Selecting the right pump for a dewatering application is often far more complex than anticipated, as many operations underestimate just how application-specific dewatering can be, says pumps supplier Integrated Pump Technology MD Jordan Marsh.

The requirement appears simple – removing water from one location to another – however, he says a successful dewatering solution depends on a detailed understanding of factors such as flow rates, pumping distances, static and dynamic head requirements, water quality, solids content, site access, power availability and environmental conditions.

“Selecting equipment based solely on flow requirements without considering the complete operating environment can result in poor performance, excessive energy consumption, premature wear or even complete system failure,” explains Marsh.

Effective dewatering requires a holistic assessment of the application and careful matching of equipment to the operating conditions through the implementation of a reliable, efficient and fit-for-purpose dewatering solution that supports long-term operational performance.

Here, he says, correctly specified equipment plays a direct role in operational reliability and productivity.

Reliable dewatering is a fundamental factor to maintaining production, as Marsh says inadequate dewatering can restrict access to working areas, impact safety, damage infrastructure and result in costly production interruptions.

“When a pump is operating within its designed performance envelope, it delivers maximum efficiency, experiences lower mechanical stress and generally requires less maintenance,” he points out.

Consideration also needs to be given to the fact that no two dewatering applications are exactly the same, and a pump that performs exceptionally well on one site may be entirely unsuitable for another, says Marsh.

Asset Criticality

A common mistake with specifying a mining dewatering pump, is treating a pump as a commodity rather than as a critical component of a mining operation, highlights Marsh.

“Decisions are often made based on the lowest purchase price or the fastest delivery time without fully considering the pump’s suitability for the application. The true cost of a dewatering solution should always be evaluated over its entire lifecycle rather than purely on acquisition cost.”

While a lower cost pump may appear attractive initially, the long-term costs associated with breakdowns, maintenance, downtime and lost production can far outweigh any upfront savings, he says, adding that in many cases, operations select equipment that is either undersized or oversized.

An undersized pump may struggle to keep up with water ingress, while an oversized unit would potentially operate inefficiently, consume excessive power and suffer unnecessary wear.

“We also frequently encounter situations where insufficient attention has been given to head requirements, pipe friction losses, solids’ handling capabilities or the quality of the water being pumped.”

Another common mistake, illustrates Marsh, is selecting a supplier based solely on the equipment being offered rather than the technical support available behind that equipment.

Technical expertise and application knowledge when specifying a dewatering pump solution is “absolutely critical”, he states.

“We regularly assist customers who have inherited pump installations that were incorrectly specified and are unable to deliver the required performance.”

A comprehensive assessment accounts for factors such as the required flow rate, total dynamic head, pumping distance, elevation changes, solids content, water chemistry, duty cycle, power availability, seasonal variations in water volumes and site-specific operating conditions.

Pumps may be exposed to abrasive solids, corrosive water, fluctuating water levels, long pumping distances and harsh environmental conditions. Equipment that has been selected specifically for these conditions will typically offer longer service life, improved energy efficiency and greater resistance to wear, says Marsh.

Diverse Pumps Offering

In mining applications, future expansion requirements and changing groundwater conditions also need to be considered.

Operations can lower unplanned downtime and maintain consistent performance throughout the life of the project by ensuring the correct pump technology is selected from the outset. Here, a trusted partner continuously monitoring performance can assist customers in adapting their dewatering strategies as conditions change, he says.

The company’s experience – attained through many years working alongside mining, industrial and infrastructure customers across Africa – combined with access to globally recognised Grindex electric submersible pumps and Godwin diesel-driven pumps – enables it to evaluate each application on its own merits and recommend the most appropriate solution for long-term performance and reliability.