our proficiency in comprehending diverse dewatering requirements allowed us to tailor the pump design to meet the exact needs of the coal-fired power station. This level of customisation ensures that the pumps exhibit optimal performance and reliability, even when operating under demanding conditions.”

The area in which the pumps will be installed is characterised by a substantial volume of water, often accompanied by spillages and runoff, as well as chemical substances that eventually find their way into surrounding areas.

The amalgamation of these chemicals and the water gives rise to an acidic environment, with excessive water accumulation exacerbating the situation, creating a hazardous milieu for personnel working in the vicinity.

Bawden says this environment necessitated the deployment of pumps constructed with resilient materials, especially when considering the existing pipeline’s constraints.

“Integrated Pump Technology makes a standard practice of considering the application as a whole, factoring in all variables, viewing the site, and communicating with site engineers and managers. This allows us to take a closer look and assess the needs and expectations of the people on the ground, and select pumps that will provide an appropriate solution,” he explains.

Integrated Pump Technology’s selection of 316 stainless steel Faggiolati pumps meant the pumps were entrusted with handling dense slurry, laden with abrasive and coarse particles. Their effectiveness is integral to the seamless operation of the power station, making the selection process “paramount”.

Bawden says providing an exact life span for the pumps is challenging, primarily owing to often fluctuating operating conditions.

This variability is especially pronounced during the initial stages of a standard application’s life cycle, as these conditions include increased water volumes, heightened corrosion rates and amplified solids content.

However, he avers that the pumps in question have an inherent robustness that empowers them to tackle these challenges adeptly.

He attributed the 316 stainless steel Faggiolati pumps’ construction to the Italian manufacturer, who uses a combination of three types of stainless steel.

“This blend is highly resistant to corrosion, resulting in longer-lasting pumps, compared with their competitors. Their efficient pricing and strategic placement near the best efficiency points on the performance curve ensure effective operation.”

However, he adds that the key lies in maintaining a balanced operational configuration for the pumps, as straying too far from the optimal curve centre can lead to inefficiency and mechanical problems.

The pumps are well-aligned to the operational needs of the Mpumalanga power plant, as their precise configuration ensures a “well-suited, tailored choice for the specific application requirements”.

Meanwhile, Integrated Pump Technology has been collaborating with Italy-based manufacturer Faggiolati for about six years, with the former the exclusive distributor of these pumps in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

“What sets Faggiolati apart from other established brands is its remarkable adaptability. The versatility of its pumps is a standout feature, and its designs are so versatile that they can be easily modified to fit a range of applications,” Bawden says.

A notable advantage is the extensive range of explosionproof requirements and ratings, offering an inherent safety feature, which, in turn, makes Faggiolati pumps suitable for use in environments such as coal-fired power stations, he concludes.