BLOG | 10 Reasons to Choose a Sound Attenuated Pump Package

In this blog, we explain why sound attenuation has long since ceased to be the only reason to choose a sound attenuated pump. There are so many more advantages in pump canopies that we would like to explain in this blog. First a quick review.

History about the sound attenuated pumps

The Netherlands was one of the first countries in the world to build portable pumps in sound attenuated canopies. Already in the 1980s the demand for silent pumps arose due to the densely populated small country of Western Europe. The major cities are at or below sea level, so water is always present during construction work. As a result, many mobile pumps are always used in the Netherlands. Noise levels from machines in built-up areas were no longer accepted by local residents in those years.

BBA Pumps developed the first silent portable engine-driven pumps in cooperation with wellpoint dewatering companies. In the following years, portable pump housings were further developed and introduced in other populous countries. In the late 1990s, the first silent pumps were shipped to major cities in America.

Today, BBA Pumps overwhelmingly manufactures pumps in enclosed canopy. This fits seamlessly with our commitment Building The World’s Best Pumps Solutions. An estimated ratio of skid mounted 10% versus silent pumps 90%.

10 reasons to choose sound attenuated pumps

1. No Noise Pollution

Building the World’s best silent pump unit was the original goal when designing the canopies. In doing so the pumps operate so quietly that customers or local residents have no cause to complain. Prevent hearing damage from operators, no complaints from nearby residents, no sleepless nights when the pump set is near your home.

2. Safety

If the pump is operating unattended, you can simply lock the doors and take the key home. This makes sure that nobody can accidentally come into contact with rotating or hot parts. Reduced risk of industrial accidents, injuries from people reaching rotating parts or hot components.  

3. Life Cycle Cost Calculations

Compared to an "open" skid mounted pumpset, a sound attenuated pump has much lower depreciation costs. And that is reflected in the LCC life cycle cost calculation. Even after years of operating, the elements and dust have barely aged the pumpset. This is why used pumps in canopies are often still worth a lot of money on the used equipment market.

4. Branding

This aspect is often underestimated. Promoting your company's logo on a skid mounted pump is a challenge. A sound attenuated pump gives you the chance to proudly display your company name and logo, keeping you permanently in the spotlight!

5. Stackable

A portable pump is designed to be working out in the field, but sometimes they need to be stored for the next project. When handling the pumps, you will soon be impressed by how easy they are to stack. At BBA Pumps almost everything can be stacked! This includes weir tanks, hose racks, pipe racks and even the portable non return valves.

6. Resistant to Vandalism

Imagine your pump set has been left unattended during the weekend and then Monday morning you are suddenly faced with a wet construction site... some vandals stopped the pump or pulled the cable harnesses off, leaving the fuel tank emptied. With a sound attenuated pump with lockable doors this will never happen.

7. Protected from Dust and Sand

At the construction site, at the bottom of a mine or working at a wellpoint, a portable pump is often full of dust. Dust and drifting sand are an equipment killer, particularly for the diesel engine and the filters. A lockable canopy provides the protection that your pump deserves!

8. Less Chance of Environmental Pollution

In many countries it is an environmental crime if fuel or oil leaks into the soil. That is why the BBA pumps sound attenuated canopies are supplied as standard with special features such as composite tanks in steel drip trays with oil and water separators. A BBA Pumps unit is a fully self-contained unit featuring a “double wall” fuel containment tank and fluid containment system eliminating fuel/oil spills at all times.

9. High Residual Value

An skid mounted pump exposed to the wind and rain will age rapidly. With a sound attenuated BBA pump set the opposite is the case. Due to the robust design it will continue to look as good as new after a long time in use.

10. Price Differences Have Become Minimal

In the past, there was a large price difference between the first sound attenuated pumps compared to open units. Due to standardization and the economics of large scale production, the price difference has now become minimal. 95% of the portable pumps that leave the BBA Pumps factory today are delivered with a canopy.