Specialist pump hire solution provider for sewage applications
Exsel Pumps has become the credible alternative to the more traditional national pump hire companies operating in the UK. That is the feedback the Exsel Team are getting as more and more water companies and their contractors become aware of Exsel Pumps’ capabilities. The feedback received goes further with a clear indication that there is a real need for an alternative temporary pump solutions provider particularly for sewage applications.
The feedback has resulted in Exsel developing the coverage of the successful business model to now provide a national capability for its Special Projects Team. Until recently Exsel has operated successfully on a number of significant sewage pumping projects for seven water companies as an approved supplier, but has advertised the fact – until now.
Exsel Pumps is part of the Turner Group of companies headquartered in Glasgow with Exsel depots in the South, East and North of the country. The Turner Group has a turnover of £250 m with over 2,000 employees operating in 24 diverse companies. The Group operates a number of companies in Asset Rental industries with capabilities such as generators, vehicles, tankers, specialist access, portable cold storage and of course pumps.
Exsel Pumps Listens to the Customer Feedback
When the feedback is analysed as to why Exsel has been so successful and therefore what makes Exsel the credible alternative is a number of factors:
• Independent of any manufacturers – the right equipment for the application
• Genuine temporary pumping solutions, particularly for sewage applications
• Full service support capability including effective and safe installations
• Larger pump and pipework offerings up to 48” discharge (1,200mm) diameter
• Genuine out of hours reactive capability
• Genuine rag handling capability of pumping equipment
• Lowest pump energy/fuel consumption
• Unrivalled pump controls with latest level control and remote technology
• Reliability and capability with younger fleet and maintenance regime
• Innovative and cost effective solutions
• Up to date fleet with higher efficiencies and lower running costs
• Financial stability and strong Group investment – here for the long-term
• Focused on pumping without diversion
• Customer focus and interpreting the Customer’s needs in partnership
Being an independent supplier Exsel can use its extensive pumping experience to select the right and most up to date equipment for the application. Not being tied to any particular manufacturer or own manufacture enables this capability. The majority of equipment in traditional national fleets is of a technology that is over 20 years old, despite the shiny canopy that packages the unit. The key factor this brings is the lack of efficiency and effectivity of the products that will affect pumping capability. Particularly, rag handling and energy consumption.
There is a level of complacency with the traditional companies that is driven by a lack of credible competition
The larger rental companies, that also operate plant and tools, have the financial capability. But they don’t have the expertise and tend to focus on basic pumping such as dewatering on construction sites to support their existing customer base. But this tends to be a cyclic capability where prices are driven down to a point where it is not viable to hire out such pumps and then these companies pull out of pumping. But these companies cannot provide solutions for sewage pumping.
Consider the traditional national pump hire companies. This is the area of complacency where for decades they have been in operation, most with a fleet of pumps designed in the same era and now offering a reduced level of service and capability. There is no doubt that once these are good reputable pumping companies. But it is sad to notice that they have lost the pumping skills, knowledge and attitude. They have also not developed their fleet capability to keep up with modern technology. They haven’t really needed to with the lack of real competition.
It is the customer therefore that effectively will suffer in the long term. No doubt the customer will get cheaper prices because the traditional companies can push a twenty year old pump out at the lowest price. But is that pump reliable, is it capable of handling sewage and is it really the lowest whole life cost of hire?
There are higher levels of fines being imposed for sewage and diesel spills and the necessity for reliable and effective pumping solutions is paramount when handling sewage. This is a serious consideration for the water companies where most sewage plants are near to water courses or the sea. The potential cumulative damage in terms of environmental and financial impact by using the cheapest equipment is therefore enhanced.
Consider the Whole-life Cost of Hire
Consider the whole life cost of hire. Water companies do so with capital purchases, quite rightly as energy costs are generally the highest portion in the life of an installed product. So why not consider the same for a temporary pumping solution?
If a single 6” diesel sewage pump can save over £600 per running week in fuel costs compared to a cheaper rate option, with no loss of performance and with genuine rag handling capability, why would it not be considered?
Consider then two such pumps running on a temporary project for one month. The fuel savings are around £4,800 for what is a typical application. Saving £50 (25%) or £100 (50%) on the weekly rate therefore has no significance. It is not considered as it has not previously been offered. Yet time and again the rate is the benchmark to which water companies will always look at and it is a smoke-screen.
The technology and equipment is out there with diesel pumps to provide this fuel saving. But not in traditional fleets that are tied to specific manufacturers or to their own manufacture. The cost of developing a new fleet of pumps is very expensive and it is no wonder the traditional companies avoid this issue. That is why Exsel is able to be that credible alternative as its sewage diesel fleet utilises these pumps as standard.
Alternative Offerings by Exsel Pumps Provide the Full Capability
But there are also other alternatives to diesel pumps that are not generally offered by the traditional pump hire companies. Again the main reason is that they don’t have the equipment in their fleets.
Exsel Pumps is also able to offer a range of immersible pumps from 3” (80mm) to 32” (800mm) discharge that can operate in dry well, immersed and submerged applications. But importantly, they can also be provided surface mounted with vacuum priming systems that allow a multitude of capabilities. Add to this the control equipment with level controls and variable speed drives along with remote monitoring.
Exsel has been involved in sewage and other projects where the traditional pump hire companies have walked away and not been able to offer a solution. The Exsel capabilities have ensured a solution could be provided including the full installation and pump management. Therefore, Exsel has already proven to be a credible alternative as a specialist temporary pump solution provider.
