Atlas Copco’s centrifugal dewatering surface pump solutions

Oct 10, 2023

"The Covid-19 pandemic has irrefutably placed tremendous strain on our country's already struggling economy, prompting customers to now, more than ever before, focus on maximising their productivity and production while reducing operating costs wherever and whenever possible and as much as possible," says David Stanford, Business Line Manager for Atlas Copco Power Technique's Portable Products.

"We are aware of these challenges our customers are facing so we have made sure that we are able to offer products that deliver exactly what they need. For those customers who require pump solutions, we offer a range of high performance, super-efficient, robust, compact, versatile and easy-to-service products that get the job done seamlessly while being considerate to the environment." Stanford stresses that the pumps’ high-performance capabilities do not compromise on what he considers to be one of the most essential factors for reducing Operational Expenditure (OPEX) and lowest total cost of ownership, namely efficiency.

Atlas Copco's rugged PAS dry self-priming and PAC H high head dewatering surface pump series features smart design, cutting-edge technology, quality components and advanced manufacturing to deliver best-in-class pumping solutions. The PAS range of fully automatic dry self-priming centrifugal open-frame pumps serves as a prime example of Atlas Copco's commitment to developing smaller, lighter products that are easy to use, easy to move and easy to maintain. Also available in a canopy version, the PAS range comprises four high flow (HF) and five medium flow (MF) models delivering a maximum flow capacity of 2100 m3/h, with a maximum head of 75 m and an outlet size of 100 – 300 mm.

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These fit-for-purpose diesel pump systems are equipped with several features that render them ideal for mining applications. With the ability of working with clean or dirty water and handling trash and fibrous materials with ease, these pumps can pump, raise and transport liquids with solids of up to 100 mm in suspension over long distances without the risk of clogging. This exceptional solids-handling capability is due to the inclusion of a centrifugal pump with a semi-open impeller and an abrasion-resistant pump casting. The robust PAS pumps’ dry prime capabilities enable the user to start pumping immediately with a simple flip of the switch, ensuring reliable operation in stringent conditions where start-up can often present a challenge. The pump system's high-capacity diaphragm pump makes automatic priming possible; the air in the pump is separated from the liquid by the large SuperDuo separator which is then sucked by the vacuum pump.

Moving on to Atlas Copco's innovative PAC H high head series, Stanford says that these high value pumps are exactly what the market has been waiting for. Part of Atlas Copco's renowned Head series, the PAC H series combines performance and efficiency in one smart package. Featuring a maximum head size of 150 m, a maximum flow of up to 1200 m3/h and a solids-handling capability of up to 89 mm, the PAC H series is particularly suited to industrial applications such as water transfer and will benefit industries such as oil & gas, quarrying, surface mining and construction as well as the municipal sector.

"Equipped with a high efficiency hydraulic end, our pumps consume very little fuel irrespective of the operating conditions," notes Stanford. "Moreover, thanks to a modular design, one pump is capable of covering multiple requirements. With fewer pumps required and fast easy manoeuvrability thanks to compact dimensions coupled with a light weight, uptime and productivity is boosted."

READ: Atlas Copco expands de-watering range

There is a direct correlation between equipment availability, associated uptime and production, and the speed in which service and maintenance work can be carried out. So, Atlas Copco has ingeniously centred the design of its PAS and PAC H pump series on simplified serviceability. If performed regularly by trained technicians using OEM parts, service will improve pump reliability, prolong life cycle, maximise uptime and reduce maintenance costs, all factors that are fundamental to operational efficiency, ultimately adding to the end-user's bottom line.

The hinge kit available on the PAS range, simplifies and speeds up pump maintenance. The pump is fitted with a hinged cover that provides fast easy, access to components, enabling an industry-leading three-minute clean up and restart. The service and maintenance process on the PAC H pumps is facilitated as wear components can be serviced or replaced without the need to dismantle the pump. These include Atlas Copco's semi-cartridge seal design, hinge kit, bolted wear plate and link belts, the semi-cartridge seal, which is normally an optional extra on other pumps in the market but standard on the PAC H, makes the lip seal and impeller easily accessible. The innovative hinge kit includes a ‘swing door’ that allows quick and easy access to the pump's internal workings and a single bolt to remove the impeller. Stanford explains that by using link belts to enable changeovers without having to dismantle the entire wet end of the unit reduces MTTR (mean time to repair) by up to 30%.

Service packs including Preventive Maintenance Kits, Wear Part Kits, Seal Kits and Gasket or O-Ring kits as well as high-performance long-lasting lubricants especially engineered to match pump maintenance specifications and provide optimal pump protection, complete Atlas Copco's end-to-end pump solutions.

Atlas Copco also supplies a range of eleven VAR wet self-priming centrifugal pumps available in open-frame and canopy versions.