Making Waves in the Water Park Industry 

KSB (USA), experience supplier of pumps, valves and related systems, have recently announced another use availlable on their Amacan P submersible motor pump (previously known as the PNT pump). Initially created for stormwater and wastewater applications, the pump can also be used for wave machines found at water parks.

Sales in the global surfing market are estimated to be around $13.2 billion in 2017. The U.S. surfing industry extends far beyond California and Hawaii. Artificial wave pools and surf simulators are popular attractions in theme parks, shopping malls, and cruise ships — thanks to modern technology.

These wave pools are driven by a hydraulic jump, mimicking the natural phenomenon. In open channels, fluid at an initial critical flow speed meets a slower-moving area of water and creates the jump. In wave pools, spoilers are positioned to manipulate the incoming flow rate and channel width, creating life-like waves. Bruce McFarland, president and founder of American Wave Machines, Inc., explains that his company's surf machines "benefit from the availability of efficient high-volume, low-head pumps ... These waves can be created with very low head, which translates to lower energy use and longer pump life."

Multiple pumps must provide wave machines with tens of thousands of gallons of water per minute (gpm). The Amacan P has a current capacity of up to 110,000 gpm. (KSB is currently working on a custom design that can move 300,000 gpm.) The pumps, which can be installed vertically or horizontally, have a typical power range of up to 550 hp.

"Vertical installations provide superior hydraulics, mechanics, and serviceability," notes Jared Wray, product manager for submerged propeller devices at KSB.

KSB's exclusive cable protection system includes a sealed shaft and motor and double-sealed cables. This design protects the cables at their entry to the pump motor and prevents movement inside the tube, stabilising the cables and helping to prevent damage. The diffuser casing and motor housing are made of cast iron; the shaft, casing wear ring, screws, bolts, and nuts are stainless steel. An aluminum-bronze/duplex stainless steel propeller completes the pump.

The solid construction guarantees pump efficiency and safety. The seal arrangement protects against fibrous material, and the wear-resistant contact face materials lead to trouble-free operation.

Aside from its operational effectiveness, the Amacan P is simple to install and easy to maintain. Self-sealed by an O-ring, this drop-in pump also self-centers its seating in the discharge column. Because there are no anchoring or anti-rotation elements, installation and removal — especially with vertical installations — are fast and easy.
Bearing temperature monitoring and thermal motor protection add to the pump's reliability. Additional motor protection is provided by a standard moisture sensor. All parts can be maintained in a few short steps.

In addition to its use in wave simulators, the Amacan P is well-suited for other water features such as river-rafting rides and flumes. And of course, the pump is also a good fit for more traditional uses, such as irrigation, storm water pumping stations, and flood control.