Pumps: An essential rental tool

Robust, reliable, adaptable and efficient. Just some words that users of pumps would describe as some of the key features behind their decision when choosing which units to add to their fleet.

Products in the pumps range are becoming more prevalent as a rental application, with more rental companies diversifying with dedicated pump divisions (see box story).

Tsurumi Pump has added a new electric submersible trash pump, the HS3.75SL, to its range. Photo: Tsurumi Pump

With that increased interest from rental companies comes an increase in demands for the rental customer, meaning sets need to be versatile enough to be used across a number of applications.

For its part, Tsurumi Pump has added a new electric submersible trash pump, the HS3.75SL, to its range.

The company said the unit is adaptable across various applications, showing “exceptional performance” in handling residential, commercial and industrial wastewater and site drainage.

Meanwhile, it can work in pumping water from natural sources like lakes or rivers and effectively clears sediment from small sumps or basins.

The high-flow pump features a 1HP motor and a 3” discharge capacity, capable of pumping out 140 gallons per minute (GPM), the company said.

It also comes equipped with a built-in shaft-mounted agitator that suspends solids, while its urethane semi-vortex impeller is said to ensure “maximum durability and efficiency.”

A dual mechanical seal with silicon carbide faces for longevity is also a feature, as is an Oil Lifter that provides lubrication to the seal faces. The V-Ring Seal design is said to add an extra layer of protection, guarding the mechanical seal from abrasions.

Mike Grant, Tsurumi’s portable product and rental market manager, said, “The HS Series, now joined by the high-flow 3” pump model HS3.75SL, embodies Tsurumi’s dedication to setting industry standards that boost efficiency in job sites. The durability and versatility of the HS Series has made it our most popular product.”

Demand for durability and autonomy

Atlas Copco said the expansion of the WEDA range comes as it notes more requirements on dewatering pump wear resistance and autonomous operation. Photo: Atlas Copco

Meanwhile, Atlas Copco has said increased demand on dewatering pump wear resistance and autonomous operation has led it to expand its WEDA electric submersible pumps range.

The four new models – WEDA D80SH, WEDA D81, WEDA D91 and WEDA D95SH – are rated 20-20-26-37kW and can pump solids-laden water with a specific gravity up to 1.1 and handle stones up to 12mm (0.47”).

The company said the design of the range makes it ideal for extended periods in harsh environments where water is likely to contain high levels of sand and stones, such as mining, tunnelling and construction environments.

Another key feature is the addition of the Atlas Copco’s Wear Deflector Technology, which the company said delivers “superior pump reliability and longer service life in extremely arduous operating environments.”

In the system, Computational Fluid Dynamics software is used to predict performance and eliminate potential hot spots for premature wear before a pump even enters the prototype stage.

3D printing techniques are used for fast prototyping and enabling the casting of geometries that were impossible historically.

“Dewatering is a demanding and safety-critical operation, but there has been a lack of investment in developing better pumping solutions fit for the challenges of the 21st century,” said Bart Duijvelaar, product marketing manager, Submersible pumps at Atlas Copco’s Power and Flow division.

Robustness was also a focus for Gorman Rupp with one of its latest launches, the 6400 Series range of standard and vortex end suction pumps.

The 6400 Series is tailored for municipal, industrial, construction, and agricultural applications. Photo: Gorman Rupp

The range, which Gorman Rupp said is tailored for municipal, industrial, construction, and agricultural applications, includes standard end suction pumps in 2”, 3”, and 4” sizes, and vortex end suction pumps in 4” and 6” sizes.

The company said it designed the range to offer a cost-effective alternative to the Super T Series for flooded suction applications.

As such, it comes with the same rotating assembly but is coupled with interchangeable parts that mean customers can reduce maintenance costs and inventory complexity.

It can also be equipped with the Eradicator or Eradicator Plus solids management technologies for dealing with tough, stringy solids.

The automatic changeover switch option for the PT hybrid wellpoint dewatering pump from BBA Pumps.

Elsewhere, BBA Pumps has launched an automatic changeover switch option for the PT hybrid wellpoint dewatering pump.

With the launch, the company said users can consider which drive is the best choice for each dewatering project.

The system ensures that the diesel engine starts up as soon as the power fails. And, when the power supply is back, the pump automatically switches back to the electric motor.

It consists of a lockable control panel variable frequency drive, LC20 pump dashboard and battery charger.

Rental pump fleets

It’s not just product launches that OEMs of pumps are prioritising. You only have to look towards Atlas Copco to see an example of that. Back in August the company acquired South Africa-based pump specialist Integrated Pump Rental (IPR).

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Johannesburg, IPR provides dewatering services through rental of pump and ancillary equipment.

Andrew Walker, business area president Power Technique, said, “The acquisition of IPR will give us a solid footprint for specialty dewatering in Sub-Saharan Africa, a critical mining market. IPR will provide us with a competence hub and operational capability in the region.”

Another big deal to be completed recently was that of Workdry International, the parent company of UK-based pump specialist Selwood, which expanded into North America with the acquisition of Holland Pump.

The deal, which has been backed by independent fund manager Arcus Infrastructure Partners, will see the company add 15 branches across the East and Gulf Coast regions of the US.

It will also add more than 1,000 pump assets to its rental fleet, creating a portfolio of more than 7,000 units.

Holland Pump will now operate as the North American division of Workdry and will be supported by a “high-growth strategy” that will focus on organic growth in pump rental solutions, further M&A and expanding its offering to include modular wastewater treatment.

Holland Pump CEO Tom Vossman will remain in his role and will be tasked with working alongside Workdry’s leadership team to integrate best practices and share expertise across the group.

Workdry said the “strategic purchase” of Holland Pump from its owners XPV will enable it to establish a “market leading presence” in the East and Gulf Coast regions of the US and strengthen the combined group’s offering to the infrastructure, construction, municipal, and manufacturing sectors.

Renta rebrands pumps division

Renta Group has rebranded its pumps division. Photo: Renta Group

Renta Group has rebranded Uprent, its pumping equipment rental business based in Latvia.

The company acquired Uprent in 2022, marking its first entry into the specialised pumps market in the process.

Since then, it has undergone several changes and added services to its offering, but retained its branding across its depots in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland.

Under the new branding the company will be known as Renta Pumps, with a redesigned logo with Renta Group colours set to replace the Uprent brand.

Renta said the rebrand marks a “significant milestone” for the company and follows rapid progression in its strategic plans for the business. It added that it is confident the change will “become a cornerstone for further growth and success.”

Martins Egle, CEO, Renta Pumps, said, “In light of the transformative period we have experienced in recent years, we strongly felt that now is the right time for Renta Pumps to introduce a new brand identity reflecting the expanded scope of its services and the integration of our company into the visual representation of the Renta brand.

“The brand identity change underscores Renta Pump’s commitment to innovation, growth, and excellence in the equipment rental industry.”