Dredging operations, whether in marine or mining environments, demand robust and reliable equipment engineered to withstand tough and abrasive conditions. Among the most trusted solutions in this field is the Toyo Heavy Duty Slurry Pump, which includes a hydraulically driven option for extreme conditions.

Available through Integrated Pump Rental (IPR), the official Southern African distributor and leading dewatering and dredging company, the Toyo pump range is specifically designed to manage slurries with high solids content.

Ruaan Venter, Business Development Manager at IPR, highlights the pump’s versatility and resilience in harsh environments. “Constructed from wear-resistant materials such as high-chrome alloys, the Toyo pumps withstand prolonged exposure to abrasive slurries, reducing maintenance needs and extending operational life,” says Venter.

This robust design allows the pump to perform efficiently in environments characterised by heavy sediment, sand, gravel, and other dense materials. He highlights the benefits of the hydraulically driven pumps in Toyo’s heavy duty slurry pump offering, which are known for their durability under extreme operating conditions. 

“Hydraulic pumps are better suited for environments with fluctuating operating conditions, such as variable flow rates, abrasive materials or irregular suction points,” he explains. “Their robust design and ability to handle constant pressure and torque – without compromising performance – make them less prone to damage.”

Dredging applications require pumps capable of handling significant suction depths and resisting clogging. According to Venter, the Toyo hydraulic pump  is well suited to deep pumping applications. 

“The use of hydraulic power means they can work effectively at significant depths,” he says. “This capability is especially beneficial in mining, dredging and deep excavation projects.”

Other mining applications include open pit mines, tailings ponds and settling dams where the removal of water and dense sediment is a constant challenge. Venter emphasises that the pump’s high performance design delivers consistent results while minimising the need for frequent servicing. He also points to the advantage of hydraulic pumps in avoiding overheating.

“The hydraulic fluid in the system not only powers the pump but also acts as a coolant,” he says. “This allows the pump to operate continuously without overheating, even in challenging environments.”

Their flexibility in terms of power sources also means that hydraulic submersible slurry pumps can be used on sites where electrical power is not available. The hydraulic power pack can be diesel-driven or powered by other portable sources such as excavators.

“These pumps are available with cutters or augers, which are typically used to break up very dense and compacted material such as clay, silt or hard packed sand,” says Venter. “With its advanced impeller design, optimised for high heads and above-average flow rates, the pumps can handle slurries with high solids content – making  them indispensable for demanding tasks in marine and mining operations.”

In marine dredging, the Toyo pump is a vital tool for applications such as harbour maintenance, beach replenishment and deep-sea mining. These tasks often involve pumping extremely abrasive slurries containing sand and gravel.

“The pump’s efficient material handling capabilities and consistent flow rates under extreme conditions make it invaluable in these applications,” Venter notes. The pump ensures reliable performance while minimising operational downtime, making it ideal for maintaining navigable waterways and extracting valuable resources from the ocean floor.