The key challenges in batch plants are faster production and increased efficiency. A major bottleneck in production is caused by the time taken to fill the overhead batch water tanks.

The average agitator load uses 800-1,000 litre of water. The speed at which the weigh hoppers are replenished directly affects the number of agitators loaded, or cubic metres of concrete produced.

One solution being introduced by Australian Pump into bigger plants is an upgrading of the batch water pump. A Tsurumi KTZ411 4' high head, high flow pump has the capacity to overcome long pipe runs, bends and possible pipework restrictions.

The Tsurumi KTZ411 is powered by an 11 kW three-phase motor and has the capability to deliver 1,000 litre per minute at 35 m head. Some batch water pumps take up to 5 minute to produce 1,000 litres at that head. Plants that convert to the KTZ411 ensure that the water supply does not restrict production capacity. Another advantage of using the KTZ411 in this application is the ability to back flush the pump at the end of the day. This prevents sediment build up in the pump overnight.

Tsurumi designed the KTZ series to efficiently pump cementitious laden liquids. The pumps incorporate a wear resistant high chrome iron impeller that enable solids in suspension to pass smoothly through the pump.

Cast iron pumps like the KTZ series are ideally suited to the pH of batch water. Aluminium pumps are eaten away in these conditions and fabricated stainless steel pumps fail due to fatigue in rigorous environments.

Tsurumi's KTZ pumps include a number of features that enhance the life expectancy of the pump. A unique anti-wicking cable gland makes it impossible for water to enter the motor even if the end of the cable is submersed or the outer sheath is damaged.

Twin, double silicon carbide mechanical seals, with all seal surfaces protected in an oil chamber, is also a standard Tsurumi feature. Lubrication of the seal faces is ensured by a patented guide vane inside the oil chamber.

'These two simple features knock out the biggest single failure points on any submersible pump,' stated Neil Bennett, Tsurumi Product Manager, Australian Pump. 'They are the reasons why Tsurumi submersibles deliver lower maintenance costs and longer life expectancy,' he added.

The pump has a side flow, top discharge design that uses the pumped water to cool the motor. That extends the life of the pump and enables it to operate even in shallow liquid. A unique multi-directional discharge port simplifies installation.

'These high head pumps are proving to be a real cost saver in batch plants around Australia,' said Bennett. 'Any plant looking to boost production can easily upgrade the batch water pump and dramatically cut agitator loading times,' he said.