Sulzer Pumps launched what it termed ‘the next generation of dewatering pumps’, at the Electra Mining Conference on Tuesday, 11 September 2012. Specifically suited to the harsh conditions prevalent on mining and construction sites, the ABS submersible dewatering pumps are available in two series, one for drainage (the XJ pump) and one for sludge (the XJS pump).

“The ABS submersible dewatering pump range is the world’s toughest and smartest dewatering pump,” said Jonas Enevold, Sulzer Pump’s spokesperson at the event.

According to Enevold, the ABS submersible dewatering pump range offers stable operation, long life and high portability, and is also packed with electronic intelligence called AquaTronic and AquaPlug. These two features save energy, reduce wear and allow pump condition to be checked without disassembly. Further major benefits that include:
• correct motor rotation
• motor protection
• rapid assessment of operation/fault history
• no control panels required
• reduced energy consumption and wear.

Speaking at the launch, which took place at the Sulzer stand in Hall 6 at Electra Mining, Enevold explained that building the world’s most intelligent dewatering pump means eliminating electrical control panels. The AquaTronic unit integrates electronic intelligence into the pump, while the AquaPlug control and monitoring module integrates it into the power supply.

The AquaTronic unit ensuresthat pumping with the ABS submersible dewatering pump range starts immediately with full capacity and runs consistently.Although the pump can be run continuously, AquaPlug can also be used to stop it when snoring. By stopping at dry running and starting automatically at a specified level, energy use can be optimised and wear can be reduced.

The direction of impeller rotation is also always correct, as the AquaTronic unit electronically compensates for incorrect phase order. This is a first among dewatering pumps.

According to Enevold, the unit also prevents unnecessary servicing. By connecting it to a PC via USB, pump diagnostics can be carried out rapidly and easily, without disassembly. “Light emitting diodes easily give the status of the pumps.

“The result is a pump featuring electronic intelligence coupled with robust reliability – a pump made for the real world,” concluded Enevold.