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- Standard Bore Pumps and Controllers
- Floating Surface Water Pumps
- Sump, Transfer and River Pumps
- Special Application Pumps
- Rubber and Polyurethane
Standard Bore Pumps and Controllers
Although equally at home in situations where high flow rates are required, the Airwell pump often wins most acclaim for its ability to optimise water recovery from low production bores. Its ability to operate 24 hours a day regardless of weather conditions, supply water 'on demand', and provide that water economically has made the Airwell pumping system a popular option Australia wide. The 316 grade stainless steel pump body is available in a variety of diameters and lengths to match the bore casing size and required flow rates, and is highly resistant to corrosion in all but the most unusual water types. In the majority of applications a life expectancy in excess of 15 years would be expected.
The pump is designed to sit on or near the bottom of the bore, and has been designed to handle the imperfect water conditions often experienced. The internal check valves consist of urethane balls on stainless steel seats. This patented design offers excellent wear characteristics in even the grittiest of applications, providing years of trouble free operation in conditions other systems would quickly reject. Connections to the pump consist of an airline, water riser, a signal cable and a stainless steel wire rope for support. The signal cable provides the key to the automatic nature of the Airwell system. Inbuilt within the pump are two conductivity probes to provide signals to the microprocessor-based controller at the bore head telling the controller when the pump is 'FULL' and when it is 'EMPTY'.
On receiving the full signal, the controller opens the solenoid, allowing compressed air into the pump, closing the bottom check valve, displacing the water up the riser to your tank etc. When the water level in the pump drops below the bottom probe, an empty signal tells the controller to close the solenoid valve, stopping the airflow to the pump, allowing it to refill, venting the displacement air in the pump to atmosphere. Unlike the air lifting method, the air does not aerate the water, merely pushes on the waters surface, allowing water to be pumped from greater depth and using much less air. The top ball valve prevents water in the riser from flowing back into the pump during the refilling process. If you are having problems with iron oxide bacterial build-up, Airwell may be able to provide a solution. With many Airwell pumps operating in this environment, results are showing remarkable resistance to this build-up. Whereas conventional pumps were being pulled up as often as monthly to be unblocked, the Airwell pump can remain almost entirely free of bacterial build up even after years of operation.
Pump Controller
The Airwell Pump on its own will actually do nothing without a controller. It is the Pump Controller that provides the functionality of the system.
The pump controller provides the automatic operation of the Airwell system. Unlike many alternative pumping methods, the Airwell adapts to varying bore recharge rates or full tanks and troughs without additional hardware. If there is no water to pump for prolonged periods, the system shuts down and waits for water, optimising recovery from low production bores.
When float valves fitted to tanks and troughs are closed, water cannot be expelled from the pump and again, the system will shut down. System 'hibernation' includes the electrically driven compressor, so both energy and water are conserved.
The Solar Controller
Is our most commonly used controller, and is designed for use with all of the Airwell bore, dam and sump pumps. It is a self-contained option for applications remote from power.Isolation valves are provided for both air connections and the cable connection is indexed to prevent incorrect alignment. The controller can operate for in excess of a month on a fully charged battery should your solar panel be inexplicably shielded from the sun. The Pump Controller is capable of pumping anywhere from 0 litres a day to 190 tonnes a day, dependant on pump size. Other limitations on the flow rate are the fill/empty cycle of the pump, which is affected by overall head, bore recharge rates (refer Air Requirement chart) and the size of your compressor.
Other Controllers
We also offer alternative controllers for specific requirements. These may include the need for a stainless steel valve in highly corrosive environments, the use of external power when power is close by, or the addition of other equipment such as radio telemetry or cycle counters to assist in monitoring system performance.
Controller Components
- Control cable from the pump plugs into the control circuit. The encapsulated processor reads the signals from the pump level probes, and drives the solenoid open and closed, allowing air to and from the pump
- The valve assembly is a latching solenoid valve, driven by the control circuit, operating the main 3-way air valve, which allows compressed air to the pump and allows the exhausted air to vent to atmosphere
- Air to and from the pump is through the elbow at the front of the valve
- Air from the compressor enters the valve assembly via the ½” inlet tap
- An inline air filter with replaceable filter cartridge provides protection to the valve and pilot valve from foreign material that may be in the airline
- Interchangeable plug packs allow adjustment of the controller for use in a wide range of water types, from very fresh to hyper saline
- The solar panel provides the means of recharging the internal battery and is the lid of the enclosure
- The inline fuse (3A max) provides short circuit protection to the controller
- Pulsed control signals from the processor switch the latching solenoid between the open and closed state. Unlike conventional solenoids, constant power to maintain one state or other is not required, considerably improving power consumption
- The power source is the 4A/H dry cell battery, capable of driving the system for in excess of 30 days with no additional solar power, when fully charged