Australian Pump Industry launched its new range of dry prime dewatering pumps at the huge 2014 CivEnex show (14-15 May 2014, Sydney). The dry prime pumps represent a breakthrough into a new dimension for the iconic Australian designer and manufacturer.

The initial range includes a three-inch, four inch and six inch dewatering pump. Aussie Pumps' set out to create a new standard for the market in terms of dry prime design, efficiency levels and value for money.

"We have an unparalleled reputation for quality, self-priming trash pumps that can handle virtually any solid laden liquids," said Aussie Pumps' Chief Engineer, John Hales. "Those wet prime pumps are all designed around a simple 'bullet proof' concept that's cost effective but robust," he said.

The company is setting out to do the same in the dry prime pump market. The new product range simplifies the over complex design of other manufacturers, making maintenance easier and the pumps less expensive.

Called the Aussie Auto-Prime range, the new line up delivers exceptional efficiencies and excellent solids handling capabilities. It offers the ability to automatically re-prime from a completely dry state.

Engineered to meet the requirements of professional contractors, miners, local government and quarry operators, Aussie Auto-Prime pumps include with a few extras that other manufacturers class as options.

"We decided to up spec the machine and by reducing the range of options, pulled costs down" said Hales. For example, the robust pumps all include 316 stainless steel impellers and volutes. The front cases are high grade SG400-12cast iron. The back plates are constructed from 431 grade stainless steel!

Pumps are fitted with a rugged 'ball type' check valve, with a polyurethane seat and ball that's easy to replace.

Flow efficiencies are exceptional with the big six inch pump, the new AP150, boasting flows to 7,200 litres per minute. The four inch version achieves a maximum head of 40 metres (that's vertical lift). All models feature excellent self-priming characteristics with the ability to lift water up to 8.5 metres.

"The best part of the AP dry prime range is our simple trouble-free design. We went with compressor prime as opposed to conventional vacuum pump because of its simplicity and ease of maintenance," said Hales. "Compressor prime means that we can dry prime the pump without any manual filling of the suction line or the use of a priming tank," he said.

The compressor design chosen utilises a jet of compressed air that passes through the Venturi type nozzle to evacuate air from the pump casing and suction line. That makes for fast, positive and continuous priming even when the pump is operating in snore mode. This means users can "set and forget" the pump for site dewatering.

The company chose to power the products with Perkins water cooled diesel engines because of their reliability, ease of service and international spares availability. The engine is fitted with an electric auto-start and comes standard with shut down protection. The standard steel based units come with an integrated fuel tank and corner tie downs. All welding jobs are completed to IAW AS 1554.1 and the chassis is pressure tested to IAW AS 1692.

"We also chose to go with 431 stainless steel shafts and silicon carbide hard-face mechanical seals in an oil bath for extended dry running," said Hales. "We're very proud of this new Aussie product and expect that the combination of quality and price level will attract interest from local Government, contractors, hire companies and quarry operators," he said.

Further information, including full technical specifications, is available from the Aussie Pump website or by contacting Aussie Pump distributors around Australia and SE Asia.

Contact: Helen Mahoney. Email: marketing@aussiepumps.com.au