Pumps enable tunnel dewatering

Problem: 

A hydroelectric project in the province of Boca de Toro, Panama, included a power plant with a capacity of more than 223 MW, generating energy via two turbines at the dam. Before repair work on a 2.6-mile tunnel under the power plant could start, it had to be pumped dry.

Solution: 

A large number of 6-inch BA150E D285 BBA portable pumps were used. They offer a max flow of 2,200 gpm at a max head of 125 feet. A large part of the tunnel was dewatered via two 10-inch HDPE pipes and gravity technology. In order to remove over 12 million gallons of residual water in the last few yards of the tunnel, the Spanish dewatering company Ferrer S.L. shipped miles of HDPE pipes and a number of 6- and 8-inch BA180E D315 vacuum-assisted diesel pumps to Panama, enabling the tunnel dewatering project to move forward successfully. The 8-inch pumps offer 3,150 gpm at a max head of 135 feet.

Result: 

The pumps enabled the tunnel to be completely cleared, allowing work to commence on the tunnel. 843-849-3676; www.bbapumps.com.

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Metering pumps continuously feed chemicals for safe use

Problem: 

A wastewater facility in northern Illinois was in need of a pumping system that could inject a dosage of chemicals into its water system for clean and safe use. The specific chemicals to be inserted were polyphosphate and flouride, which are common additives to drinking water throughout the U.S.

Solution: 

The plant installed a chemical feed system utilizing FXM metering pumps from Flowrox in a packaged system consisting of two pumps. This package is designed for the continuous operation of pumping viscous material and is equipped with simple site connections to ensure ease of installation and start-up on site. The system will pump ferrous chloride from three clarifying storage tanks into mixed liquor splitter boxes for use.

Result: 

The plant pumps these chemicals through its water system at a continuous rate of 356.11 gpd at a pressure of 60 psi. It now has the accuracy and turndown of the pumps to fitting perfectly with the swings of flow it 

will see based on its effluent flowmeter. It ise now able to safely and reliably supply clean water to the surrounding areas. 410-636-2250; www.flowrox.com.

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Pumps combat sanitary sewer overflows

Problem: 

The sewage collections system at a 12,000-acre retirement community in the Southeast U.S. experienced massive infiltration and inflow issues, causing sanitary overflows during heavy rain. The community’s original infrastructure could support only a fraction of the current population plus recreational amenities. The Department of Environmental Protection stepped in with an ultimatum: Invest in a better solution or face costly fines. Additionally, the solution couldn’t include increasing homeowners association dues.

Solution: 

The Public Works Administration responsible for the community investigated upgrading the pumping stations. It knew larger pumps would also require larger engines to drive the pumps. To keep costs manageable, the community selected two models of Pioneer Pump sound-attenuated diesel skid packages across four pumps: the SAPP66S12 and the SAPP64S17L71. At a savings of approximately $30,000 per package, the cost was almost $100,000 less than the next closest alternative. Controlled by LOFA CP750 panels, the pumps have an auto start/stop function that is triggered by a level transducer. As the level of the wet well rises, the pump speed increases to maintain safe levels during heavy rain. The control panel is wired to the main VFDs so that the main lift station does not run unnecessarily when the diesel package is running. The packages would also serve as back-ups in the event of power outage.

Result: 

After installation, the pump packages performed as promised. After realizing the cost-effectiveness of this approach, the retirement community continued to add diesel packages each year, upgrading its remaining pumping stations. 503-266-4115; www.pioneerpump.com.

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Grinder pumps solve waste district’s clogging issues

Problem: 

Clogs caused by fats, rags, oils and grease have been an issue for the sewer system at Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District in Indiana. As this system grew, the time spent dealing with this issue had grown significantly. The district needed an effective grinder pump.

Solution: 

The district’s wastewater supervisors were introduced to the Pentair Myers V2 Series Grinder Pump with cutting edge technology. The pump’s Axial cutter technology helps avoid clogs by cutting and slicing solid material and pushing the remaining material away from the pump. This action prevents any large mass from building and blocking the inlet, helping lower maintenance costs. The curved leading edges create a scissor action between it and the stationary cutter, reducing the load on the motor and delivering longer pump life as this method of cutting uses significantly less torque than the shearing action of a radial cutter.

Result: 

Pilot installations at two locations proved successful at eliminating clogs, and the district replaced 150 old pumps by the end of 2020. 888-416-9513; www.femyers.com.

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Sleeve used to encapsulate leaking joint

Problem: 

In late 2017, Olean (New York) Water was alerted to the need to test and accept a new 6-inch-diameter ductile iron water main for immediate service. The line failed to pass the pressure test required for city acceptance due to a leaking push-on joint. Olean had to quickly evaluate two options: perform a cut-in repair and replace the joint or encapsulate it.

Solution: 

The decision eliminated the need to open the line with a cut-in replacement section and avoided the need to send in additional crew members to perform a two- to three-hour replacement of the line section. By selecting the Ultra-Sleeve from Total Piping Solutions to fully encapsulate the leaking bell, the joint was repaired in less than 30 minutes, and the leak was fully contained under pressure. The sleeve can be installed on virtually any joint from 2 to 12 inches in diameter, and can encapsulate any other leaking joint, including old couplings, clamps, flanges or mechanical fittings.

Result: 

The repair was completed in record time and eliminated the need to disinfect the line prior to placing it back into service, saving time, material and equipment plus other intangibles. A traditional opencut repair would have taken significantly more time and assets and may not have provided the utility with a desirable outcome. 716-372-0160; www.tps.us.

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New pump retrofitted in pressure sewer system

Problem: 

A sewer district in Warren County, Missouri, was having maintenance issues with grinders on its pressure sewer system. Units were failing prematurely, often from overloading motors to pumping mechanism failures. These failures required maintenance, which often was after hours. Night and weekend repairs were raising overtime costs.

Solution: 

Webtrol Pumps was called to offer an alternative that would reduce the cost on maintaining the system. After discussions, a customized retrofit MVPS15 was selected. The units were designed to fit the existing basins and modified to eliminate the problems that were occurring using different level sensors. The pumping control system was designed so that it would still be compatible with the existing panels and wiring.

Result: 

The modified units have been fit into the existing basins. Control switches are now working well, and the pump impellers, made from stainless steel, are not pitting like the previous units. Service call logs have been greatly reduced. 314-631-9200; www.webtrol.com.