Pump Hire

Tunneling

The demand for underground or underwater passageways has been increasing in recent years, with construction plans becoming more and more ambitious. With the experience of having worked on many such projects with consultants, contractors and clients, Sykes Pumps has unrivalled expertise in managing water extraction in difficult and arduous conditions.

Our Service

As the country’s leading provider of strategic pumping services, we have regular involvement with tunnelling projects nationwide. No other pump hire company can match our proficiency in pumping, dewatering or fluid movement which is why we have longstanding clients who specialise in tunnelling. We offer premium, reliable equipment to cover every feasible scenario, so whether you require a handful of units or an extensive package for major works, we have the capacity to accommodate all needs.

The greatly increased risks of working underground mean that the management of water to control the stability of the working environment is critical. In addition to the protection of the workforce, the costly delays which result from work being held up by excessive water mean that it is imperative the pumping system installed is appropriate for the circumstances and is able to deal with fluctuating water volumes due to changes in weather or local conditions.

Before delivering or even proposing a potential pumping solution, our technicians undertake a thorough period of planning coordinated by a dedicated advisor. This allows us to gauge a more accurate understanding of your application’s needs, and a system will then be tailored to suit your specific circumstances. By taking into account all factors, we can provide a pumping solution that will cope with any change in site circumstances.

As a company, we pride ourselves on offering customers the most comprehensive selection of products available for hire. Continual technological investment enables us to lay claim to providing the most up-to-date innovations on the market, helping us to improve efficiency while reducing your running costs. Our pumps are widely used across a full range of environments, with our extensive range of submersible units particularly suitable for most underground applications.

Dewatering

Complicated assignments such as tunnelling and shaft construction often present dewatering challenges which require expert handling. At Sykes Pumps, our engineers have the necessary level of experience to design dewatering systems, recommend and install equipment and conduct stringent pumping tests. The initial dewatering process is the first step towards tunnel construction and ensures all water is controlled while the solid material is removed from the area.

Draining groundwater from a shaft or tunnel needs to be managed carefully in order to protect the integrity of the walls and surrounding substrate. This can involve the use of surface mounted units for the initial excavation and then submersible pumps once the depth of the shaft or tunnel exceeds the maximum suction lift of a surface mounted unit. The pump selection process is a critical element in the planning of the works as an incorrect selection puts the safety of the project at risk or could result in unnecessary costs. We offer free site surveys to our clients to help you ascertain the most applicable solution for your individual requirements.

Dewatering specifically for tunnels can often be accomplished via inclined or vertical wells drilled downwards from ground level, as long as there is sufficient access above the tunnel. The presence of service pipes between any tunnel and the ground can make the task more difficult, but dewatering can still be achieved without disturbing existing pipework.

Submersibles

Sykes Pumps comprehensive range of electric and hydraulic submersibles is ideal for underground working. Hydraulic units can be used where the provision of electric power is impractical with the power pack capable of operating the pump end at a distance of 100m. Electric submersibles have a wider range of size, head and flow combinations and are therefore incredibly versatile in their use.

The Sykes submersible range has been used extensively in tunnelling as well as other areas with land development plans. Our range of equipment, including accessories such as float level control panels, allows these programs to be managed effectively irrespective of any changes in weather or the general condition of the site. Electrically-powered and easy to relocate if necessary, the units range from 2” through to 8”, guaranteeing that we will have a suitable pump for every application.

When projects need to increase their pumping quickly, Sykes submersibles are perfect for fast positioning and operation. With a national network of depots and a true, 24/7/365 operation, we are able to react to your needs whatever the time of day or night. If you would like more information on our products or services, or advice on any pumping issue, call us now on 0800 211 611.

Case studies

Our range

General Purpose Pumps

Our automatic self-priming GP pumps can handle clean water, sludge and slurry, offering flexible solutions in a multitude of scenarios

Super Silenced Range

The Sykes range of silenced pumps provides clients with a number of durable units suitable for deployment in noise-sensitive applications

High Performance

Capable of flow rates of up to 375 l/s, these high performance pumps are ideal for specialist applications including jetting, pipe flushing and firefighting

Bentonite Pumps

Our Bentonite range features heavy duty pumps that have been manufactured with slurries and testing environments in mind

Submersible Drainage Pumps

Offering variable capacities and easy handling, our submersible drainage range is frequently used on quarries, mines and shipyards

Submersible Wastewater

Featuring more than twenty unique pumps, our submersible wastewater range offers cost-efficient pumping with flow rates up to 440 l/s

Submersible Sludge Pumps

Sykes’ submersible sludge pumps are intended for applications where the fluid present contains solids or has a higher viscosity than water

Hydraulic Submersible

Strong and lightweight, our hydraulic submersible pumps are perfect for hazardous environments where suction lifts exceed nine metres

Air Pumps

Known as pneumatic pumps, these hardwearing air units are recognised for their exceptional reliability and capacity to operate dry

Hoses and Accessories

We stock a full range of ancillary equipment including hoses, valves, control panels, steel pipes, polythene tubing, flow metres and road ramps

Environmental Equipment

This modern range allows clients to uphold their environmental responsibilities and move water, wastewater and sludge in sensitive areas