Pumphouse Irrigation Projects
A brief description of some of our past pumphouse projects.
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Completion of new pumphouse system
Only a section of the manifold had been installed when we got involved with this project. There was still a lot more to do, and the owner instructed us to do the following:
- Make the required changes to the manifolds for the avocado and macadamia blocks without using expensive fusion welding couplings.
- Replace all leaking couplings with butt-welded connections.
We also had to install a new fertigation system.
Read more about it on our fertigation projects page.
Our PVC pipe installation expertise was required
Why did we need to become involved at this stage of the project? Perhaps the owner’s own words explain it best.
“The pipework had to be done by a specialist who does immaculate work.
Luan is a perfectionist, almost like Monk of TV fame. If he stands back to look at his work and sees something that is not right or catches his eye, he summarily corrects it.”
Multiple irrigation and fertigation installations
Problems with previous pumphouses
This client had an existing pumphouse installed by the previous management, but they had major problems with their irrigation.
Furthermore, they were in the process of expanding and needed a reliable system that provided water to all their crops.
We were contracted to design and install a completely new system that would meet all their irrigation requirements.
What our work entailed
Scope of pumphouses project
As far as the irrigation aspect of this project was concerned, we had to –
- Demolish the existing pumphouse at the river and build a new pumphouse that would pump water over a mountain (196 metres in height) to their reservoirs.
- Build a new pumphouse in the existing building that housed their old pumphouse.
- Put in new mainlines from the main pumphouse to their greenhouses and tunnels. (Making provision for their 18 existing tunnels, 6 greenhouses and the 12 greenhouses that will be built in the future.)
- Build a separate pumphouse for the “mother” and clone rooms.
- Provide and install a new MCC control unit for the pumphouse.
A huge amount of planning and equipment required
We were up to the task and sent four interlink trucks from Cape Town to Lesotho to transport all the pipes and fittings required for this project.
Very challenging
We faced a number of challenges, but we were up for it.
The entire irrigation upgrade and installation of new equipment had to be done while the site was still fully operational.
They had to be able to irrigate all their crops while we had to redo pumphouses on both sides of the mountain. This included –
- Demolishing the main pumphouse.
- Building a temporary pumphouse for temporary irrigation provision.
- Doing the upgrade to the main pumphouse.
- Switching the irrigation from the temporary pumphouse to their new pumphouse.
Strict timeframes
The new pumphouse had to be moved from the river and be up and running within 72 hours. We did this in only 48 hours.
We only had 24 hours to remove the pump, Netajet, valves and fertigation tanks from the main pumphouse to the temporary pumphouse and get everything up and running again. We completed this in less than 20 hours.
The switchover from the temporary pumphouse to the new pumphouse was done in just 12 hours.
No interruptions to their production
Even though we, a team of only six men, had to work well into the night several times and had to endure many 14-hour workdays, we completed the entire project without interrupting their production.
The challenge was accepted and the expected result was delivered!
“During my time at MG Health (Lesotho), I had the pleasure of working with Luan Retief and his team on a large expansion project.
Working in a remote location such as Marakabei, Lesotho has many supply and installation challenges, but none were too great or too difficult for his team to resolve.“
Our work wasn't limited to pumphouse installations
We also had to install controlled environment irrigation and fertigation systems for them.
Go to our controlled environment irrigation projects page to read about it.
Also, read Chris Charter’s full testimonial which you’ll find there. He was their Cultivation and Project Manager at the time and wrote a fantastic reference after this project was completed.
Upgrade of outdated pumphouse
After buying this blueberry farm, the owners wanted to upgrade the existing pumphouse to a system similar to those on their other farms.
They wanted us to use the existing material and components as much as possible but more compactly. Since the plantable area increased due to the pumphouse upgrade, we had to install additional mainline valves.
We also added an electrical room for all the electrical components.
The upgrade resulted in a system on par with their existing systems and one better suited to the irrigation management style they want to pursue.
