Heavy-duty drainage pumps that offer low total cost of ownership are crucial for tough pumping applications such as on mine and construction sites.

Drainage pumps are especially useful when large quantities of dirty water needs to be pumped, while still achieving heads of up to 200 m, or flow rates of up to 350 litres a second. The Grindex range of drainage pumps handle water with abrasive solids up to 12 mm in size, and with high pH values from five to eight. The submersible pumps are distributed locally by authorised southern African agent Integrated Pump Technology.

Integrated Pump Technology sales manager Jordan Marsh says that the unique valve on Grindex drainage pumps enables air cooling of the motor so they can run dry reliably and with minimum supervision.

Comprising Micro, Milli and Mini models, the pumps are designed to be compact, lightweight and ultraportable. The Micro model’s low power consumption makes it ideal when running on a generator. The Milli looks similar to the Micro, but enables low suction down to only a few millimetres, thanks to its unique non-return valve.

The Minex, Minette, Minor, Major, Master and Matador models form part of the medium section of the Grindex range . The company states that the revolutionary hydraulic design ensures high wear resistance and dramatically reduces any performance drop that may result from long-time wear.

“With their internal starter, SMART motor protector and optional level regulator, these pumps provide fully automatic protection and control without the need for external starter,” says Marsh. “The soft starter means smoother motor acceleration, thereby protecting the pump while reducing equipment wear and mechanical stress.”

He highlights that the Magnum large pump is used for the toughest jobs, with high quality, reliable design combined with the ease of maintenance. Made of cast iron, the Mega pump is said to be ideal for operating in deep excavations where very high-head pumping is needed. Designed to handle pH levels from six to 13, it can also be fitted with zinc anodes for extra protection.