SEEPEX progressive cavity pumps have played a role in the salvage operation to recover  the cruise ship Costa Concordia.  The shipwreck made the news in 2012 when it struck rocks near Isolo de Giglio and has subsequently been declared a total write off.  The salvage operation, the biggest of all time, has involved several steps, the first of which involved securing the ship and building an underwater platform to prevent her from sinking further.

It was in this stabilisation phase that SEEPEX pumps were used to pump the grout from a floating platform to a series of ‘specially designed bags’ which formed the underwater platform.  SEEPEX is a long standing supplier of pumps to FoundOcean for grout pumping on offshore platforms and wind farm installations.   This supply relationship started when FoundOcean was looking to make its grouting times more efficient, with less downtime associated with grout pump issues such as grout settlement in the pump.

SEEPEX pumps have a shorter suction casing and this, together with a short coupling rod fitted with  paddles to agitate the product, solved the original problem.  Further pumping improvements were suggested by SEEPEX after an in-depth discussion with the customer.

The high pressure application is carried out from offshore barges where space is at a premium. SEEPEX suggested an alternative high pressure joint and even walled stator. This combination shortened the pump and provides FoundOcean with a compact design which solves all previous problems.  Pneumatic motors have been provided depending on the specific needs of the pump units.

In addition to solving the problems associated with excessive downtime SEEPEX was also able to supply accurate dosing pumps for additives and vertical pumps for polymer transfer from IBC, thus providing a complete pump system for grouting applications.

For more information on SEEPEX products for all industries visit www.SEEPEX.com.