"Our present
pump capacity
is being doubled."
MS Bhadbhade, Managing Director,
Aquarius Engineers Pvt Ltd
With consistent focus on delivering international quality
products, Aquarius offers the latest in tech-nology from its
extensive concrete pump portfolio. MS Bhadbhade, Managing
Director, Aquarius Engineers offers his views on the concrete
pumping industry.
How efficient is the valve system Aquarius has designed?
Aquarius has always promoted the S Valve, which is used in
most countries all over the world. The valve system gives
a good leak- proof system, which is a must for long distance
and highrise pumping and increases the overall reliability
of the machine. Because of this valve system there are less
wear parts, which again improves the productivity and reduces
the downtime.
What are the solutions you provide for high volume pours?
The demand for high volume pour pumps is increasing, that
is why the percent-wise sale for our bigger models has increased.
In general, the average size of concrete pour has increased
because of the new structures coming up, as they use a lot
of concrete in the foundation and in lower floors.
What are the safety features incorpo-rated in the design
of the pump?
We have provided safety guards wherever they are necessary.
An audiovisual alarm system is provided for the engine. Our
components display up to what rating they should be used.
Instruction stickers and anodised plates are provided for
safety as well as proper operation of the machine. In case
of the electrical prime mover, we provide all the safeties
required as per electrical equipment regulations.
What are the major reasons for the failure of concrete pumps?
All the concrete pumps use a hydraulic system, and to keep
the hydraulic system in working condition, some basic maint-enance
is needed, which is all too often found to be lacking. As
a manufacturer, we provide intensive training to the user
so that the machine will be maintained properly. In addition,
our after-sales support is always there in case of any problem
faced by the customer. It is our experience that in more then
90 per cent of cases, the reason for choking is concrete.
The pump requires pumpable concrete, else it will choke. If
the pump chokes often, then the user should look into the
concrete design aspect.
How do you address the problem of high wear and tear of the
pumps?
Where granite is the basic stone and where the quartz content
is high, the wear and tear is high. We are definitely looking
to providing better wear parts for these regions, at a marginally
higher cost.
As a manufacturer, we work on new materials to provide better
wear resistance and hence reduce the downtime. We have also
introduced structured training courses for the operation and
maintenance of our products.
Has the pumping industry matured here as it has in developed
markets?
We do not think the pumping industry has fully matured as
yet in India. End users are still to shift to increased use
of boom pumps or the mechanised distribution system to improve
overall productivity. Also, we have very few pumpers - pump
hiring companies - in India as compared to developed markets.
What is the type of pump sold more in India?
It is mostly the 45 cu m/hr output pump that is sold in India,
as it is the smallest size available in the diesel engine
version and suitable for the pumping rates required.
What about the service set -up you have in the country?
We have introduced structured training courses for the operation
and maintenance of our products. A new training centre is
coming up at our new factory near Pune. We have our regional
sales and service offices spread across India and are keeping
proper stock of spares at the regional offices. We have also
introduced equipped service vans at major locations for providing
quick service to our customers.
We have a manufacturing plant in Goa; this factory is under
expansion and the present manufacturing capacity of 300 pumps
is being doubled in the first phase of expansion. A new factory
is also under construction near Pune at Ambadwet.
What does your concrete pump portfolio consist of?
We have stationary concrete line pumps, mobile concrete pumps
(MOLI), concrete boom pumps, concrete batching plants. We
also provide sales and service of Gomaco slipform pavers in
India.
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