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Heavy-duty pumps are a cost-effective way of managing quarry water and perform a range of duties. Quarry pumps do more than just provide raw water; they can also be used for truck cleaning, dewatering, slurry hauling, and more. With that in mind, here’s a guide to deciding whether to use an electric or diesel pump to perform these duties.

diesel pump

Before red diesel was banned, diesel pumps were very common in mining operations because of their ability to handle large volumes of drainage water. These pumps may be more convenient in some situations, especially when power is not available on site.

Although diesel pumps are ruggedly designed and traditionally used in quarries and mines, they are not always suitable for quarries. If working in a high altitude quarry, lower pressure may affect pump performance. Diesel pumps also require periodic brief shutdowns for refueling – especially if a larger fuel tank is not available. On top of this, diesel is becoming more expensive and its application less sustainable over time.

electric pump

Electric pumps are rapidly gaining popularity in quarries as they are much cheaper to run, although this may depend on the availability of electricity on site. By operating electrically, the pumps run no risk of contaminating the surrounding environment due to fuel leakage. Your site can also tap into renewable electricity to ensure efficient use of energy; electric pumps are also capable of continuous operation without the need for refueling and are generally more reliable.

With diesel costs increasing rapidly, installing on-site power is likely to be much cheaper in the long term, while providing a more reliable energy supply for water pumps and other solutions. Electric pumps can also handle high flow rates – up to 20,000 liters per minute. Even if a complete switch to electricity is untenable, you can still use (and benefit from) generator-run electrical equipment.