New type of
submersible pump
launched
While the demand for groundwater is anticipated to grow significantly, a limited
understanding of this resource and its optimal use remains one of the biggest
hurdles to the sustainable implementation of many groundwater projects in
the country.
In-depth knowledge is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability
of groundwater projects that rely on political endorsement, as well as a
technical and scientific approach to the implementation thereof. A successful
groundwater project transcends the yield of a drilled well; it also has far-
reaching direct and indirect positive impacts on the surrounding communities.
This holistic perspective has always been a signature trait of groundwater
projects undertaken by JG Afrika and one of the reasons for the company being
appointed by Ramgoolam as the professional geohydrologist for a large water
and sanitation schools project in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
The project, which is being driven by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of
Public Works on behalf of the province’s Department of Education, is the
forerunner of a host of other similar interventions that will significantly improve
water and sanitation conditions for pupils in remote areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
It also draws on the in-depth knowledge of two acclaimed experts in the
field: Mark Schapers, a technical director with JG Afrika and the firm’s Durban
branch manager, and Regan Rose, founder of Geowater IQ, which was recently
acquired by JG Afrika.
Right from the outset, the team of geohydrologists working on the project
focused on ensuring buy-in from surrounding communities.
The team continues to consult with relevant councillors, indunas, and
headmasters, forming the basis of ongoing communication channels during and
after the project’s implementation cycle.
“Groundwater remains a hidden and unnoticed resource that does not get
implemented according to guidelines and legislated criteria. I would describe it
as very much in no-man’s-land, leaving projects open to incorrect interpretation
and, more often than not, reliant on limited skills and inadequate capabilities to
implement them,” says Schapers.
There have been many challenges on this project. JG Afrika’s teams have
had to plan and work around poor recharge associated with schools located on
high ground elevations.
Over and above limitations to the drilling environment, the geohydrologists
have had to ensure utmost care to protect the resource from on-site
contamination, considering the project’s large sanitation component.
The project will significantly improve water and sanitation
conditions for pupils in remote areas of KwaZulu-Natal.
The KSB
UPAchrom 100
series is designed
for water supply
and irrigation
applications.
Mark Schapers,
technical director in
charge of JG Afrika’s
groundwater projects.
The KSB UPAchrom 100 series is
designed for water supply and irrigation
applications, as well as for use in small
systems for drawdown of groundwater
levels. It covers discharge heads of up
to 550m and flow rates of up to
21 500ℓ/hr.
The efficiencies of the hydraulic
systems satisfy the demanding
requirements of the applicable ErP
regulations — all MEI values are above
0.40. Certified for drinking water to
French (ACS) and US (NSF) standards,
the pump can safely be used for
drinking water applications. All pump
components are made of stainless
steel. The pump sets are of a very
robust design and capable of handling
water with a solids content of 50g/m 3 .
An integrated, hydraulically optimised
check valve prevents the discharge line
from emptying when the pump set is
stopped. This reduces any damage that
could be caused by reverse rotation
of the pump. The pumps are driven
by water-filled canned motors with a
rating of up to 7.5kW, or by rewindable
submersible motors with ratings of up
to 18.5kW for
very high heads.
All pump sets
are completely
maintenance
free with
self-adjusting
thrust bearings
and pressure
balancing
diaphragms.
Generously
dimensioned
intermediate
bearings at
each pump
stage prevent
potential shaft
misalignment.
Water Sewage & Effluent May/June 2017
29
Bringing SA’s precious hidden water
resource to surface