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Pump systems, pipes, valves and seals
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Mechanical Technology — December 2015
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Godwin’s CD range (contractor dewatering) is designed for general dewatering at high flows
and medium heads. The engine is close-coupled to pump, so there are no alignment issues
when it comes to maintenance.
Xylem’s Godwin Heidra pumps are hydraulic submersibles for use when suction lift of greater
than 8.5 m is required. On these units, a diesel engine is used to drive a hydraulic power pack,
which delivers biodegradable oil via hoses to a hydraulic submersible pump on the pond floor.
The Heidra’s submersible pump head features a
hydraulically activated slurry gate that can open in
the event of clogging.
FST, through satellite-based connectivity, enables
sophisticated automation to be applied in the most
remote areas of Africa.
lift of greater than 8.5 m is required,
then submersibles take over from the
Dri-Prime range,” Stimpson explains.
On these units, a diesel engine is used
to drive a hydraulic power pack, which
delivers biodegradable oil via hoses to a
hydraulic submersible pump on the pond
floor. “So no electricity is involved at all,
which can be an advantage in some
sensitive areas,” he explains.
The Godwin Heidra 150MR hydraulic
submersible pump is a powerful, yet
compact, pump with flow capabilities
up to 301 m³/hr and discharge heads of
up to 35 m. It has the ability to handle
solids up to 75 mm in diameter and, even
though it is a submersible, liquid bath
mechanical seal technology is used to
ensure dry running capabilities.
“These pumps also have a slurry gate
that can open in the event of clogging,
allowing some back flow to clear any inlet
blockages and to churn up sediment on
the pond floor,” Stimpson says.
Field Smart Technology (FST)
Xylem is currently rolling out its Field
Smart Technology (FST) across Africa.
FST combines communication and con-
trol technology to allow any pump,
anywhere to be remotely monitored and
controlled: “Satellite-based FST allows
our pumps to be monitored from any
smartphone, tablet or computer, so we
can access the engine performance, the
pump performance parameters, the fuel
levels and the pump’s location – to within
2.0 m. It allows us to switch the pump
on and off remotely, vary the pump speed
and to monitor the condition of the unit so
that we can send in service technicians
as soon as we begin to detect problems,”
Stimpson reveals, while demonstrating
a unit being controlled from an App on
a phone.
“FST enables sophisticated automa-
tion to be applied in the most remote
areas of Africa, accurately tracking the
suction and discharge pressures to get
a clear idea of how the pump is being
used, whether a strainer has becomes
blocked and how much fuel is left in the
tank,” he says.
While sophisticated, FST technology
is seen as an ideal solution for protecting
the assets of Xylem’s new rental hub as
they spread across Africa.
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