Back in 2022, Holcim approached Southern Pumping about a dust issue affecting the main sales area at their Albion Park Quarry (EPL 122) that required some water suppression. Despite being ready to commence, the project came to a halt with flooding caused by the extreme weather events of 2022.
"When the Illawarra receives these rain events, the main dam will rise and overwhelm the current pumping setup. The pump would remain underwater for some days and require replacement to bring it back into service." explains Elliott Scott, Pit Manager for Holcim's Albion Park Quarry.
Ever responsive and adaptable, Southern Pumping were quick to reassess the project, as the site initially identified for locating the pumps had been swallowed by the 1 in 100 year floods.
L: shows the site water levels on a regular day, R: shows just how high the flood waters got.
While Holcim stabilised the site, Southern Pumping got to work sourcing the new system. Pumps were recommended to be elevated to a platform out of flood zone, the DSP self-priming trash pump and Tsurumi aerator specified, and a larger standpipe pump added in.
Once the aerator cleans out some of the aquatic weed, the submersible bore pumps on flotation devices will be lowered and the dust suppression can begin.
As well as the dust suppression rings being used at various points around the 176,000 square site, another line up will feed water to a concrete tank, which will then turn the water supply to the quarry’s crusher plant.
L: the old pump platform R:one of the new pumps on the concrete platform, with the old access in the background
Proving that fresh eyes can make all the difference, Southern Pumping was able to lend their expertise on the conduit placement across the Albion Park site.
"Southern Pumping's understanding of plumbing made for a trouble free process during installation." says Elliott, "Adapting to changes as we came across them and working on a resolution was never an issue."
L: the submersible lines R, top:loading the truck for delivery to Holcim, R, bottom: the other pump on the new platform.
The new water suppression system will be controlled by a variable speed pump, an improvement on the previous fixed speed, which will give Holcim greater control over the water distribution across the site. As a project that still has a long way to go, Holcim are happy with what they've seen so far and excited for what's to come.
"Southern Pumping has been a great help with design and installation on the new system. With the setup still in the commissioning stages and unable to see the true effects of the upgrade, we are excited of the potential."
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