January 30, 2025

The Case for Centrifugal Pumps in High Volume Water Management Projects

Keystone Clearwater Solutions provides water transfer services for natural gas production and other general water management, and dewatering and bypass services through FieldForce, a division of Keystone Clearwater. Often, the projects require a lot of water (literally millions of gallons) to be moved quickly. In order to do this the best possible pumps need to be in place.

Centrifugal pumps, like Atlas Copco’s PAC H108 JD 325HP T4F, are a go-to pump for Keystone. Why? Because these pumps can handle large flow rates (at relatively low pressure), operate continuously, and work well for water transfer or management projects that are remote, in rough terrain, or both.

The mechanics of centrifugal pumps

Centrifugal pumps convert rotational energy (from the motor) into fluid flow, which offers high efficiency for large-volume transfer. The core component, the impeller, spins and imparts velocity to the water, pushing it from the center to the edges, resulting in a continuous, smooth flow. The faster the impeller spins, the more kinetic energy is transferred, increasing the flow rate.

Unlike positive displacement pumps, which operate in cycles, centrifugal pumps provide a continuous, non-pulsating flow, reducing turbulence and inefficiencies in water management applications that involve large volumes of liquid. Continuous flow enhances efficiency in high-flow operations.

Diesel or gas-powered centrifugal pumps are best for heavy-duty tasks because their high power and substantial flow rates are suitable for large-scale transfers and industrial use.

Gas or diesel-powered centrifugal pumps work well in water management project that require large flow rates or are in remote or rough terrain.can operate independently of the electrical grid, provide mobility in the field, work well for water management in remote locations, and can be deployed quickly in emergency situations.

Centrifugal pumps, only one component in water management

Centrifugal pumps are highly scalable, with flow rates easily adjustable by altering impeller size or speed. This simplicity in scalability is a key advantage over other pump types, where adjustments can be more complex. Add the ease of adjustment to the flexibility of location and it’s clear why Keystone prefers centrifugal pumps for water management projects.

But, pumps are just one component in the equipment line up. Hoses are, clearly, mandatory for water management and transfer. Pipelines – Keystone has inventory of more than 700,000 feet in all sizes – are almost always part of the job. Keystone’s certified HDPE poly pipe fusion technicians make sure the pipelines are both right for the job and correctly installed and maintained. Mobile water tanks or temporary above-ground impoundments are used for both containment and holding discharged water.

Finally, as much as a good centrifugal pump with a high flow rate will increase efficiency in a water management or transfer job, it’s important to use all the tools available to make the project run smoothly and be cost effective. Keystone’s WaterForce™ automation allows for total water management and control from a command trailer, with connectivity to customized automated equipment (including “smart” manifolds, automated valves, and remote pump control) and is customized for each operation.

 

Keystone Clearwater Solutions
With an experienced workforce and a full range of equipment and services, including WaterForce automation, Keystone Clearwater Solutions has the assets to serve the water management needs, including temporary pipeline construction, of oil and gas operators in the Mid-Atlantic region and Texas. Contact us today for details.

For more information contact: Luke Beachy, VP of Automation at Keystone Clearwater Solutions. 717.508.0550. lbeachy@keystoneclear.net