Growing demand for Tsurumi E-variant pumps

Manufacturer seeing increased demand for automatic moisture-sensing dewatering pumps

FOR several years, Tsurumi have produced dewatering pumps featuring electric probes that automatically detect rising water levels and prevent dry running, but the company says it is currently seeing increased demand for these pumps across North America due to a variety of factors, such as rising energy prices, labour shortages, product enhancements, and the increased appetite for the benefits the technology can offer.

Tsurumi’s KTZE and KTVE series pumps, for example, take the performance of the KTZ and KTV models and enhance it through the incorporation of a durable, fixed-position stainless-steel probe on the pump head cover, connected to an internal relay unit.

When this e-probe comes into contact with water or other conductive media, a signal is sent to a timer. If the contact lasts for more than one second, a continuous low-voltage electric circuit is formed between the probe and the pump body, acting as the ground, prompting the relay to switch on the pump.

Once the water level has receded below the level of the probe, the pump will continue to operate for a further 60 seconds before shutting off, reducing the chance of short cycling due to potential turbulence in the water, and preventing the pump from running dry.

By preventing unnecessary dry operation, damage to the wear parts is minimized, extending the lifespan of the pump.

‘This makes these pumps ideal for any dewatering application where an operator isn’t present to manually turn them on and off according to water levels,’ said Mike Klimes, applications engineer at Tsurumi. ‘To enable automatic operation, you would typically need to utilize a tether float switch, suspension probe, or pressure transducer, in addition to an automatic control panel.’

Instead, the Tsurumi models use the far simpler and less-expensive approach of a moisture-sensing electrode control device, thereby allowing the costly automated control panel to be replaced with a much simpler manual panel – an immediate cost saving that is soon followed by significant energy savings due to the shorter operating time.

As well as the financial advantages, Tsurumi say a crucial factor in the rising adoption of these solutions is how the e-probe technology complements the robust and durable nature of the pumps to which they are attached.

Unlike a design relying on tethered float switches, the robust probes do not stick out beyond the pump’s footprint and are, therefore, at little risk of damage. This allows them to easily withstand the inevitable rough handling at the job site as they are unloaded from a truck to the ground and then on to the final location.

Moreover, a probe cover will soon come as standard with these pumps, eliminating the possibility of the electrode being damaged during transportation or severe-duty operations.

Tsurumi’s KTZ and KTV pumps have long been renowned for their high performance and reliability. With a durable cast iron body, the KTZ series is designed for the most demanding applications and is easily convertible between high-pressure and high-volume configurations.

It features high-chrome impellers to withstand the highly abrasive liquids found in construction, aggregate and mining applications, while dual silicon carbide mechanical seals are isolated in the oil chamber to protect the seal faces from abrasion and corrosion.

The KTZE moisture-sensing variant is available on models from 2–5hp, handling 110–385 gal/min at head requirements of up to 82ft.

Offering a weight saving of approximately 11.3kg over cast iron pumps, the compact, wear-resistant KTV models have been designed for light-to-medium-duty applications. Their slimline die-cast aluminium body and elastomer pump end provide easier handling.

A semi-vortex impeller allows for maximum particle passage size while offering extended parts life. The need for impeller efficiency adjustments has also been eliminated, and the pumps are immune to calcium carbonate deposits.

The e-probe KTVE range comprises four models ranging from 85–220 gal/min, at head requirements up to 85ft.

Other Tsurumi pumps incorporating the technology include the HSE and LBA models, and the forthcoming LSCE range.