Comprehensive WEDA pump range now available
Atlas Copco complete their portfolio of WEDA electric submersible dewatering pumps
ATLAS Copco Power and Flow say they have now completed their portfolio of WEDA electric submersible dewatering pumps, with comprehensive coverage achieved by completion of the ranges for drainage and sludge applications and the addition of a completely new range for slurry applications.
The range now comprises three families: the expanded WEDA D for dewatering; the WEDA S – also expanded – for sludge; and the entirely new WEDA L slurry family. Selection from the entire expanded range is said to be simple, as all models are classified by application and type of fluid they handle.
WEDA D pumps handle either clean or dirty water, even with small solids. The WEDA S range supports the dewatering of liquid sludge containing larger solids. The WEDA L products are the toughest and have the largest apertures to facilitate the handling of slurry with the most challenging solids.
The WEDA D family expansion is marked by the D80, a new model for dewatering. The S30 and S60 are the new models for the WEDA S sludge family and are designed to handle thick, soft, wet mud or other similarly viscous mixtures of liquids and solids, especially the product of an industrial or refining process. The completely new WEDA L family handles semi-liquid slurry mixtures, typically of fine particles of cement or coal, and water.
Aside from optimizing their performance, a lot of focus has been given to make the pumps lighter, to enhance electrical safety, to improve the seal design and to ease installation. All pumps in the D and S range come with WEDA+ features, which include phase failure protection, rotation control, thermal switches and a 20m cable with phase-shifter plug for all 3-phase pumps. The WEDA+ features are also available as an option on the L range.
Overall, the WEDA D pumps, which use top-discharge, can handle water of specific gravity up to 1,100kg per cubic metre, and, depending on model, solids from 4–12mm in diameter. The bottom side discharging WEDA S pumps’ capabilities extend to water with specific gravity up to 1,400kg per cubic metre and solids from 25–50mm, depending on the model. The WEDA L pumps, which also use bottom side discharge, handle water of specific gravity up to 1,700kg per cubic metre, and, depending on the model, solids from 20–60mm diameter.
Atlas Copco say the pumps’ specifications equip them well for an extensive range of dewatering applications, providing the performance, reliability, and ease of use and maintenance essential to users across multiple industries. All models feature a built-in starter and motor protection system along with optional automatic level control. Adjustable wear-resistant rubber diffusors and hardened high-chrome impellers ensure durability in arduous environments.
‘The WEDA pumps can handle flow rates of up to 16,500 litres/min, with power ratings up to 54kW,’ explained Hrishi Kulkarni, product manager for Atlas Copco’s Power and Flow division. ‘Accordingly, they make ideal dewatering solutions across many diverse applications within the construction, industrial, emergency and maintenance sectors. Now, our ubiquitous coverage has been highlighted by these latest additions to the range, as they make our portfolio complete.’
Handling and transportation are considerably eased by the WEDA pumps’ weight, which is 20% less than competitor products, making them especially attractive for rental use. Atlas Copco say ease of operation has been carefully balanced with high performance, with some models having the ability to pass solids of up to 2in through the pump. Moreover, an improved aluminium alloy provides higher corrosion resistance over all applications, whilst reinforced cable entries assure higher resistance to water leakage.
In addition, uptime is maximized through several measures. All pumps have seal types appropriate to their size as well as an external plug for grease filling or an oil-inspection plug for easy maintenance. With many connection options and sizes available, discharge connections are adjustable with flow direction changeable from 90–180.
