Moving water any way you want it

Many developments are underway in the field of water control and displacement. Some brand new such as pumping oil/fuel from ships using a high-speed oil pump. Or dislodging the seabed for cabling to offshore wind farms. Some techniques have been used for some time but are still relatively unknown, such as siphoning.

All are methods that Van Heck Group of Noordwolde has invented or revived. The company operates worldwide in the field of water control and displacement and is a market leader in large water displacement projects. With an extensive rental fleet, the group operates in the dredging, salvage and offshore industries. But also in small water works for local civil contractors in the Netherlands. In addition, Van Heck supplies pumping installations for sewer renovations and cooling water systems and provides emergency planning. All customized and tailored to the clients' requirements.

Sea Trophy.

Lifting new revived
"Although we are constantly working on innovation and sustainability, there is still a method we have been working with for 25 years, but which has been somewhat 'snowed under' in the Netherlands," says director Jeroen van Heck. "That is siphoning. A technique that we frequently use in sewer renovation, for example. For this we have devised, engineered and manufactured a vacuum installation, which we then rent out. Temporary pumping installations are then no longer necessary. This siphoning system is an environmentally friendly, energy-saving solution." Siphoning works because of the difference in height between the inflow and outflow side of a pipe. A vacuum installation with three electrically driven vacuum pumps pulls the air out of the pipes. This installation includes a vacuum boiler and container with equipment for frost protection and alarms, among other things. The inflow on the inflow side of the siphon system creates buoyancy, creating a self-regulating effect. Van Heck: "It already works at a water level difference of 3 cm. Besides the fact that siphoning is much quieter, you use 90 percent less energy than with the usual diesel pumps. You don't have to maintain them now either, which means lower operating costs." A simple method, typical of Van Heck: why difficult when it can be easy. 

Grensmaas Maastricht: Siphoning installations near Maastricht. (Image: Gerard Schulenberg)

New compact oil pump
Van Heck recently launched its latest innovations, such as the Sea Trophy green and easy oil recovery. An effective, compact oil pump that quickly pumps oil/fuel from ships. And complex pumping systems to loosen the seabed for cabling for offshore wind farms. "We provide the right pressure and volume for cable-laying equipment. Not many people are familiar with this technique," Van Heck said.