Reliable self-priming pumps for sewage bypass critical applications

Maintaining uninterrupted operations is essential, especially when dealing with critical infrastructure like sewer systems. Sewage bypass is a temporary bypass pumping solution that ensures wastewater flow continues smoothly during maintenance, repair, or replacement of sewer lines and infrastructure, or during pump station failures. This process is vital for preventing disruptions and avoiding environmental contamination. Commonly used in municipal, industrial, and construction projects, sewage bypass is a key component in keeping essential systems operational when the existing network needs to be isolated.

The success of a sewage bypass operation depends heavily on the pump technology employed. Centrifugal pumps, particularly vacuum-assisted dry prime pumps, are the most used for this application. These pumps are designed to handle large volumes of water containing solid content, making them ideal for raw sewage and wastewater. Their efficiency and reliability make them the preferred choice for bypass operations, even in the most demanding environments.

Choosing the right pump for a sewage bypass project requires careful consideration of several critical factors.

• The flow rate and total dynamic head must be evaluated based on pipe size, system resistance, and the required output. 
• The pump’s ability to handle solids is equally important, as raw sewage often contains large solids and fibrous materials. 
• A reliable priming system with automatic start and stop features is essential for unattended operation, ensuring the pump can re-prime itself as needed. 
• Moreover, being vacuum assisted they have a fast reprime feature which matches the almost no flow volume present at night with the high flow volume present in early morning and before dinner time.
• Noise levels should also be considered, particularly in urban or residential areas where minimizing disruption is a priority.
• Additionally, fuel efficiency and autonomy are crucial for long-duration projects, while mobility and ease of maintenance ensure fast deployment and relocation on-site.

Atlas Copco’s PAS range of diesel-driven dry prime pumps is specifically designed to meet the challenges of sewage bypass applications. These pumps feature semi-open impellers, allowing them to handle large solids with ease. Their rugged design ensures reliable performance in harsh conditions, while excellent fuel efficiency makes them cost-effective for extended use. The PAS range is also built for rapid deployment, with skid or trailer-mounted options that make setup quick and straightforward. For noise-sensitive environments, noise-silenced versions are available, making them ideal for urban or residential areas.

Customers often have questions about the capabilities of Atlas Copco pumps for sewage bypass applications. One common concern is whether the pumps can handle raw sewage without clogging. The answer is yes—Atlas Copco PAS pumps are engineered with open impeller designs and large free passage to handle solids effectively. Another frequent question is about unattended operation. The PAS range includes an Automatic Start and Stop feature, ensuring continuous operation even without on-site supervision. For those wondering about deployment speed, the PAS series is designed for rapid setup, making it easy to deploy in both planned maintenance and emergency situations. Finally, for projects in urban areas, the compact and low-noise configurations of Atlas Copco pumps make them an excellent choice for noise-sensitive zones.

Sewage bypass operations are essential for maintaining wastewater flow during critical infrastructure projects, and having the right pump can make all the difference. Atlas Copco’s PAS range of surface centrifugal pumps offers the perfect combination of reliability, efficiency, and ease of use, making them the ideal choice for construction, municipal, and industrial applications. Whether you’re managing a planned maintenance project or responding to an emergency, from heavy construction to critical bypass, Atlas Copco self-priming pumps ensure smooth operations with minimal disruption.

For more information on our surface pumps and sewage bypass solutions, get in touch with our pump experts.