Atlas Copco’s new sludge pump

Sweden-based Atlas Copco has expanded its WEDA submersible dewatering pump range with the addition of the S50 Sludge pump, which was said to be ideal for rental.

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 50mm (2”). 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 new model’s technical specifications place it between the S30 and the S60 pumps in Atlas Copco’s WEDA S range, which is designed for thick, soft, wet mud or other similar mixtures.

The S range is said to be particularly well suited to construction dewatering, industrial or refining applications.

The new S50 model offers a maximum flow of 1,450 litres per minute while pumping sludge with a specific gravity of up to 1400kg/m³.

It also has a rated output of 4.8kW and a maximum solids handling size of 50mm, which is the same as both the S30 and S60 models.

Particularly relevant to rental companies is the fact that the S50 is built for durability and reliability in harsh environments. It has hardened high-chrome impellers and volute for high-wear resistance, and the aluminium alloy construction offers high corrosion resistance.

In addition, the use of low-weight materials has the benefit of making handling and transportation easy.

For extra protection, the casing rib design offers external cooling to the motor in case of dry running, enhancing the S50’s dry running capabilities.

Ease of operation and maintenance were also important in the unit’s design. WEDA seal systems have a modular design, making them flexible and easy for service technicians to change seals at the job site.

The S50 also has an external oil inspection plug for easier maintenance inspections.

The model comes with standard WEDA+ features, which include rotation control, phase failure protection, thermal switches in each motor winding, and 16 Amps phase shifter plugs.