Grindex Submersible Pumps Work Non Stop On Channel Tunnel Rail Link Project

19/05/2003

The £5.2bn Channel Tunnel Rail Link is one of the major civil engineering projects of its time utilising, where possible, the most advanced construction techniques and equipment available. Contract 250 for the construction of a 5.3 km twin bore tunnel from Dagenham will be part of this lasting legacy. Grindex submersible pumps are here playing an important part for the continual removal of rising water, spillages and washings during the tunnel's construction.

Some 28 pumps from the Grindex range, including Matadors, Majors, Masters and Minex, are now being used in various locations for tunnel work, including a number in the tunnel itself as part of a stage pumping system. This pumping system is currently approx. 800m in length, where there is then a requirement for pumping 12m head height to reach the surface. Located on the surface are settlement tanks for the removal of fine silts and oils before the filtered water is transferred to a final storage container for eventual transfer to mains drainage. Within this storage container are two Grindex Matador pumps working in tandem and alternating as required. Both Matadors having integral float switches for independent and unsupervised operation.

Electrical Supervisor for the Nuttall-Wayss and Freytag-Keir joint venture, John Vahey, was responsible for specifying Grindex pumps initially and also for now ensuring their continual operation. Vahey was well aware of the Grindex range and their potential, having used them for some years on other projects. As he says: 'In my opinion no other submersible pumps have the same capabilities. The ability to run dry is just one good example of this. Grindex pumps also provide flow rates equivalent to others whilst being more compact in size, an obvious benefit when working in restricted space. Interchangeable spares are a plus for maintainability as well.' Vahey also likes the technical back-up available from Grindex and made use of their Pump Select programme that provided quick product selection based on parameters fed into it, such as anticipated litres per hour of movement and static head for lift.

In addition to tunnel work Grindex Master H pumps are being used for surface dewatering, keeping the site as dry as possible. The site also has 6 sewage stations and here Euroflo sewage pumps are performing an unnoticed but important function. Euroflo has also supplied control equipment for these six stations.

Grindex pumps are distributed in the UK by Euroflo Fluid Handling and the company's recent move to new premises has enabled them to further improve their ability to provide the full range of Grindex pumps, along with the rightly expected supporting service facilities and spare parts supply.