Rapid pump response controls big leak under South Tyrol Lake
A utility company in Northern Italy was facing a serious water leak from an artificial lake in South Tyrol. Damage to underground tunnels caused the lake to partially drain at a staggering rate of 15,000 liters per second. To stabilize the situation, Atlas Copco Specialty Rental quickly delivered and installed four PAS 300HF 440 high-flow pumps, each with 100 meters of piping. When water runs, so do we.
Customer challenge
A damaged underground tunnel caused massive water loss from an artificial reservoir.
Our solution
Four PAS 300HF 440 vacuum-assisted drainage pumps, each equipped with 100 meters of piping, were installed, for a total capacity of 8,000 m³/h.
The result
The leak is now under control and the reservoir stabilized, preventing further erosion and damage to the dam.
Critical water loss below the surface
A leak in an underground tunnel caused a major drop in water levels at an artificial lake in South Tyrol, Northern Italy. Up to 15,000 liters per second were escaping from the damaged section, quickly resulting in a loss of one-third of the reservoir’s volume. To avoid further erosion and protect nearby land as well as the dam, the tide had to be turned fast.
Bringing in the big pumps
Atlas Copco Specialty Rental was trusted to deliver the right solution. The job called for high-performance pumps that could move massive volumes of water quickly and reliably, even in ongoing, uncontrolled conditions. We delivered four PAS 300HF 440 units, each connected to 100 meters of pipework, creating a system capable of moving up to 8,000 cubic meters of water per hour. Heavy-duty gear, built for pressure.
Designed to deliver under pressure
The PAS 300HF units are vacuum-assisted, self-priming pumps known for their versatility and reliability. With a combined power output of over 1,000 kW, these high-performance machines can withstand demanding conditions. Even with suction heights of several meters, they quickly evacuate the air from the suction pipe and begin pumping. Combined with dual-suction pipes, the setup ensured maximum flow capacity with minimal friction loss.
We also deployed our trusted Fleet Link monitoring system, giving our customer full visibility on pump and engine performance in real time, even remotely.
Q&A
What made the PAS 300HF pumps suitable for this project?
These units are designed for high-performance dewatering, capable of handling large volumes of water under demanding conditions. They are vacuum-assisted, self-priming, and reliable even at significant suction heights.
How was the pump performance monitored during the operation?
We used our Fleet Link monitoring system, which provided the customer with real-time data on pump and engine performance, accessible both on-site and remotely.
What other equipment can be combined with rental pumps?
Depending on the project, pumps can be deployed with generators, hoses, piping, tanks, and monitoring systems, providing complete turnkey dewatering solutions
What applications are these pumps suited for?
Atlas Copco’s high-flow dewatering pumps are built to handle a wide range of demanding situations. They are a reliable choice for emergency interventions such as floods, sudden leaks, or large-scale water losses. In planned projects, they are widely used for construction dewatering, as well as in mines and quarries, where large volumes of water, often containing mud or abrasive particles, need to be managed. The pumps are also ideal for wellpoint systems, where groundwater must be lowered across multiple shallow points, and they play a key role in municipal and industrial applications, including sewer bypasses and process water management.
From emergency to stability in no time
Thanks to the rapid deployment of PAS pumps, pipes, and accessories, the situation is now under control. The leak has been stabilized and the risk to surrounding infrastructure has been contained. Our customer is able to continuously monitor pump and engine performance, ensuring stable operation as conditions evolve.
"All necessary measures are being taken to protect and stabilize the surrounding land and prevent potential erosion."
Once again, Atlas Copco Rental rose to the occasion and provided an efficient and reliable solution to an emergency situation. This was made possible by quality equipment, a well-planned setup, and a team committed to getting it right the first time.
When it matters most, we show up ready. Let us support your next critical operation with the right equipment and expertise.
At Atlas Copco, we have been turning industrial ideas into business-critical benefits since 1873. By listening to our customers and knowing their needs, we deliver value and innovate with the future in mind.
Great ideas reinforce sustainable development. At Atlas Copco Specialty Rental, we team up with our customers to set up state-of-the-arttemporary air, flow, steam and nitrogen solutions. Our passionate experts have extensive application and equipment knowledge. We understand our customers' needs and can provide a total solution for any industry, no matter if it is for emergencies or planned projects. We are a division of the Power Technique business area, headquartered in Boom, Belgium and offer specialty rental solutions under several brands around the globe.