Plumbing Africa August 2020 August 2020 | Page 36

34 FEATURE Pumps for plumbing By Eamonn Ryan Pump efficiency is a fundamental concern for every end user. When it comes choosing to a plumbing system, the right type of equipment makes a significant difference. So it is in the case of pumps, they come in a variety of sizes, materials, modes of power, as well as coming in the two categories of submersible and non-submersible. Matching a pump, and its efficiency, to a specific need is important given that municipalities across Africa grapple with ways of dealing with growing wastewater requirements, it has become increasingly evident that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in differing conditions, such as sand contents, water quality and existing infrastructure. These play a major role in the specification of future pumping infrastructure requirements. There is a clear need for training, KSB Pumps and Valves recently hosted a two-day workshop led by global expert, Ben Harrison, the regional application manager: MEAI KSB Global Corporate Water Department from Germany Halle (Saale), aimed at sharing country specific information and devising ways of working with authorities to provide wastewater solutions. “Conditions vary from Kenya to DRC, Zambia, South Africa and elsewhere in Africa and we are inviting authorities to work with us to find specific solutions that will work for them.” The aim, he says, is “to bring international standards to local solutions and provide the kind of wastewater solutions that are affordable, durable and appropriate for the kind of maintenance and support that is available in that particular area. “That means that customers are assured of receiving worldclass service wherever they may be, albeit in Johannesburg, Kinshasa, Nairobi or anywhere in Africa. As a customer they can expect the same outcome, the same service and support that they would receive anywhere else in the world. It is also advantageous that sewage pumps are part of the South African production portfolio for quick access to the regional market,” says Harrison. Why efficiency matters As a plumber, if you install an inappropriate plumbing pump, the results could be both devastating and costly. Whether you are dealing with flooding issues in the basement, or perhaps you need an industrial pump, there is a right tool for the job. KSB Pumps KSB staff from across Africa will be working towards finding wastewater solutions for the continent. www.plumbingafrica.co.za @plumbingonline @plumbingonline @PlumbingAfricaOnline August 2020 Volume 26 I Number 06