Mobile pumps are proving to be particularly useful for a range of applications, from large openpit mines to construction sites.

The ability of the pumps to be moved where and when required, with their own wheel-base, means that no infrastructure is required and the units can also be moved quickly in an emergency.

Integrated Pump Rental’s range of Sykes pumps in mobile configuration has seen enthusiastic take-up and the company has embarked on the local manufacture of these units.

The advantages of mobile pumps apply not only to small units on roadworthy trailers, but to large dewatering pumps for deep, openpit mines as well. In a recent contract, Integrated Pump Rental locally manufactured a mobile version of its extra-high head Sykes XH150 pump for a diamond mine in the mountains of Lesotho.

“This model can dewater a mine’s pit to a depth of 250 m,” explains the company. “The pump can run at full load for up to 28 hours on the tank of diesel that is included on the trailer configuration.”

The range also includes high head pumps, that can pump to a height of between 70 m and 150 m and medium-head pumps that can reach heads of between 50 m and 90 m. The contractors’ package range comprises smaller units which can be pulled by a bakkie or 4 x 4 vehicle and are also licensed for travelling on public roads.

The company further states that its auto-priming Sykes pump range includes features that protect against overheating or low oil levels, optimising uptime and ensuring low maintenance requirements. Internal components including impellers, wear plates and shafts are supplied in stainless steel as standard for high resistance against acids.