Flooded With Demand
With water levels rising around the world, demand for drainage pumps has surged. And often there is no time to lose to prevent or minimize damage from flooding.
So when fluid specialist Bumi Cahaya Unggul (BCU) in Indonesia encountered a supply hurdle while fulfilling an urgent pump order for Balikpapan City, swift action was needed. PT Wahana Inti Selaras, a John Deere engine distributor in Indonesia, delivered the solution.
The need for speed
Jakarta-based Bumi Cahaya Unggul (BCU) was founded in 1979, making it one of Indonesia's earliest water pump manufacturers. Today, it offers an array of screw centrifugal and positive displacement pumps designed to proactively prevent, manage, and mitigate flood situations.
All BCU pumps are designed and built at BCU's own 1300-square-meter (4,265-square-foot) facilities. After delivery, BCU provides routine maintenance, supplementary operator training, a substantial inventory of spare parts, warranty coverage, and retrofit options.
Indonesia is often named one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Yet this archipelago composed of 17,000 islands within the Pacific Ring of Fire faces its fair share of volcanic eruptions, landslides, and flooding. The nation has embarked on comprehensive climate resilience strategies to safeguard its people, economies, and surroundings. As part of these local endeavors, Balikpapan City's Department of Public Works acquired three BCU pumps to effectively regulate residential water levels.
The need for the pumps was pressing due to recent heavy rainfall. However, BCU found themselves in a tight spot when their engine supplier was not able to deliver engines for the pumps. So the company's engineering manager turned to PT Wahana for fast delivery of a John Deere alternative.
PT Wahana exclusively distributes John Deere engines in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Timor Leste, and provides personalized support to customers in the oil and gas, mining, industrial, marine, and agricultural markets. With 23 branch offices and service points across Indonesia, the company can maintain strong customer connections.
"We know that John Deere engines have proven themselves in pump applications, are easy to maintain, fuel-efficient, and have a long service life," BCU's engineering manager says. "The pumps we deliver are not necessarily used frequently, but when floods occur they must work instantly and reliably."
PT Wahana recommended the John Deere 6.8L industrial engine and swiftly supplied engines for the three units.
"This engine is ideal for the intended purpose. It provides high power output and fuel efficiency, allowing the pump to quickly and efficiently move large volumes of water," says Daniel Dodestero, PT Wahana General Manager.
The SB 800 pump: On-the-go efficiency
BCU built three SB 800 screw centrifugal pumps to meet the city's requirements. The pumps each boast a flow rate of 800 cubic meters per hour (223 liters/59 U.S. gallons per second) at 33.7 meters (110 feet), and a fluid density of 1,000 kilograms per cubic meter. Mounted on a 4 x 1.60 x 2.85 meter trailer, the machines feature a Hidrostal pump, a John Deere 6.8L engine, flexible coupling, a control panel, priming system, suction and discharge system, fuel tank, and base frame.
"The engine offers a power output of 105 kW at 1785 rpm. To ensure uninterrupted operation and peak performance, we trained BCU's mechanics on troubleshooting and maintenance protocols," Dodestero says. "Furthermore, the engines are covered by a standard two-year or 2,000-hour warranty."
Why use screw centrifugal pumps?
Screw centrifugal pumps combine the advantages of both screw and centrifugal pumps. While they use centrifugal force like a standard centrifugal pump, the screw-shaped impeller makes them both highly efficient and low-maintenance.
According to BCU's engineering manager, screw centrifugal pumps are the most effective solution for floods.
"They offer remarkable suction capacity and can handle water containing solid waste and particles, which is often the case in flood situations," the engineering manager says.
But the applications can go much further. BCU's mobile screw centrifugal pumps have also been deployed in prestigious land reclamation projects, including Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK 1) Island. PIK 1 is a highly coveted residential area known for lush greenery and stunning ocean views that make it extremely popular with both locals and tourists.
Delivering on all promises
"This was the first time we worked with PT Wahana, and they delivered as promised — on time and with great personal support," BCU's engineering manager says. "The salespeople were very quick to provide technical details, and the engineering teams supported us with engine integration and on-site commissioning. We are pleased to have a supplier who is hands-on and solution oriented. And we're grateful to have a premium brand of engine at a competitive price. PT Wahana delivered outstanding service and we look forward to a prosperous collaboration."
