Filter pumping placed with 'factory on wheels'

To combat drought in the Peel region, more water is being released into the area at the front. To properly regulate this increased capacity in the hinterland, a number of engineering structures have been modified and renewed. The project is part of the program Optimalization water supply Peel canals. Van Grinsven Grondboringen en Bronbemaling provided the necessary filter dewatering at the various locations with its own 'factory on wheels'. 

The drainage recommendation for the modification and renewal of the structures had already assumed filter drainage, says Tom Jacops, co-owner of Van Grinsven Grondboringen en Bronbemaling. "Horizontal dewatering with drains was not possible because of the cables and pipes in the underground as well as the fact that the weirs are simply too compact for this technique. And then there is only one way left and that is applying filters by machine. Incidentally, in the preliminary phase, we had already installed groundwater monitoring wells in the region for main contractor Vissers Ploegmakers. On this basis, we drew up the drainage plan for each sub-object and Vissers Ploegmakers was able to apply for the permit for extraction and discharge."

Reduce flow rate

Van Grinsven Grondboringen en Bronbemaling, together with Vissers Ploegmakers, optimized the design of the construction pit for each location in such a way that the sheet pile walls stopped a large part of the groundwater flows. "In this way, we were able to reduce the high flows of the water to be pumped as much as possible," Tom explains. "After all, there were a few deep construction pits involved with fairly high flow rates. Furthermore, it was sometimes quite a challenge to reach the sites with our equipment. Our spray mast for placing the filters is easily about 10 meters high, which meant that we couldn't place the filters under the crown of a tree. So it was fitting and measuring in some locations."

Factory on wheels

On site, Van Grinsven Grondborboringen en Bronbemaling is completely self-sufficient. "We are well equipped for such projects in which we have to provide dewatering on 'back locations'. Our truck is like a complete factory on wheels and equipped with a spray pump, 10 m3 of working water and a working crane." Recently, the Wilbertoord-based specialist also has a completely electric machine for emission-free spraying and filter dewatering. "We listen to the market and are constantly working on new developments. For example, at the end of November 2023 we put a new truck into service for drilling geothermal wells. The process is fully automated and with even more precision and overview."

With three positions now in place, Van Grinsven Grondboringen en Bronbemaling is big into realizing geothermal heat sources. "We take care of the complete picture in-house, including the design and the notification or permit application up to the delivery of the manifold and the pressing of the system with glycol. We are also active in installing deep drainage and drilling sprinkler wells and fire pits. There are few companies that specialize so deeply as well as broadly."