Selwood provide flexible solution at Swinden Quarry
Pump specialist supplies custom-built high-head dewatering pump for key Tarmac site
WHEN Tarmac were seeking assistance with the dewatering of a new sinking at Swinden Quarry, in North Yorkshire, experts from Selwood were quick to find the right solution.
Having previously purchased a Selwood HM250 pump, which has now been operating successfully at the limestone site for several years, Tarmac decided to approach Selwood once again for a second pump for their next two sinkings.
With the existing HM250 remaining in place and continuing to provide its original function, the additional pump was required to move groundwater from the new sinkings to the main sump where the HM250 is located.
Selwood’s team visited the site to assess Tarmac’s precise requirements, made an in-depth evaluation of their needs against the efficiencies of the Selwood pump portfolio, and recommended installation of the newly designed H200 – a 132kW high-head pump that is smaller than the HM250 and would cut power usage by 200kW.
Having built the pump to Tarmac’s custom specifications, including setting the system curves of the pipework and increasing the power (equating to a 95kW electric motor), the H200 was well suited for use in conjunction with the existing site dewatering system.
By using a variable-speed drive, Tarmac were able to achieve 1,100 rev/min on the first sinking (115m bench) and will be able to achieve 1,250 rev/min on the second sinking (95m bench), controlling the power to meet the duty required in each situation.
The duty could not exceed 500 cubic metres per hour, as it had to be balanced with that of the HM250 pump. By custom-building the new pump, the system achieved balance and efficient operation on the 115m sinking, eliminating any overflow.
Tony Crooks, project manager for Tarmac, said: ‘Our experience of operating the existing HM250 gave us confidence in Selwood’s products and support team. We were impressed with the detailed assessment of our requirements and the subsequent bespoke recommendations, which have resulted in an efficient custom-built pump for the job.’
