Flygt’s PFM improves flow rates at Moorcroft Quarry

Pump flotation module proves a success at Devon quarry

Flygt’s pump flotation module (PFM) has been well received by Aggregate Industries’ Moorcroft Quarry, with reports of improved flow rates.

The PFM is an innovative design and Moorcroft, a limestone quarry located on the outskirts of Plymouth, is one of the first to benefit from the product. The PFM has been developed to provide a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to the traditional steel pontoon in dewatering applications.

Phillip Farrar, Aggregate Industries’ quarry manager said: ‘Moorcroft Quarry has been operating for 50 years and supplies over 0.5 million tonnes of construction aggregate each year. As part of the quarry development, old workings needed to be flooded to create a reservoir that enabled us to recycle water on site.

‘Our existing pumps were positioned on the bottom of the quarry and were drawing in silt, so the flow rate was considerably lower than it should be. We were looking for an alternative pump system that combined easy access with improved flow rates. The pump flotation module from Flygt offered a neat, innovative solution and we have been very pleased with its performance.’

Flygt’s PFM can be supplied to suit Flygt’s range of 2000 or 2600 series dewatering pumps, 3000 series wastewater pumps and 5000 series slurry pumps, and is suitable for quarries, construction site dewatering, aeration ponds, sludge lagoons and in other sewage treatment plant applications.

The product is pre-fabricated with a lightweight, foam-filled glass reinforced polymer skin to prevent sinking and is available in four different sizes. The pump and integral module are easily installed by the use of a central stainless steel lifting attachment, which once in the water is easily towed by a boat, if required, and secured into position by anchor or guy ropes. The float module remains on the water surface for easy recovery and identification.