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

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) have engaged Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's Mackay Branch to deliver a specialised Modular Underground Dewatering System at their Broadmeadow Coal Mine, located approximately 200km South West of Mackay, QLD.

The Broadmeadow Underground Coal Mine is a 'Top Coal Cave Longwall Punch' mine located approximately 30km from Moranbah. Located on BMA's Goonyella open cut mine lease, the Broadmeadow Mine was established in late 2003 and feature's BMA's first application of punch longwall mining - a highly efficient underground technique utilising an existing open cut pit for longwall panel access. Broadmeadow Mine delivered a number of synergies between BMA's underground and open cut operations, including utilisation of the existing Goonyella coal preparation plant capacity, increased flexibility to respond to market demand, improved reliability of supply for customers and optimisation of product quality through selective blending.

The Modular Underground Dewatering System (MUDS) was designed / manufactured and installed by Dowdens Mackay to optimise further development of BMA's Broadmeadow mining operations by improving on-site dewatering efficiencies. The MUDS has been utilised in developing Broadmeadow panels 12 & 13, and will help to advance mine site progression for the entire life of operations. The main objective of this project was to provide a unique, custom built air / electric pump system to improve Broadmeadow's dewatering efficiency. This was achieved through the automation of pumping systems supplied and lowering any ongoing maintenance requirements - thereby saving site operator input, lowering air / power consumption and reducing the need for BMA to further invest in dewatering pump systems.

Dowdens were engaged during the concept phase of this project to provide input and engineering advice to help BMA overcome the many operational challenges this site presented. With intimate product knowledge and via extensive direct consultation 2 unique transportable Quick Docking System (QDS) Fish Tank Dewatering POD designs were developed. Capable of operating under 1,000V power, these modular POD systems required the ability to remain operational during regular power outages, utilising the limited underground supply of compressed air. Each pump station needed considerable storage / retention capabilities (5,000L per POD) and the capacity to operate seamlessly 'in-sequence' thereby delivering zero overflows onto roadways even during loss of underground power.

The composition of the water derived from the mine's development process posed its own transportation challenges with a high water content ratio of rock, coal, trash and coal fines. A solids management system consisting of various sieves, hoppers and tank agitation components was developed and tested to ensure the coal fines and inflow management system was capable of continuous operation, whilst also delivering simplified maintenance and cleaning procedures.

The coal fines and inflow management system was designed with the ability to:

• Retrofit to existing POD systems recovered from the Crinum underground coal mine
• Bolster the developing site dewatering fleet - with continuity of all pumps, instrumentation & control equipment used.

With the negotiations finalised, Dowdens proposed the fabrication of 2 Teams of 4x Dewatering PODs. Each Team is led by the newly designed 5m³ EXD QDS transportable roadway POD. 3x additional specially modified 4m³ Elliptical PODs (a combination of EXD & IP66 rated) are then positioned at strategic intervals along the panel as main gate development advances.

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment was successful in BMA's tendering process due to:

• Vast in-house engineering, drafting/design, fabrication, servicing capabilities & proven competencies
• Over 20 years' experience designing & producing specialised underground dewatering equipment
• The proximity of Dowdens head office [Mackay] & ongoing presence in the region
• Providing a competitively priced solution to the clients unique challenges
• High level of detail provided in the preliminary engineering proposal

After a successful tendering process Dowdens team of engineers and draftsmen immediately began analysing the recovered Crinum mine 4m³ POD design. After much consideration, a plan was established to incorporate all new specifications and functionality required whilst retaining as much of the existing structure as possible, saving both fabrication time and money. This design was carried over to the new generation 4m³ Elliptical PODs.

The Narrow Gauge 5m³ Lead POD had to utilise every inch of its restricted underground foot print to facilitate the 5,000L capacity and extra-large solids screening hopper. All work access steps and ladders were designed to be stowed away to avoid contact by passing machinery. All equipment was to be readily accessible to operators, even while positioned hard against the roadway rib. The complete set of design drawings were completed within 5 days and construction began immediately ensuring delivery was made within BMA's tight project deadlines.

Specially equipped 1,000V electric motors were incorporated in the build to operate custom made hard-metal centrifugal pumps - primarily selected for water transfer between PODs operating 'in-sequence'. The Cast Iron WILDEN T15 Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pump was selected to serve as the auxiliary system for its robustness and relatively small weight-to-flow ratio. The lower weight and lower capital cost of the T15 allowed two pumps to be incorporated into each pump station to serve in duty / standby, or duty / assist mode if required.

A pneumatic control system provides seamless switching between air and electric pumping modes. Non-powered level controls allow maximum tank differential between the air pumps 'on & off' functions saving air consumption. Potential overflows are prevented by a pneumatically operated, inflow regulating valve. Each of the POD inflow manifolds are equipped with 4 auxiliary 50mm pump inputs to integrate localised pumping to the 'outbye' system. Custom built electrical control panels incorporate all EX'd field devices providing temperature, pressure, flow & fault communications via a PLC to the site Citect system. Area lighting and visual pump status indicator lights can be positioned remotely ensuring clear viewing from the mines underground roadways.

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

Modular Underground Dewatering System's Key Components are listed below:

• Creation of a completely new Custom Narrow Gauge POD Design to suit clients space restrictions near Development Miner
• Supply of 2x teams of 4x PODs, 1 team for each main-gate under development (each team consisting of a special Narrow Gauge 5m³ Lead POD & 3x Modified 4m³ Elliptical PODs)
• Automatic Duty / Standby Cast Iron WILDEN T15 Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pump Backup with full starting / stopping control to minimise air consumption
• Automatic Shutdown of incoming water on High Tank Level (preventing overflows)

• Two levels of screening for incoming water to eliminate pump blockages
• Colour Coded POD visual lighting to indicate whether POD is healthy ('green') or in fault ('orange')
• System designed with site operators needs in mind - No entry to tank required to maintain field devices
• Supply of specially fabricated stainless steel canopies for Pump Starter (top & back) to protect against physical damage
• Provision of DN50 Camlock inlets - providing a readily accessible connection point for incoming water

Longreach Regional Council recently engaged Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's Mackay & Rockhampton branches to manufacture and install a specialised pool water treatment system for the Yaraka Community Pool in Yaraka (a small town in Central West Queensland located 220 kilometres south of Longreach).

This project began with Longreach Regional Council asking for tender submissions to fully upgrade the Yaraka's Pool onsite filtration & treatment systems. Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment was successful in winning the tender thanks to our price competitiveness, delivery times and unique in-house fabrication capabilities. On hearing about the tender a representative from the Dowdens Rockhampton branch immediately attended the pool to properly assess and quote the job. It quickly became apparent that a specialised filtration system was needed due in part to the pools remote location (limiting the possibility of regular system servicing), and the extreme weather patterns (high temperatures, dust storms & limited / sporadic rainfall) experienced in Central QLD.

Dowdens then set about designing the new filtration system utilising inhouse Engineering, Workshop Fabrication & Mobile Pool Servicing Departments. The end result was a unique twin-filtration systems that was mounted onto a fabricated galvanised skid to aid in maneuverability, ease of installation & transportation. The skid base was fabricated specifically to fit the existing shed onsite.

Having all the system components plumbed up on a single sturdy base made installation easy as only the Pump Inlet, Pool Water Return and Wastewater Pipes needed to be connected and the system was ready to go. The skid comprised 2x Pool Glass Media Filters, 2x Pool Pumps and 2x Salt Water Chlorinators. The Salt Water Chlorinators are fully automated allowing for round the clock (controlled via sensors) pH and chlorine / acid dosing together with chlorine generation. This has drastically reduced the need for regular onsite water testing and manual chemical dosing at the community pool. On Dowdens recommendation Longreach Regional Council also purchased a Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaner which has noticeably improved the pools cleanliness.

All design, manufacture, delivery and installation / commissioning was successfully completed by Dowdens well within Longreach Regional Council's delivery deadline of six weeks.

The Yaraka Community Pool is now clean and ready for summer. The new equipment Dowdens supplied has reduced the need for costly regular maintenance whilst improving the automation of the pools chlorine levels - keeping the pool sanitised and chemically balanced at all times is extremely important for any community pool. Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's design philosophy for this project was simple: Cost Effectiveness - Ease of Installation - Simple & Effective System Operation - System Reliability & Delivering Greatly Reduced Ongoing Maintenance Requirements.

Yaraka Community Pool Filtration System ~ Key System Features & Components:

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's Rockhampton branch were engaged by the Queensland State Government's Department of Environment and Heritage Protection to deliver an efficient solar pumping system at the disused Mount Chalmers Gold Mine (located 15km North-East of Rockhampton, QLD).

As part of this sites ongoing rehabilitation process the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection needed an efficient solar pumping system to recirculate contaminated mine water collected from a sump, back into the main pit, thereby eliminating any contaminated mine water runoff from site. The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has been managing the key environmental issues at the Mount Chalmers Gold mine since the former operators Affinis Pty Ltd was placed into liquidation in December 2014. EHP is also supported by other government agencies including the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation (DSITI) who are providing scientific advice on technical aspects of site management. The primary ongoing focus is to prevent any discharge of contaminated water from the site.

With limited mains power available to the site the use of solar power was a perfect fit for this pumping application. Solar powered pump solutions are always improving, none more so than Grundfos Solar Water Solutions. During initial site inspections the pumps required operating duty was calculated to be 13L/sec @ 18.5m Total Head. To meet these high flow requirements a Grundfos Solar Inverter (RSI) was selected to power the Grundfos R Series Submersible Pump [SP46-3 5.5kw 415V] that the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection already had onsite. The Grundfos R Series SP46-3 is a Stainless Steel pump capable of handling the low pH, slightly acidic mine water (measuring between 2 & 3 pH) needing to be pumped.

Utilising a combination of Grundfos Solar Water Solution products (inverter / pump / solar panels) appealed to the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection as it meant Dowdens could supply a system that not only costs less to install and maintain, but importantly can pump a larger volume of water under solar power. Put quite simply the ability to run large 415V pumps capable of greater pump duties is making the decision to 'go green' and install solar powered systems more attractive in the current climate, for miners and farmers alike.

Dowdens Pumping - Rockhampton initially visited site to establish location of the solar arrays and calculate pump duty. Once known the following components were sourced and prepared for installation: 36 x 270 Watt Grundfos Solar Modules, 2 x 18 SolarTerrace Module Fixed Array Frames, 7.5 kW Grundfos RSI Inverter & Sine Wave Filter and 200m of 110mm PN10 Poly Pipe. The Grundfos SP46-3 5.5kw Pump was attached to a specialised float that sits on the surface of the sump (pictured below). Pump starts & stops via a level float switch mounted on 4m pole that can be swivelled over to the sump's bank should any maintenance be required.

Local contractors were then engaged to complete the site earthworks and trenching needed for all electrical conduits. Once the solar array support posts were cemented in place, Dowdens Pumping - Rockhampton assembled the SolarTerrace Array Frames and mounted the 36 modules (2 x 18 Modules) ready for the electrical components to be installed.

Electrical contractors RILEC Electrical (accredited electrical/solar contractors) completed the electrical fit-out. As part of these works Dowdens Pumping - Rockhampton delivered the Grundfos Solar Inverter Sinewave Filter & String Connection Box (pictured below) to the RILEC workshop so it could be mounted in a powdered coated, lockable enclosure with sufficient ventilation to ensure the inverter remains cool during the day. RILEC then brought the control box to site, mounted it and completed all wiring to meet electrical standards and the site specifications. All commissioning of this system was undertaken by Dowdens Pumping - Rockhampton.

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment's Rockhampton branches design philosophy for this project was: Cost Effectiveness - Innovation - Ease of Installation - Simple & Reliable 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.

Mount Chalmers Gold Mine ~ Solar Pumping System - Key Components:

• 36 x 270 Grundfos Watt Solar Modules
• Grundfos R Series Submersible Pump [SP46-3 5.5kw 415V]
• 7.5 kW Grundfos RSI Inverter & Sine Wave Filter

• 2 x 18 SolarTerrace Module Fixed Array Frames
• Specialised Float to suspend the Grundfos Submersible Pump on the sump's surface
• 200m of 110mm PN10 Poly Pipe

...

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!

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.