Keeping Quarries Moving with BBA Pumps
First published in the August 2025 issue of Quarry Management
Proven pumping solutions for dewatering in demanding environments
In the quarrying industry, water is an operational necessity as well as a constant challenge. Excess water build-up from rainfall, groundwater ingress, or nearby excavation presents safety risks, but can also stop production and damage equipment. With deepening UK quarries and environmental conditions becoming more unpredictable, reliable dewatering solutions have never been as important as they are now. Tapflo UK, through their exclusive partnership with BBA Pumps, are supporting UK quarry operators in accessing globally proven quarrying solutions tailored to local needs.
Global case insights – proven under pressure
Each quarry presents unique challenges, however, across demanding international environments, various consistent themes emerge – high head performance, continuous reliability, flood resilience, and scalable flexibility. Tapflo UK draw on these global lessons to deliver engineered solutions specific to the UK’s regulatory, geological, and operational demands.
High-head solutions in complex terrains
A perfect example of high-head requirements is the dewatering of a granite quarry in Lower Silesia, Poland. Located in a region known for its rugged terrain, the site needed a solution capable of managing extreme elevation differences. A diesel-driven BA80H D290 high-head pump was used, delivering 100m3/h at 10 bar pressure. This configuration ensured reliable dewatering across a steep gradient, thereby supporting uninterrupted mining operations.
In North Macedonia’s largest coal mine, a similar approach was used. Powered by 160kW and 400kW motors, two electrically driven high-head booster pumps enabled efficient dewatering from elevated areas. This setup reinforced the importance of synchronized submersible and dry-installed units when having to maintain consistent performance, despite challenging landscapes.
Dependable operation in remote and demanding sites
In Germany, BBA’s BA-C150 diesel pump set highlighted the need for remote reliability. Equipped with a large external fuel tank, the set delivered continuous operation with minimal manual oversight. Designed with a bulldozer-towable frame and supported by 24/7 telemetry and service agreements, the pump operated independently in a remote open-pit mine.
This approach directly informs Tapflo UK’s strategies for UK sites with limited accessibility or round-the-clock operational demands, specifically during prolonged periods of rain.
Flood resilience through strategic configuration
Additionally, the Macedonia coal mine emphasized how strategic pump placement protects critical systems from flood risks. By positioning high-head boosters up to 30m above the mine’s water level and using submersible priming, operators were able to maintain safety while avoiding costly downtime. Even during rapid inflows, the flooded suction setup ensured the pumps remained dry and functional.
Tapflo UK apply similar logic to flood-prone areas across the UK where groundwater spikes or storm surges can otherwise threaten low-lying installations.
Flexibility in infrastructure and large-scale projects
A tunnel dewatering project in Panama reinforced the need for scalability and adaptability. More than 46,000m³ of water had to be evacuated before repair works on a 4,250m long tunnel could begin. Using HDPE pipework and a fleet of 6in and 8in diesel-driven vacuum-assisted pumps, the project demonstrated how mobile and modular pumping systems can be effectively used in sites with linear layouts or infrastructure limitations. In the UK, similar flexibility is often required in quarries located near transport infrastructure or regulated zones where fast deployment and compact footprints are essential.
Translating global experience to UK quarry needs
From high-pressure delivery and mobile fuel-efficient sets to flood-safe configurations, these international operations directly guide Tapflo UK’s application strategies. Whether in limestone-rich Derbyshire or granite-heavy Cornwall, British quarry sites face increasing demands for adaptable, low-maintenance, and regulation-compliant systems.
Flooded suction configurations, smart telemetry, and diesel-electric hybrids are already components of recent UK installations. These technologies reduce manual oversight, improve uptime, and ensure environmental compliance.
Engineering integrity and partnership focus
The partnership between Tapflo UK and BBA Pumps is based on shared engineering values, not commercial exclusivity alone. BBA’s long-standing legacy in high-performance pump manufacturing is matched by Tapflo UK’s local expertise, logistical support, and compliance knowledge. This collaboration allows the partnership to offer quarry operators high-performance equipment and validated solutions.
The future of quarry dewatering
As the UK quarrying sector evolves, so too must its infrastructure. Telematics, energy-efficient drive systems, and advanced materials are shaping the future of dewatering. With proven systems already operating in some of the world’s most demanding sites, and a dedicated UK support framework in place, Tapflo UK stand ready to support the UK’s quarry operations with integrity, innovation, and insight.
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