CASE STUDY

How Chamco Helped a General Contractor Design and Install a Floating Pump System For a Municipal Customer

Floating pump system with a setup that includes yellow safety railings, visible piping, and a crane.

Project Background

In 2021, a municipality in the USA hired a general contractor to install a floating pump system to feed the new water intake for a water treatment plant.

To support this project, the general contractor partnered with Chamco to design an open deck-style floating pump system suitable for installation on a recreational pond.

Floating pump system viewed from shore.

The Challenge

Chamco faced several unique challenges due to the location of this project.

  • Shipping Logistics

    Because this project was for a municipality in the USA, sourcing materials and shipping them to the worksite posed several logistical challenges.

  • Design Request

    Initially, the customer requested a design of the floating pump system on a wooden dock in the middle of the pond, with a floating walkway to the shore. However, this approach would be challenging due to the amount and type of activity on the pond. From a stability standpoint, this design would also pose a risk to the equipment, as the pumps could become damaged due to their exposure through the bottom of the floating pump system. Additionally, having exposed pumps was a concern for the fish and wildlife department, as there would be no way of protecting the fish in the pond from being pulled into the pumps.

  • Recreational Activity

    Because this pond is a popular spot for community members to enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and water skiing, the design could not include any cables or parts that could present a safety hazard and risk damage to the floating pump system.

  • Wildlife Presence

    Various fish inhabit the pond, so Chamco had to ensure the pump station was designed to prevent fish from entering pump intakes to mitigate harm to both fish and the pumps.

Pump setup on the barge with a view of the recreational pond in the background.

Why the Customer Chose Chamco

Chamco was competing against another company for the project bid, but the municipality and general contractor ultimately decided to move forward with Chamco’s design because they recognized that Chamco had the expertise and experience to successfully complete the project.

Unlike the competitor’s design, which included barrels to float the pumps, Chamco’s design included a steel hull with a centre wet well to protect the pumps. The wet well was designed with inlet screens, ensuring the water entering the wet well did not contain debris. Additionally, Chamco attached agitators to the screen area to keep the water moving, deterring small fish from entering.

Because the floating pump system was to be installed away from shore, Chamco’s design featured a cantilever crane that could extend over the water. With this design, the customers’ service boat could position itself under the cantilever crane for the removal of the pumps or motors for any maintenance required. Chamco’s naval architect helped ensure that when this heavy equipment was hanging over the edge of the floating pump system, it would remain stable despite the change to its centre of gravity.

Although Chamco’s initial project costs were higher than the competitor’s bid, the open deck-style floating pump system would lead to lower operational costs and fewer potential disruptions down the road. The stable design eliminates the costs of repairing and replacing sunken parts, and the convenience of accessing and mobilizing the pumps and motors reduces labour costs, leading to future savings. Additionally, Chamco’s design allows the floating pump system to adapt seamlessly to changes in the water level.

Floating pump system with visible pipeline to shore.

The Solution

Chamco’s design met all of the unique requirements, ensuring an ongoing flow of new water intake for the municipality’s water treatment plant.

  • Local Compliance

    With assistance from the material suppliers, Chamco ensured that all of the necessary shipping documentation was accurately completed upon arrival to the USA. The floating pump system was also fabricated to comply with American Welding Society standards.

  • Pump System

    The general contractor completed the floating pump system with a 24-inch-diameter floating pipeline, and Chamco supplied three Peerless Pump Company vertical turbine pumps. Each pump has 125 horsepower and can pump 6,250 gallons per minute, making them ideal for supplying clean water for a water treatment plant.

  • Floating Pump System Design

    Because community members use this pond recreationally, installing a floating pump system that would not interfere with these activities was essential. Fortunately, Chamco and the general contractor were able to design and install a mooring system that did not use cables. Despite being 40 feet long by 36 feet wide, the floating pump system does not interfere with any recreation.

  • Protect Fish

    To help prevent the fish from entering the pump intakes, Chamco suggested putting a de-icing systems around the intakes on the floating pump system. Because these de-icing systems cause agitation in the water, the fish avoid the area.

The Results

While the general contractor was responsible for installing the floating pump system, Chamco was present to consult during the installation.

The final installation was completed in April 2023, and the municipality now benefits from a low-maintenance water intake system that doesn’t interfere with recreational activities or harm local wildlife.

“With all the unique aspects of creating this floating pump system, I would say it was a tremendous success.”
Beau Zemp, Production Manager

Other Case Studies

By |2024-09-20T13:01:33-06:00September 20th, 2024|Comments Off on How Chamco Helped a General Contractor Design and Install a Floating Pump System For a Municipal Customer

Get in Touch

Go to Top