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Atlas Copco tackles sludge with new WEDA submersible dewatering pump

Posted on 28 Apr 2020

Atlas Copco has developed a new addition to its WEDA submersible dewatering pump range specifically designed for thick, soft, wet mud, and other similar mixtures.

The WEDA S50 fits into the S family of WEDA sludge pumps, complementing the other units in the range, in terms of specifications, the company said.

“These pumps are ideally suited for construction dewatering, industrial or refining applications,” Atlas Copco said. The technical specifications of the new S50 model place it between the S30 and the S60 pumps, offering a maximum flow of 1,450 l/min while pumping sludge with a specific gravity of up to 1,400 kg/m3. The S50 has a rated output of 4.8 kW and a maximum solids handling size of 50 mm, which is the same as both the S30 and S60 models, according to Atlas Copco.

Hrishikesh Kulkarni, Product Manager, Atlas Copco Power and Flow division, said: “The WEDA S50 is an ideal pump for rental companies and general contractors where they don’t have to worry about what goes in the pump.

“Accordingly, these vortex designed pumps are ideal for abrasive media and handling solids up to 50 mm. The S50 fits neatly into the existing range of sludge pumps, making our S family portfolio complete with a range from 0.5-1-3-5 and 7.5 kW.”

The sludge portfolio covers a wide range of applications such as cement plants, industrial process water, sedimentation tanks, treatment plants, construction sites, etc, Atlas Copco said.

The WEDA S50 comes with the standard WEDA+ features, including rotation control, phase failure protection, thermal switches in each motor winding, and 16 Amp phase shifter plugs. All WEDA+ pumps are fitted with a 20 m cable, with the reinforced cable entries ensuring high resistance to water leakage.

Atlas Copco said: “S50 pumps are built with hardened high-chrome impellers and volute, which provides high wear resistance. The aluminium alloy construction also offers high corrosion resistance. All these features combine to ensure durability and reliability in harsh environments.”

Low weight materials have the extra benefit of making handling and transportation easy, according to the company, meaning the new S50 is an attractive option for rental use.

For extra protection, the casing rib design offers external cooling to the motor in case of dry running.

WEDA seal systems, meanwhile, have a unique modular design, thus allowing for flexibility and ease of maintenance. “Service technicians can change S50 seals at the job site with minimum impact on pump availability,” the company said. “The pump has an external oil inspection plug making it a simple maintenance task to perform quick inspections.”

The S50 base is designed for stability while the bottom side discharge allows the passage of solids up to 50 mm. It offers several options and sizes for connections, and flow direction is changeable from 90° to 180° on the discharge.