A number of Tsurumi pumps have contributed to The Clean Rivers Project in Washington DC - a massive infrastructure project that will capture the combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that are damaging the region’s waterways.
The project involved the construction of four tunnels that will divert the CSOs for wastewater treatment before they reach the capital city’s rivers.
The first phase of the ambitious programme was the Blue Plains Tunnel Project, where Tsurumi pumps were at the centre of the action.
A massive excavation was needed to construct the 23,600 ft tunnel that measured 23 ft in diameter and ran more than 100 ft below the surface.
The completed tunnel extends from the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant past Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling to a main pumping station on the north bank of the Anacostia River, just south of Nationals Park.
Nine types of Tsurumi pumps removed water and moisture from the tunnel as crews constructed the piping system that now diverts the harmful CSOs.
J&K Equipment, based in Glenelg, Maryland, was the pump distributor responsible for supplying dewatering pumps and overseeing operations during the tunnel’s excavation.
Jeff McKissack, vice president of J&K, said that he advised contractors on the job to use Tsurumi pumps based on their durability and efficiency when handling high volumes of water while enclosed in tight spaces.
“I find that Tsurumi pumps can handle higher head using less horsepower,” McKissack explained. “The process of removing excess moisture from a shaft as its excavated is a rigorous job that requires non-stop pump usage.
“ The LH311W submersible dewatering pump in particular can move nearly 200 gpm at the required 160 ft of head. When you consider that this pump can move that volume of water with a 15 hp motor and such a slim design, you can really appreciate the level of engineering Tsurumi has maintained throughout its product line.”
Tsurumi pumps provide critical support for infrastructure project
