A patented design that moves water fast.
Not all pumps are created equal. Good thing, too. They’re made to move water, but different pumps do it in specific ways. Natural events like flooding can put massive amounts of water in harm’s way. It needs to be quickly removed. MWI Pumps created a patented submersible pump called the Hydraflo™ just for this purpose.
The Hydraflo™ is so efficient that it was used by the Army Corps of Engineers to dewater the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Here’s what makes these powerhouse pumps so popular and how they’re used.
The power of hydraulics
The unique operation of this pump earned its patents. It uses the power of hydraulics to drive the impeller with flexible hoses. Most pumps that move large quantities of water use a fixed motor, a long, rigid shaft, and supporting structures. The hydraulics of the Hydraflo™ makes this unnecessary.
Hydraflo™ pumps are quick and efficient. Their design allows them to be set up in hours. Other types of pumps require civil works for installation. This can add months to the process and add from 50% to 75% to the working cost of a dewatering project. Portability and variable speed control are two more hallmarks of the Hydraflo™ pump. It’s an excellent choice for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Flooded areas are already damaged. The last thing the environment needs is further contamination. MWI’s line of Hydraflo™ pumps use biodegradable hydraulic fluids that meet EPA toxicity limits. The tanks are small to start with. Any amount of hydraulic fluid loss triggers an engine shut down switch.
How it works
These pumps can be powered by a diesel engine, an electric motor, or combination. The choice of power source is known as the prime mover. It drives a hydraulic pump and supplies oil to the hydraulic motor in the Hydraflo™ water pumps. This spins the hydraulic motor. The propeller moving the water is directly attached to the hydraulic motor. The hydraulic fluid continues its closed circuit by passing through a filter and then back to the small tank.
Designed with safety in mind
The danger to any pump is the shock load created when an object gets lodged in the propeller. The Hydraflo™ was designed to use a relief valve that diverts the hydraulic fluid flow when the propeller stops moving. It prevents damage to the pump and increases durability.
The straightforward design means that these pumps need little maintenance. There are many Hydraflo™ pumps in daily use that are over 35 years old. Portable Hydraflo™ pump configurations have a smaller footprint than an array of centrifugal pumps. They also pump more water which creates a big cost savings.
Less babysitting, more options
Most high volume pumps aren’t designed to run dry. Hydraflo™ pumps are. Dry runs won’t cause damage to parts. The standard design of these pumps allows for continuous operation at minimal submergence. It’s possible because of the low operating speeds and large intake passages.
Getting at water isn’t always easy. The pump system you select needs to be versatile. This is where you’ll really see the benefit of the Hydraflo™ design come into play. These pumps can be installed at any angle. All that’s required is changing the intake bell.
Learn more
They’re designed for long life and less maintenance. They install faster and are more versatile than conventional lineshaft pumps. The patented Hydraflo™ was a hero to the people of New Orleans, and it can be a powerhouse pump for you.
Jump right to the pump’s product page here, or check out this PDF brochure.