FITT Resources keeps Sydney Water pumping

Sydney Water provides water and wastewater services to the Sydney metropolitan, Illawarra and Blue Mountains regions. Its area of operations covers about 13,000 square kilometres. It comprises water and wastewater treatment facilities, distribution/collection network assets, and stormwater assets. FITT Resources has used Chesterton sealing and packing for support infrastructure works.

In July 2020, Sydney Water launched its new infrastructure and delivery model – P4S: Partnering for Success. It was designed to simplify procurement, optimise value throughout the supply chain, and deliver $4 billion of construction works and services between 2020 and 2030.

Water and wastewater specialists FITT Resources successfully tendered to undertake work in three main areas under this new delivery model. They were specifically successful in earning the tender for the repair and overhaul of submersible, centrifugal, and positive displacement pumping units, with work commencing in April 2021.

Daniel Hechter, Engineering Manager at FITT Resources, said, “This major contract tender has required us to work in various ways. We will need to work on different types of pumps and equipment. However, the experience, qualifications and capability of our workshop team and technicians have meant that we have consistently completed asset repair and overhaul work as required.

“Our safety management and the ability to meet response time requirements when it comes to workshop operations, logistics and inventory supply have also been crucial.”

Pump repair and overhaul using Chesterton sealing and packing

The scope of the contract meant that FITT Resources would work on various types of pumps from various manufacturers. All needed repair, maintenance and overhaul in various ways, depending on the equipment’s age, condition, location and use.

“FITT Resources is one of Australia’s Chesterton sealing products distributors. Our years of experience and knowledge with this world-class product means that it will often, if not always, be specified during repair and upgrade opportunities,” said Hechter.

“It provides a complete system for industrial sealing and pumps reclamation. Several key features and products make Chesterton seals and packing ideal for use in the water and wastewater industries. We were also conscious that there would be a need to innovate and adapt at times, and the variety of Chesterton products we have access to; made this easier for us.”

There were three main elements of the Chesterton product range that FITT Resources utilised as a part of the P4S: Partnering for Success project.

Chesterton 2211 DualPac Program

Two tunnel pumps had been in service since their last overhaul in 2015 and started having excess gland leakage due to shaft wear and packing degradation.

As part of the ‘stop-gap’ solution, they were re-packed with Chesterton DualPac 2211 1” section, with a bull ring at the bottom and sealing rings on top. This packing upgrade has been very successful in the ongoing gland operation.

“Chesterton DualPac 2211 gives you several benefits in water and wastewater applications because it’s made up of aramid and PTFE. This means you can use it for both ends and sealing rings. You also get superior sealing and low friction, combined with high strength and resilience,” said Hechter.

Chesterton 442 Split Mechanical Sealing Program

FITT Resources was also tasked with upgrading and maintaining existing raw sewage pumps using Chesterton 442 Split Mechanical Seals. These pumps had originally been fitted with packing and then later cartridge seals, but the decision was made to replace these with split mechanical seals.

Split seals offer the best sealing solutions in sewage applications. They enable on-site, in-place seal maintenance and replacement without the need to remove large and expensive equipment from the site (which can lead to downtime and add to costs). The seal set-up utilises API Plan 11 or 13, with close clearance or EnviroSeal SpiralTrac™ gland bushes.

Other benefits derived from using Chesterton 442 mechanical split seals include a spring lifter and carrier that provide protection and security for seal faces during installation. They also generate less heat at extreme pressures due to the balanced seal design. Finally, these mechanical seals have a compact gland design which means they can fit more equipment without any modification.

Hechter said, “Split seals are a good alternative to packing, as some site HSE requirements prohibit and prevent adjusting packing with the pump running. Users can change the seal with no disassembly. Split seals can also withstand more runout than standard cartridge seals. There is no leaking of potentially hazardous materials, especially important in sewage applications.”

Chesterton ARC Industrial Coatings

All sewage units were rebuilt and reclaimed using a Chesterton ARC industrial coating. This coating ensures that reclaimed casings and impellers are in the best possible condition. They will provide prolonged operational life in harsh pumping environments. Chesterton ARC coatings also offer protection against both erosion and corrosion attacks. As a result, they make an ideal solution for use with potable water and sewage pumps.

The use of Chesterton ARC industrial coatings also leads to an increase in efficiency, as well as extending equipment life and reducing downtime.

Hechter said, “Chesterton ARC coatings can be used to treat pump casings and impellers but have plenty of other uses too. For instance, they prevent corrosion in tanks and hoppers, heat exchangers, and silos.”

FITT Resources working with utilities across Australia

As well as its recent work with Sydney Water, FITT Resources has partnered with water authorities and government utilities across Australia. FITT has offices across the country.

The partnership between FITT Resources and Chesterton continues to be important and fruitful. Both companies constantly look for ways to improve and innovate to increase plant operating life and reduce the cost of ownership.

About A.W. Chesterton Company

Chesterton is a world leader in helping process industry companies and manufacturers improve the reliability and efficiency of their equipment. For over 130 years, we have provided pump and valve sealing solutions, applications expertise, equipment maintenance, and wear prevention products. They help make our customers more profitable, productive, and environmentally responsible.

Our large, established sales and service network includes more than 250 authorised distributors. These distributors have extensive industry experience and provide exceptional local service and applications consulting.