Intersection reopens
Problem
TLC Plumbing was working on a project in Albuquerque, N.M., where a 54-inch sewer line had collapsed, resulting in a major intersection closing and sewage overflow. TLC worked to contain the situation, but to make the repairs they realized bypass pumping would be required.
Solution
In April 2011, Griffin Dewatering Corp. mobilized equipment at 12:30 p.m. The setup on the bypass and pipe fusing began by 5 p.m. By midnight, the discharge line was completed and by 3:30 a.m. the suction and pump were set up and started. The next morning, the excavation was dry enough to permit digging for the sliplining. Traffic was opened to one lane through the intersection. TLC requested Griffin determine how a standby or secondary pump could be put in the line. A flanged tee was found and gate valves added so either pump could be isolated.
Result
The system was in operation for nearly two months, enabling the sliplining to move forward and the intersection to reopen. 800/431-1510; www.griffindewatering.com.
Reduced downtime
Problem
Water is a constant presence in and around coal mines. In most every case, pumps are required to handle muddy, acidic slurry, chunks of coal and coal fines, dust, dirt and rocks. An Illinois coal mining company was using a sewage-style submersible dewatering pump at the bottom of a 3,000-gallon runoff pond that collects slurry from raw and clean coal piles. The water is abrasive and acidic, and the company was getting no more than six months of use out of each pump.
Solution
The mine replaced its submersible pump with a 20 hp KZNR150 severe-duty slurry pump from BJM Pumps. The 20-horsepower pump with hardened ductile iron volutes and extra thick walls handles more than 1,100 gpm and approximately 500 gpm, eight hours a day.
Result
The slurry pump has lasted twice as long as its predecessors, with increased cost savings and reduced spill threat. 877/256-7867; www.bjmpumps.com.
Salt water removal
Problem
North Dakota oil riggers fracture and crack rock formations to reach oil and gas. The rock formations include salt water. A pumping unit brings the oil and saltwater mixture to the surface. The salt water and oil are separated and pumped through a pipeline into a pressure tank for disposal. North Dakota oil riggers needed an efficient, economical, low-pressure pump to withstand saltwater exposure.
Solution
Crane Pumps & Systems in partnership with Dickinson, N.D., distributor, Pump Systems, recommended the Burks EC Series Base Mounted Regenerative Turbine. The pump is designed with a cast-iron casing, suction strainer with stainless steel screen, and a copper alloy impeller with monel blades.
Result
The saltwater mixture is not corroding the pumps, and the high-head, low-flow design efficiently pumps the saltwater mixture from holding tanks to pressure tanks. The riggers experience fewer repairs and more efficiency. 937/615-3544; www.cranepumps.com.
Groundwater protection
Problem
European groundwater protection laws highly regulate the use of oil-lubricated vacuum pumps for aggregate removal.
Solution
HUEDIG GmbH & Co. KG in Celle/Germany, together with a supplier of diesel- and electric-driven vacuum pumps, met dewatering requirements for aggregate pumping by using graphite vanes inside the pump. The technology has proven successful through 10 years of operation under tough conditions.
Result
Oil-free vacuum pumps are preserving European groundwater for future generations. www.huedig.de.
Drilling mud transfer
Problem
Customers of GTech HilTech were using progressive cavity pumps to feed their decantering centrifuge. The pumps were failing in the field and on-site repairs were difficult.
Solution
M68 or L133 rotary lobe pumps from LobePro are used to feed the decantering centrifuges. After mud passes through the shaker, it moves into the pump, which feeds it to the decantering centrifuge and removes water and sand. Down-hole pumps return the cleaned mud to the drilling reservoir.
Result
The run-dry pumps have become an integral part of the system. 888/997-7867, www.lobepro.com.
Alaskan gold rush
Problem
Out-of-work Oregonians struggled against the elements, trying to strike it rich on the Discovery Channel’s “Gold Rush Alaska.” One of the biggest problems the miners faced was keeping the large glory hole they were digging free of water. Their 4-inch pump couldn’t do the job, putting the entire venture at risk.
Solution
Determined to help, Paul Schlumberger of Pioneer Pump shipped three diesel-powered 6-inch pumps capable of pumping 2,800 gpm.
Result
The miners are now extracting ore and on their way to making a successful living in Alaska. 503/266-4115; www.pioneerpump.com.
Fuel-saving excavations
Problem
MCS Construction of Gormley, Ontario, Canada, was contracted by the City of Toronto to excavate 300 underground utilities for the placement of seismic devices near an underground rail system.
Solution
Vac-Con developed a high vacuum and high water pressure hydroexcavator that utilizes two positive displacement pumps. The PD pumps are driven hydrostatically with PWM actuated Rexroth pumps that control the variable vacuum. The blowers can be run independently or in tandem ultimately producing 7,000 cfm and 28 inches Hg. Vacuum operation is controlled via three CANbus computers.
Result
The amount of vacuum available enabled the contractor to use as little or as much vacuum needed. By operating at less than full speed and not having to move the truck as often saved 50 liters of fuel per day or approximately 3,300 gallons of fuel per year. 888/491-5762; www.vac-con.com. GOMC
