Rental Pumps Crucial in Louisiana Flood Cleanup
Oct, 2016
The record-breaking storms in the US state of Louisiana have caused flooding that many consider the worst natural disaster to strike the country since Hurricane Sandy, which hit the East Coast four years ago. Many towns were hit with more than 76 centimeters (30 inches) of rain, causing an estimated US$30 million in damage throughout the region.
As floodwaters recede and communities prepare to assess the damage, the need for easily accessible pumping solutions is high. Rental companies have seen an increase in the demand for rental pumps to aid in the remediation efforts.
"People down here are suffering and need dewatering solutions fast," said owner of a rental company. "Water is still high in places like Denim Springs, but in those places where the water is receding, we can start working to move water out quickly using the rental pumps."
The company has ordered more than 50 pumps in order to meet the needs of his service region, which spans an 80-kilometer (50-mile) radius around New Iberia.
A combination of engine-powered centrifugal pumps and electric submersible dewatering pumps were ordered. These pumps are moving floodwaters out of manholes and away from footings, where ground preparation has begun for the construction of new buildings, among other tasks. "We're pumping water from just about anywhere with a hole in the ground," owner said.
In coastal areas like Iberia, much of the flooding has also collected in docked marine vessels that don't have a protective covering, such as barges. When these massive vessels fill to the brim with water, they can sink and become immovable.
"Most of the applications we are seeing right now involve trying to move water from a large boat or barge that's become inundated by rainfall," owner said. "If any part of the boat remains above the waterline, we can pump water out until displacement takes over, and the vessel can once again float under its own power. In these types of applications, we typically use Tsurumi Pump's engine -powered trash pumps - they are light enough for two men to easily move them while still providing the capacity to move some 40,000 gallons per hour."
When dewatering after a flood, pumps that handle a high flow of water at a low head capacity are typically used. Depending on the availability of electricity, engine-powered centrifugal pumps or electric submersible dewatering pumps can be employed to equal effect.
The severity of storms in North America has worsened over the last decade, causing so-called "100-year" floods to occur with alarming frequency. Companies like Tsurumi Pump have since begun to monitor flood-prone areas and prepare inventory for these regions that may need quick assistance and supplies. Tsurumi America Inc., a division of Tsurumi Manufacturing, is headquartered in Glendale Heights, Illinois, USA.
Products
Engine-Driven Dewatering Pumps | Model : TE/THP/EPT |
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Portable Residue Dewatering Pumps | Model : LSC |
Portable Generators | Model : TPG |