A significant zinc mining operation in North Queensland operates the largest tailings re-treatment facility in Australia. Ranked among the top 15 global zinc producers, the site produced 118,108 metric tonnes of zinc in FY2022. However, the site faced challenges in maintaining optimal production efficiency due to frequent pipeline blockages, slurry density inconsistencies, and pump failures.
Water Treatment Plant Sao Paulo, Brazil
Water is a critical resource in any major urban area, and in a rapidly expanding metropolis like São Paulo, ensuring uninterrupted water supply and effective treatment is paramount. One of Brazil’s leading water and wastewater service providers—responsible for serving approximately 10% of the nation’s population across more than 100 municipalities—was recently faced with a growing challenge: sand accumulation in river intakes and underground water treatment tanks.
This seemingly routine problem was in fact a persistent operational bottleneck that led to excessive maintenance, labor-intensive cleaning, and risks to water supply continuity. The solution came in the form of advanced slurry handling technology from Goodwin Brazil, whose 100 ANZE submersible slurry pump turned a complex and costly process into a streamlined, highly efficient operation.
The Problem: Sand Slurry Accumulation Across Key Water Infrastructure
At the heart of the issue was silica sand—a naturally occurring material commonly found in river water. Over time, sand deposits at river intakes began to restrict water flow and damage the plant’s horizontal centrifugal pumps. These standard pumps, not designed to handle abrasive particles, wore down quickly and required frequent repairs or replacements.
Simultaneously, underground tanks at water treatment facilities experienced significant build-up of sand. These tanks, critical for the water purification process, had to be cleaned periodically. Traditionally, the solution involved deploying divers to remove the sediment—a process both time-limited and laborious. Due to the need for continuous water treatment, diving operations were restricted to an 8-hour window each day and could only be performed twice a year. As São Paulo’s water demand surged, this outdated method became increasingly unsustainable.
The Challenge: Balancing Demand, Safety, and Efficiency
The accumulation of sand was causing more than just technical failures—it was introducing operational risks. The 15-day cleaning cycle not only consumed significant manpower but also put the utility’s ability to meet growing water demand in jeopardy. The company’s leadership, recognizing that this model could not support long-term growth or sustainability, called for a modern, scalable solution.
The Intervention: Goodwin’s Purpose-Built Slurry Pump
The water utility turned to Goodwin Brazil, known for their expertise in abrasive fluid handling in some of the world’s harshest environments. After conducting a thorough site assessment, Goodwin engineers recommended a rental deployment of their 100 ANZE Submersible Slurry Pump, purpose-built for applications involving abrasive silica sand.
The 100 ANZE pump, featuring a 100mm discharge and a powerful 30kW motor, is engineered to operate continuously in environments containing abrasive solids and slurries. With its robust high-chrome components and superior solids-handling capability, the pump was ideally suited for the two-fold task at hand: sand removal at both the river intakes and underground treatment tanks.
Game-Changing Results: Efficiency, Speed, and Scalability
The deployment of the Goodwin 100 ANZE yielded remarkable results.
At the underground tanks, where sand removal had traditionally required 15 days of diver-assisted labor, the new pump—operated remotely with a jib arm—cut the cleaning time to just 2 days. This massive reduction not only improved operational efficiency but also removed the need to risk diver safety or interrupt the water treatment process.
At the river intakes, the pump performed equally well. Sand and sediment were efficiently removed and captured in a geotextile bag installed at the river’s edge. The operation was completed in a matter of hours, without impacting water quality or causing turbidity issues. Unlike earlier cleanup methods, the new solution allowed sediment management to occur without disrupting plant operations—a crucial improvement for continuous service delivery.
A Strategic Shift Toward Long-Term Investment
Encouraged by the effectiveness of the rental deployment, the utility company is now evaluating the purchase of its own 100 ANZE unit and forming a dedicated operational team to perform similar cleanouts at its other facilities. With over 30 comparable sites in its network, the opportunity to standardize and scale this solution represents a major step toward long-term cost savings and operational resilience.
Key Benefits of the Goodwin 100 ANZE Pump in Water Treatment
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Optimized Solids Handling: The pump’s ability to manage slurries with high silica content makes it ideal for environments where abrasive particles are prevalent.
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Dramatic Labor Reduction: Remote operation via jib arm eliminated the need for diver involvement, reducing safety risks and labor costs.
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Significantly Shorter Cleaning Cycles: Reducing tank cleanout time from 15 days to 2 enables more frequent maintenance if needed, with minimal disruption.
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No Plant Downtime: Both intake and tank cleaning can now be performed while the plant continues to operate—ensuring uninterrupted water service.
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Durability and Low Maintenance: Engineered for abrasive environments, the pump’s wear-resistant components significantly extend its maintenance intervals and operational life.
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Sustainability and Growth Through Innovation
This case study highlights the increasing importance of innovative pumping solutions in utility-scale water management. As urban populations grow and infrastructure faces higher loads, traditional approaches to equipment and maintenance are often no longer sufficient.
By leveraging specialized technology like Goodwin’s submersible slurry pumps, utility companies can:
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Extend the life of critical infrastructure
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Reduce environmental impact by preventing unplanned shutdowns and water loss
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Improve safety standards by removing personnel from dangerous environments
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Ensure service continuity even during maintenance operations
Conclusion: A New Standard in Water Treatment Efficiency
The successful deployment of the Goodwin 100 ANZE submersible slurry pump in São Paulo marks a pivotal shift in how utilities can manage the age-old challenge of sedimentation in water systems. What was once a labor-intensive, high-risk, and time-consuming process has now become a swift, scalable, and sustainable operation.
With 30 similar facilities in need of the same solution, the utility provider is well-positioned to replicate this success across its network, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and safety in Brazil’s water treatment industry.
As water utilities across the globe strive to adapt to rising demand, aging infrastructure, and environmental challenges, the São Paulo experience offers a compelling case for embracing purpose-built, high-performance slurry pump technology. In doing so, they not only solve today’s problems—they build a foundation for a more resilient and sustainable future.
