Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's Rockhampton branch were engaged by local beef cattle graziers Kurrajong Pastoral (located near Springsure, QLD) to deliver a GRUNDFOS RSI Invertor Solar Pumping System at the Crystal Plains property to supplying onsite bore water to the property's many beef cattle watering troughs. Crystal Plains is a 3,018ha (7,458 acre) Springsure buffel grass property located 52km south of Emerald and 22km north of Springsure. The property comprises 10 dams, three bores, 14 grazing paddocks, plus several holding paddocks and water squares.

Dowdens Pumping - Rockhampton began the design of this solar pumping system with a site visit to record the height / depths of bores and to meet with the customers and garner their exact requirements for this system. Although not required for this particular bore inspection, Dowdens can offer our customers affordable Borehole and Drain inspection services using a range of Wireline Cameras. Our Wireline Cameras can operate up to a depth of 100m and deliver our customers high-resolution video and images straight to laptop / USB.

Once the proposal had been accepted, the Dowdens Industrial Workshop began sourcing the 18 x 270 Watt Solar Modules that were to be attached to 3 x 6 Module Fixed Post Array Frames. As an Authorised Grundfos Distributor Dowdens Pumping - Rockhampton were able to confidently recommend a Grundfos RSI Inverter together with the efficient SP7-17 415V Submersible Pump to be mounted and installed on this solar pumping system. The system pumps directly from a bore to an elevated position on Crystal Plains where the customer is then able to gravity feed from their established tank farm to the greater majority of his property. On average the pump transfers 50,000L/day.

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's Rockhampton branch specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of innovative customised Solar Pumping systems for the commercial, agriculture and mining sectors of Central Queensland and the greater Capricorn Coast regions. Dowdens Rockhampton work closely with beef cattle producers to deliver innovative solar powered stock watering systems that not only minimise human interaction with cattle, but add value to the farms via efficient energy and water consumption.

The existing pump that Dowdens replaced was an old line shaft MONO pump that was operated by Diesel engine. The installation of the new Grundfos solar system lowered ongoing maintenance and operation costs considerably as the clients no longer had to replace the column due to the accumulation of rust. To ensure this wouldn't happen again Dowdens utilised stainless steel and poly pipe in the construction.

Operating costs were lowered via the system utilising a Grundfos Invertor with Sine Wave Filter Isolation Switch together with a tank level pressure switch - meaning the pump would start and stop automatically, only when needed. This automatic operation eliminated the need for the client to regularly drive to the bore to start and stop the pump. This increased pumping efficiency also saved on the overall cost of diesel to refuel the pump. The Grundfos Invertor with Sine Wave Filter Isolation Switch, together with the Grundfos SP7-17 415V Submersible Borehole Pump were pre-wired on a custom-fabricated steel mounting frame to enable easy 'plug & play' installation. Dowdens supplied 5km of poly pipe for both the tank fill line and the gravity feed lines.

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's Rockhampton branches design philosophy for this project was: Cost Effectiveness - Innovation - Ease of Installation - Simple & Effective Pump Operation - System Reliability & Reduced Ongoing Maintenance. The entire Grundfos RSI Solar Pumping System was designed, manufactured, installed and commissioned on time and within budget.

Kurrajong Pastoral's Crystal Plains Solar Pumping System - Key Components:

• Grundfos 2.2 kW RSI Invertor
• Grundfos Sine Wave Filter & Lockable Isolator
• Grundfos SP7-17 415V Submersible Borehole Pump

• 3 x 6 Module Fixed Post Array Frames
• 5km of 63mm PN8 Iplex Poly Pipe with Plasson Ag Fittings & Joiners
• 18 x 270 Watt solar modules

...

As an Australian owned company that began life in 1973 selling and servicing agricultural pumps, Dowdens has grown to employ over 160 staff situated across 4 branches in Mackay, Proserpine, Rockhampton and Brisbane permitting us to confidently service customers throughout Queensland, nationally and internationally. From project inception through to final commissioning - the team at Dowdens has the ability to deliver complete specialised long-term engineered solutions that are practical and innovative, ensuring our clients benefit from greater productivity and reduced downtime.

With dedicated departments of industry trained engineers, draftsmen, project managers, sales staff and tradespeople including fitters, mechanics, polywelders, machinists, plumbers, electricians and boiler makers - Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment offer an unmatched range of world-class engineering solutions for any type of water management project. We truly are Queensland's premier one-stop-shop for solar pumping and water treatment systems!

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment have successfully designed, installed and commissioned a specialised Ultraviolet filtration system for the Queensland Health Mackay Renal Unit.

Project Requirements: The original system operated by pumping town water to individual filtering stations where the water would pass through a 5 micron, 1 micron and carbon filter on its way to the dialysis machine (which has an internal reverse osmosis filter).

The issue Dowdens faced was the original system filters were only lasting between 5 - 15 hours, and by this stage they were black and needed to be replaced!

After reviewing detailed water test results, Dowdens designed a compact, reliable system where the existing pump was upgraded, a water softening unit was added to remove iron, calcium and manganese. Large cartridge filters were also installed to pre-filter the water before it entered a dedicated UV steriliser.

Using the above system the Mackay Renal Unit now only needs to replace the systems filters every 7 to 10 days - saving thousands of dollars in ongoing system maintenance costs!

Key Plant Features:

• Due to limited space the system design had to be compact and robust
• Complex pipework was needed to reticulate above and around existing equipment
• All water treatment system components needed the ability to be isolated to enable easy service and system part replacements
• PURION water softening unit to remove iron, calcium and manganese
• All plumbing and pipe fixtures installed by Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment
• Grundfos pump supplied on request from Queensland Health

Dowdens Pumping and Water Treatment have successfully designed, manufactured and commissioned a self-contained Solar Emergency Eye Wash and Safety Shower. The safety station incorporates both safety shower and eye wash facilities, which are supplied from a water tank via a solar powered Grundfos pump.

This unit was designed and manufactured to comply with Australian Standards AS4775-2007.

Dowdens supplied the portable Solar Eye Wash and Safety Shower station to Downer EDI Mining Blasting Services for use at the Rio Tinto Coal Mount Thorley open cut coal mines (located 15km South West of Singleton in the Hunter Valley region of NSW).

Project's Supply Scope:

• Water Tank is insulated with drain valves and fill points
• 1x 190W Solar Panel
• Heavy duty battery pack
• Voltage regulator and power inverter control panel
• Grundfos pressure water pump
• Stainless steel base frame with 'grab rails'
• Eye wash basin and foot-lever action shower head
• Green LED safety light (viewable from 360)

Key Features:

• The station uses the suns energy to charge 6V batteries via 1x 190W solar panel
• This energy is then stored and converted to 240V power which in-turn drives the electric Grundfos pump
• The Power Inverter Control Panel contains the solar charger module and the power inverter module
• The self-contained Solar Eye Wash and Safety Shower station was designed and manufactured to comply with Australian Standards AS4775-2007

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's Proserpine branch provide a range of products and services to island resorts throughout the Whitsundays and Northern Queensland; supplying and servicing everything from pool pumps to major sewage treatment / pumping stations and irrigation systems. We pride ourselves on being able to provide a large range of products across all facets of resort infrastructure.

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's Proserpine branch regularly service customers across local off shore resorts, as well as working extensively with mainland tourist attractions and resorts for both sales and servicing. With extensive knowledge and experience in this area we are confident that our team of experts can provide solutions to clients problems. Dowdens Pumping carries a large range of spare parts and our service team are proud to provide comprehensive and professional after-sales service.

Recently Dowdens Proserpine were engaged by Fullshare Holdings (owner / operators of the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas) to upgrade 5 existing onsite pump stations that had reached the end of their service life. At the projects inception Dowdens Proserpine conducted a thorough audit of the onsite pumping systems - the subsequent detailed report submitted to Fullshare Holdings resulted in Dowdens being awarded the contract to replace the ageing sewage pump stations. Dowdens Proserpine then set about designing a more efficient and reliable sewerage pump system that was to include smaller and more energy efficient Grundfos pumps, resulting in a reduction in the required maintenance and considerably lower overall energy use onsite. Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment are Authorised Grundfos Dealers throughout the Whitsundays / Mackay / Rockhampton regions.

Once the design was accepted Dowdens began works that would see 10 new Grundfos sewerage pumps being installed in 5 existing pump stations. The projects scope included supplying and fitting all rails, brackets, lifting chains, concrete pump station lids and non-return valves. Together with the design and installation of Grundfos electronic control panels (Grundfos CU362 Waste Water Controllers) & remote monitoring systems (Grundfos Remote Management [GRM]) which allows for SMS & Email to be sent to relevant site operators alerting them to any faults. The GRM system also allows for system alarms to be reset and pump duties to be modified remotely via any smart-phone or PC. Full product and system descriptions can be viewed below.

The aim of this project was to provide a modern and efficient sewerage pumping system that was energy efficient, reliable, had improved remote monitoring capability and increased level of safety for Dowdens Servicing and onsite technicians. The Dowdens Infield Service Crew began by removing the existing 30-year-old pumps, rails, brackets, lifting chains, heavy concrete lids and control panels. These were replaced with more efficient and reliable Grundfos pumping and monitoring equipment. During installation and commissioning Dowdens had to schedule works to meet the resorts strict operation requirements, ensuring the project proceeded with little to no impact on the resort guests.

The existing concrete lids were damaged and unsafe and needed to be replaced. Dowdens provided 'light lift' aluminium lids with integrated safety grates (pictured below) to minimise the risk of falling into the wet well whilst servicing the pumps. 3 out of the 5 existing control panels were deemed unsafe by Dowdens Electricians and required replacement with new stainless steel panels incorporating the Grundfos CU362 Pump Controllers and Grundfos Variable Frequency Drives on the 2 main pump stations. Dowdens also provided Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas with scheduled servicing of the Grundfos SEV & SE1 pumps; Grundfos CU362 Waste Water Controllers; Grundfos Remote Management [GRM] Systems; Dowdens custom built aluminium lids with safety grates; Stainless steel pump rails; 800kg rated lifting chains & the Backflow protection on wash down taps. The entire project was delivered on time and within budget.

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment design philosophy for this project was: Cost Effectiveness - Current Best Practice - Ease of Installation - Simple & Effective Plant Operation - Pump Station Reliability - Advanced Remote Management Capabilities - Reduced Ongoing Maintenance.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort (Port Douglas) - Sewage Pump Stations Key Components:

• Grundfos SEV & SE1 Pumps - Dowdens are Authorised GRUNDFOS Dealers
• Grundfos CU362 Waste Water Controllers
• Grundfos Remote Management (GRM) Systems

• Custom fabricated 'light lift' aluminium lids with integrated safety grates (pictured below)
• Stainless Steel Pump Rails & 800kg Rated Lifting Chains
• Backflow Prevention Devices on Wash Down Taps

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's Mackay branch were engaged by longstanding customer Anglo American (Moranbah North Coal Mine Site) to deliver an innovative valve system that could help maintain the safe and reliable delivery of general purpose & fire water services to their ever-expanding underground mining operations. With growing demand for reliable water flow & pressures at ever-increasing operating depths, Dowdens decided it was time to design & produce a new generation 35 bar Dual Pressure Control Station, expanding our range of standardised pressure reducing valve stations.

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment fabricate and fit out a range of standardised pressure reducing valve stations, but this station required a higher pressure rating not available with our standard 'off the shelf' systems that are available in 16 / 25 bar (35 / 40 bar rated systems are built to order). Dowdens have manufactured these products for many years to help our resource industry customers arrest any water pressure spikes and/or surges in pipe systems and to aid these mines operating within and remaining fully complaint with Queensland Government Mine Site Compliance legislation, standards & guidelines.

This new Dual Pressure Control Station has been built to optimise plant reaction speeds, allow for greater operating ranges from between 2 - 35 bar and is manufactured with high-quality, reliable and readily available components. The design needs for the new Dual Pressure Control Station were borne primarily from Dowdens detailed underground observations of hydraulic occurrences within the mines existing water network. Working closely with the mines water infrastructure operators Dowdens were able to engineer, manufacture and deliver a product that increased the reliability of their mine water supply systems and assist with premeditated preventative maintenance routines.

All design, fabrication, installation & commissioning of the 35 bar Pressure Reducing Valve Station was undertaken by Dowdens Mackay's in-house Engineering, Fabrication & Workshop Departments. With a history of successful installations over the past 20 years throughout the Queensland Mining Sector Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment have the ability to expertly design / manufacture / install and commission specialised pumping and water treatment solutions that are built primarily in-house & onsite to our client's specific unique requirements. Dowdens dedicated departments of industry trained engineers, draftsmen, project managers, sales staff and tradespeople including fitters, mechanics, polywelders, machinists, plumbers, electricians and boiler makers enable us to offer an unmatched range of world-class engineering solutions for any type of fluid handling project. We truly are Queensland's premier 'one-stop-shop' for pumping and water treatment systems!

At this projects inception Dowdens visited site to examine and document the specific operating requirements. After initial observations it was concluded that a wider operating range would be required for effective control of both the High and Low Flow demands and a higher adjustment range - meaning the standard Dowdens 25 bar Pressure Reducing Valve Station needed to be modified to suit this application. This higher pressure is not normally encountered with Queensland underground mine water supply systems so unique and customised hydraulic control layouts, pilots & hardware were seamlessly incorporated into the build by the Dowdens Mackay Workshop and Project Engineers.

This projects entire design, manufacture, installation & commissioning process was completed on budget and within a tight timeline of 4 weeks set by the customer.

Anglo American (Moranbah North Coal Mine) 35 bar Pressure Reducing Valve Station - Key Components:

• BERMAD WW720 PN35 Heavy Body Control & Relief Valves
• Hardy Spicer Hydraulic Hoses & Fittings

• Custom in-house design & drafting by Dowdens Mackay Projects Engineering team
• Custom in-house fabrication of all steel pipework

Long-term customers Michelmore Grazing Company have recently purchased seven solar powered pumping systems from the Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment Mackay branch. All the solar systems supplied are used to pump water from onsite bores to poly water storage tanks, to then feed the properties multiple cattle water troughs. Some existing bores were used to replace dated diesel setups / windmills, along with some new bores being added to increase the total number of watering points for the cattle. Michelmore Grazing Co. purchased three Solar Pumping Systems for Fort Cooper Station and another four systems installed at Kainga Station.

This 6 month project saw Dowdens Mackay source, supply, install and commission a number of GRUNDFOS & MONO solar pumps, a MONO 2400 WATT Solar System (all used in conjunction with solar panels / frames) and undertake repairs on an existing Mono Diesel Pump system at Michelmore Grazing Co.'s Fort Cooper and neighbouring Kainga Stations (Nebo, QLD). The repairs carried out on the existing Diesel Driven Mono Helical Rotor Bore Pump involved replacing the rusted head housing with this pump now being used as a back-up for one of the new Solar Pumping Systems.

The high-quality GRUNDFOS & MONO Solar Pumping Systems have already delivered Michelmore Grazing Co. notable cost savings via a reduction in diesel fuel usage and a significant decrease in the need for ongoing diesel motor maintenance. Michelmore Grazing Co. now saves both time and money by not having to undertake laborious daily checks on the diesel pump sets fuel levels.

As a company that has built its foundation from the servicing and development of agricultural pumps and water treatment technology / applications, Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment have the experience to engineer a solution to suit any agricultural application. For over 40 years Dowdens have been providing customers with solutions-based technology - designed to improve efficiency, reduce downtime and increase longevity of products and systems. Dowdens provide affordable and efficient solar pumping solutions to help combat ever increasing electricity prices. From stock watering systems through to large scale broad acre irrigation our dedicated sales, installation and service crews have you covered. All systems are expertly designed to suit any site specifications, utilising a variety of efficient engine and electric pump units.

Key Project System Features:

• 4x GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 SOLAR PUMPS (these pumps can be run by a generator if needed)
• 1x GRUNDFOS SQF3A-10N SOLAR PUMP (this pump can be run by a generator if needed)
• 1x GRUNDFOS SQF5A-7N SOLAR PUMP (this pump can be run by a generator if needed)
• 1x MONO 2400 WATT SOLAR SYSTEM running 1x MONO SS062 PUMP
• Multiple 250 WATT SOLAR PANELS

FORT COOPER SOLAR SYSTEMS

Comet Bore:

• The largest of the systems is a MONO 2400 Watt Tracking Solar System, which delivers up to 40m³ per day from a bore feeding four tanks up to 8kms away. This system consists of three tracking arrays and a MONO SS062 Pump.
• Repairs were also carried out on the existing Diesel driven MONO Helical Rotor Bore Pump by replacing the rusted head housing. The pump is now used as a back-up for the new solar pumping system.

Yards Bore:

• This six panel GRUNDFOS Solar System was installed at Fort Cooper's main yards to transfer water from a bore to a high level tank which in-turn feeds the main homestead area and cattle yards. The system uses a GRUNDFOS SQF5A-7N Solar Pump and 6x 250 watt panels on a post mount delivering up to 30m³ per day.

One Mile Bore:

• A three panel GRUNDFOS Solar System was installed at the One Mile Bore supplying water 600m from the bore to a storage tank. The pump used was a GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 Solar Pump that delivers up to 17m³ per day.

KAINGA SOLAR SYSTEMS

Bruce's Bore:

• This is a six panel GRUNDFOS Solar System installed on Bruce's Bore delivering water to 3 poly tanks up to 2km away. The GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 Solar Pump can deliver up to 25m³ per day.

Donaldson's Bore:

• This is a four panel GRUNDFOS Solar System installed on Donaldson's Bore delivers water to a poly tank situated 300m away. The GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 Solar Pump can deliver up to 25m³ per day.

Cattle Creek Bore:

• This is a three panel GRUNDFOS Solar System installed on the Cattle Creek Bore delivers water poly tanks situated 500m away. The GRUNDFOS SQF3A-10 Solar Pump can deliver up to 25m³ per day.

Walter's Bore:

• This is a four panel GRUNDFOS Solar System installed on Walter's bore delivering water from the bore to a poly tank 500m away. The GRUNDFOS SQF2.5-2 Solar Pump can deliver up to 25m³ per day.