With the aid of three-dimensional (3D) modelling as well as the collection of original data on the manufacturing and design of axial flow pumps, South Africa-based pumps manufacturer Brehnor Pumps believes that the combination of old and new technology has become key in its striving to become an industry leader in axial pump manufacturing.

“We manufacture a compete range of single and multistage axial flow pumps from 200 NB to 900 NB for low- to medium-head, high-volume applications that can transfer large volumes of water from rivers and storage dams to irrigation systems, for raw water supply to potable water treatment plants, high-volume product transfer in process plants, high-yield borehole pumping, and features in water parks,” says Brehnor Pumps’ Richard Rudling.

Owing to the various applications that the pumps are used for, he notes Brehnor Pumps has developed a relationship with the originator and current licence holder of the Ornel brand of axial flow pumps in order to influence the manner in which the pumps are designed for efficiency.

Brehnor Pumps MD Greg Peake points out that, with the focus being on efficiency, enabling the use of modern manufacturing processes, with a major emphasis on 3D modelling and drawing, has helped the company achieve this.

“We have partnered with designing company Rapid 3D as an extension of the design department to produce prototypes for various engineered components. “Designs are submitted to Rapid 3D as solid models and printed in a variety of hard plastics for quick and cost-effective prototyping,” he says.

This has allowed the company to locally redesign and manufacture its axial flow pumps to serve its customers in South Africa and other African countries, which Brehnor Pumps communications officer Clifford Peake believes is important for the manufacturing sector in South Africa.

“About 90% of our overall manufacturing is done locally, with only a few parts imported. “The ability to be able to design the pumps locally and assemble them locally shows our competence as a country in manufacturing, which will help boost our gross domestic product though this sector,” he says.

Moreover, Peake says that, as a proudly South African manufacturing company, it hopes to work more closely with government institutions on water treatment plants and any other municipal departments where bulk water applications are needed. Working closely with government will assist local companies to demonstrate their manufacturing competence in a sector that is vital to South Africa.

Rudling further says that the company has also experienced great success in Africa as it has supplied its pumps into countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, in the hope of infiltrating more countries where its pumps will be applicable.