With 11 pump stations requiring regular and ongoing maintenance, the Plumbing Unit at George Town Council in Tasmania, developed a trailable pump lift that has overcome problems previously experienced. Council had found that its previous method for maintenance of its 11 pump stations, with each pump weighing 1,200 kilograms, had been inefficient, utilised too much plant and labour, and was potentially unsafe.
“In the past, the process of retrieving the pumps from the wells was by using a backhoe and crane,” said Council’s Manager of Development and Infrastructure, John Ayers. “A chain was attached to the front bucket of the backhoe or the boom of the crane, then the pump was lifted from the well.”
Council plumbing staff, worked together to develop a trailable pump lift. This has proved much more efficient than past practices. It has reduced labour costs and plant utilisation and most importantly, overcome safety concerns.
“The lift uses a three phase electric chain hoist,” John Ayers said. “The trailer is parked over the well enabling the pump to be lifted. “It overcomes our safety concerns because the lift is now operated by a hand held control device, and it is mechanical which removes the dangers of hydraulic failure which may lead to accidental lowering of the raised pump.”
The overall cost to Council of this new method is $10,000, which produces annual savings for Council of around $38,000.
For further information, contact Craig Perkins on (03) 6382 1211
