Case Study: Split Case Pumpsets for Water Supply

Modernising Water Supply Pumps with Split Case Pumpsets

Southern Pumping Specialists recently completed the design and build of new split case pumpsets for a water supply project at a well-established Australian manufacturing facility.

The existing water supply pumps had been operating for more than 40 years and were beginning to show increasing signs of wear. With limited pump data available and replacement parts for the original equipment no longer being manufactured, the site required a modern pumping solution that could improve reliability while also supporting increased production requirements.

Southern Pumping was engaged to develop and supply replacement pumpsets designed around the site's existing infrastructure, helping minimise disruption during installation and commissioning.

The Challenge: Replacing 40-Year-Old Water Supply Pumps

Replacing ageing pumping equipment can present several challenges, particularly when the original pump information is limited or replacement components are no longer available.

In this case, the existing pumps had been in service for more than four decades. As the equipment continued to wear, maintaining the original pumps became increasingly difficult due to the lack of available replacement parts.

At the same time, the manufacturing facility required a pumping solution capable of handling increased productivity.

Rather than simply replacing the existing equipment like-for-like, Southern Pumping assessed the available site information and developed a modern pumpset solution that could meet the required duty while integrating with the existing pipework.

Split Case Pumps Selected for the Application

The new pumpsets incorporated SAER SKD200-630 horizontal split case pumps, coupled to 315 kW, 4-pole electric motors.

The pumps were selected to provide the required operating duty of:

217 litres per second at 87 metres head

Horizontal split case pumps are well suited to demanding water supply applications where high flow rates, reliable operation and maintainability are important considerations.

For this project, the split case pump configuration provided a modern replacement for the ageing equipment while delivering the performance required for the facility's increased productivity.

Custom Pump Bases Designed for Existing Pipework

One of the key considerations during the design stage was ensuring that the new pumpsets could be installed into the existing system with minimal disruption.

Southern Pumping designed and supplied new galvanised steel pump bases, with the dimensions and configuration developed to match the existing pipework as closely as possible.

This approach helped simplify the installation process and reduced the amount of modification required on site.

For operational facilities such as manufacturing plants, minimising installation time and disruption can be an important consideration when replacing critical pumping equipment. Designing the new pumpsets around the existing infrastructure allowed the project to progress while keeping site production requirements in mind.

Pump Replacement Designed Around the Site

The project demonstrates the importance of taking a practical, application-focused approach to pump replacement.

With limited information available about the original pumps, Southern Pumping had to develop a suitable modern replacement based on the available site requirements rather than simply sourcing an identical model.

The new pumpsets were designed to:

• Replace ageing water supply pumps

• Provide the required duty of 217 L/s at 87 m

• Support increased site productivity

• Integrate closely with existing pipework

• Minimise installation and commissioning disruption

• Provide a modern alternative where original replacement parts were no longer available

From Pump Selection to Pumpset Design

Southern Pumping's involvement extended beyond supplying individual pumps. The project included the design and build of complete pumpsets, including the selection of suitable split case pumps, motor configuration and custom-designed galvanised steel bases.

This type of project highlights the value of working with a pump supplier that can consider the complete pumping system and the practical requirements of installation.

By designing the pumpsets around the existing site conditions, Southern Pumping was able to provide a replacement solution that addressed both the required hydraulic performance and the realities of upgrading equipment within an operating manufacturing facility.

A Modern Solution for an Established Water Supply System

After more than 40 years of operation, the site's original water supply pumps had reached a point where continued maintenance was becoming increasingly difficult.

The new SAER SKD200-630 horizontal split case pumps, driven by 315 kW motors, provide a modern pumpset solution designed around the site's current requirements.

With custom galvanised steel bases designed to align closely with the existing pipework, the project also focused on making installation and commissioning as straightforward as possible.

For facilities operating ageing pumping equipment, pump replacement does not always mean starting from scratch. A carefully engineered replacement pumpset can be designed around existing infrastructure while providing the performance required for current and future operational demands.

Looking for a Replacement for an Ageing Water Supply Pump?

Southern Pumping Specialists supplies and builds industrial pumps and pumpsets for water supply, manufacturing, mining, commercial and other demanding applications.

Whether you are replacing obsolete pumping equipment, upgrading an existing system or require a complete pumpset designed around your site requirements, our team can assist with pump selection, system requirements and custom pumpset design.

Contact Southern Pumping Specialists on 1800 810 670 to discuss your pump replacement or water supply project.