How a dolphin strainer can protect dewatering pumps

Dewatering pumps work hard in tough environments like quarries, mines, and construction sites, and this can leave them vulnerable to damage, wear and clogging from silt, grit, and debris, especially if their intake pipe is positioned on or near the bottom of the excavation. A Dolphin strainer offers a simple, effective way to protect your equipment and keep your operations running effectively.

Unlike standard strainers that sit on the bed, a Dolphin strainer floats just below the surface, drawing in cleaner water and keeping out the sand and sludge below. Built from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, it shields the pump’s internal components from wear, reduces blockages and vibrations, and helps maintain peak energy efficiency.

Easy to install and low-maintenance, these devices can significantly extend the lifespan of your quarry pump and keep your dewatering operations running smoothly. To learn more about how it can support your specific application, speak to the team at Atlantic Pumps.

Introduction

Centrifugal pumps are the unsung heroes of dewatering operations across the UK. From quarry lagoons and mines to construction sites and sumps, centrifugal slurry pumps can move large volumes of water while handling a degree of suspended solids. However, they are often put on duties that make them highly vulnerable to excessive wear or blockage; silt, sand, stones, grit, broken glass, and plastic waste can easily be drawn into the pump, causing serious damage and downtime. In this article, we look at a simple and effective solution: a Dolphin strainer. Let’s look at how they can improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of virtually any dewatering pump that is fed by a suction pipe.

What are Dolphin strainers?

A Dolphin strainer is a floating suction strainer designed to safeguard dirty-water pumps. However, unlike conventional strainers, which may settle on the bed of a sump or water body, this strainer floats with its intake just below the surface. This clever design allows it to draw in the cleanest water from the upper layer, avoiding the sand, mud, and heavy gunk at the bottom, as well as any buoyant matter on the very surface. Floating pipes and basic suction strainers are prone to air intake, which greatly reduces pump performance and can even cause intake cavitation damage. The Dolphin strainer reduces this risk and promotes positive suction flow by keeping the intake fully submerged.

Engineered from tough, corrosion-resistant plastic and rust-resistant metals, they are designed to deliver high performance in a range of harsh environments. The design also keeps the strainer buoyant and correctly orientated, even as the water level rises and falls.

Why invest in a Dolphin strainer?

Integrating a Dolphin strainer into your pumping system is a smart move for two reasons. Firstly, the strainer offers a low-cost upgrade to your existing asset, providing superior protection to your pump from abrasive solids or blockage-causing debris. Typically, most debris either sinks to the bottom of the water body or floats on the surface. The intake of a dolphin strainer sits just underneath the top floating matter, preventing both grit and surface debris from entering the pump. This simple measure can prevent blockages, pump vibrations, and unscheduled stoppages, as well as extend your maintenance and replacement cycles.

Secondly, drawing clean water also enhances the efficiency of your pump. When a pump has to process a high volume of suspended solids, its performance invariably drops, wear-rate increases, and it uses more energy. By providing your pump with an uninterrupted water feed, the strainer allows the pump to operate at peak efficiency for longer, reducing energy consumption and maximising throughput. It also lowers the risk of intake cavitation, which can destroy a pump if left for any amount of time.

Are they easy to install and maintain?

Yes. Installation is straightforward: the strainer is simply fitted to the end of your pump’s suction hose. Once in the water, its floating design does the rest, automatically positioning itself to draw water from just below the surface. Maintenance is also straightforward and minimal. We recommend regular visual inspections of the strainer screen to keep it clear of any large floating debris that could cause a blockage. These quick checks are often enough to maintain optimal flow and provide continual protection for your pump.

Dewatering pumps UK: find out more about the Dolphin strainer

Protecting your centrifugal dewatering pumps from debris is a simple way to extend their operational lifespan and maximise their efficiency. To find out more about how a Dolphin strainer can benefit your dewatering application, please contact one of the experts at Atlantic Pumps today.

Download “Dolphin Strainers” pdf