CASE STUDIES

Autism Awareness Day with Louis Still

Autism Awareness Day 2022 On Saturday, it was Autism Awareness Day. We wanted to raise awareness about this subject as well as reduce the stigma on hiring individuals with autism by talking to our Warehouse Team Leader, Louis, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 20. Louis has worked with us for almost 9 years. He was 19 when he was assessed for having autism. ‘I had never heard of autism before I was assessed. I always felt I...

Groundwater flooding: Are you at risk?

Groundwater flooding Floods can happen anywhere and at anytime. The most common sources of flooding are:  river flooding. coastal flooding surface water flooding reservoir flooding flooding from groundwater   Flooding from groundwater can happen when the level of water within the rock or soil that makes up the land surface (known as the water table) rises. The level of the water table changes with the seasons due to variations in long term rainfall and water abstraction. When the water table...

Remembrance Day 2021

Today we observe Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, a national day of memorial to remember and honour service men and women who lost their lives in the war. The anniversary is used to remember all the people who have died in wars, not just world war one.  A two minutes silence is held at 11am to remember the people who have died in wars around the world.  We asked our fellow colleagues to talk about their ancestors that...

Executive Hire News: Frankenstein's Monster

The Obart tale is one of family succession and an entrepreneurial spirit. The company was founded in 1972 by ‘Jack’ Hill as an outlet for Campbell-Gray Plant Hire. The Peckham depot was managed by son John, who bought the business outright in 1975. Always keen to explore new opportunities and potential points of competitive difference, he was impressed by the lightweight Tsurumi pumps he saw at an exhibition in the USA. John bought several pumps for use in his plant...

The Design of a Tsurumi Pump: Bearings

Tsurumi use high-grade bearings for difficult environments where high-temperatures  and high-loads are experienced. Type C3, with deep-grooves and double-shielded, bearings are permanently so injection of lubricant is unnecessary. Due to high quality shaft and bearings, all pumps can be run horizontally when entirely submerged. 

Temporary flood barriers – what are they, and why do we use them?

What are temporary flood barriers? Temporary flood barriers consist of portable metal frames with a waterproof cover, designed to be quickly set up in pre-planned locations which do not have permanent defences. When flooding is expected, the barriers are quickly put up. When the risk has passed, the barriers are taken down, checked over and put back into storage, ready to be used again. Across England, we have 40,000 metres of temporary flood barriers ready to deploy. Our barriers can...

What is a fatberg? Sewer problems explained...

WHAT IS A FATBERG?  A fatberg is a blend of the word’s ‘fat’ and ‘iceberg’. They are rock-hard masses of solidified fat. They form due to a range of regular household activities, like pouring excess cooking grease down the drain for example, where it cools and congeals in the sewer pipes. If cooking oil is regularly poured down our drains, the problem will continue to multiply.                Personal hygiene products are another prime example...

The Design of a Tsurumi Pump: Stuffing Box

A watertight feature found in *all Tsurumi Pumps, the stuffing box or anti-wicking block is located at the cable entry section to prevent water from entering the electrical elements and damaging the motor compartment through wicking or capillary phenomenon.   Tsurumi have considered every possible scenario that a submersible pump cable and the entry point might be subjected to in use.   In smaller Tsurumi pumps, a portion of the conductor is stripped back and sealed with moulded rubber between...

Obart Pumps Helping in the Battle Against Climate Change

Obart Pumps has thrown its support behind Real Ice CIC, a North Wales-based startup that is aiming to help refreeze the Arctic.   Real Ice is taking direct action on climate change by designing wind-powered machines to restore Arctic sea ice and help indigenous communities and wildlife at risk from global warming.   Obart Pumps has supplied a free Tsurumi submersible pump and pump engineering expertise to assist Real Ice’s efforts. The pump forms a vital part of Real Ice’s...

Famous Water Displays in the United Kingdom

Last month, we wrote a post about the best water features across the globe. We thought we’d continue this series, with a segment closer to home, with the UK’s best water features. The Grand Cascade, Chatsworth House (Derbyshire) Situated in a river valley on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District, Chatsworth House has always been blessed with a ready supply of water, which has consistently played an important role in their gardens.   Their extensive water usage necessitated collecting...

Obart Take On Tough Mudder's 5K Endurance Event

Congratulations to 9 members of our team that participated in Tough Mudder’s 5K Endurance Event this weekend. This was to raise money for Dandelion Time. Tough Mudder is a world class obstacle course, packed with legendary obstacles such as:The Block Ness Monster - a 9 metre long cuboid that sits semi-submerged in chest-deep water, which you need to haul yourselves over.   Pictured is Jordan, our Supply Chain Co-Ordinator, taking part in this obstacle. She said ‘The whole day was brilliant....

Climate Crisis: Flood-hit London to experience more downpours in devastating new climate predictions

Flash-flood-hit London is going to suffer more torrential downpours and heatwaves under scenarios outlined in an authoritative new report on Monday.   It also raised fears that the capital’s tower block building bonanza will worsen heatwaves in the city fuelled by global warming.   The city has seen a series of flash floods in recent weeks which have disrupted Tube stations, hospitals, major roads, leaving some businesses and homes swamped with water.   The report by the Intergovernmental Panel on...

Famous Water Display's Across The Globe

There are thousands of stunning water displays and water features that are notable across the globe. All with one main attribute in common, but all so unique in different ways. We've picked our top 4 favourite water features from around the world, and showing how water is pumped on a drastic scale.  1. THE RAIN VORTEX: JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT, SINGAPORE The ‘Rain Vortex’ Is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It flows 40 metres down into the basement, pumping about 10,000 gallons...

Obart Volunteer For Dandelion Time

Last week, 13 members of staff volunteered at Dandelion Time in East Farleigh, who we have been supporting since November last year.   Dandelion Time offer to help children with challenging emotional issues, often resulting from trauma, violence, or serious health difficulties. Their approach is family based and creates opportunities for new beginnings and improved relationships.   Our team volunteered at their ‘Maidstone HQ’, also known as ‘The Cottage’, which occupies 22 acres of fields, gardens, and woodland, providing families...

The Design of a Tsurumi Pump: Impellers

The impeller is the rotating component of a centrifugal pump. Liquid directed into the centre of the rotating impeller is picked up by the impeller’s vanes and accelerated to a higher velocity by the rotation of the impeller and discharged by centrifugal force into the case (diffuser). The collection chamber in the casing converts much of the Kinetic Energy (energy due to velocity) into Head or Pressure. For the most part, pump performance and efficiency depend on the type of impeller....

The Secret Science of Sewage

Last month, the BBC released a documentary on ‘The Secret Science of Sewage’, which explored one of the most advanced sewage works in the UK. Based in the Eastern outskirts of Birmingham, biologist George McGavin, was granted access to Minworth Sewage Works, a plant run by Severn Trent Water.  It receives wastewater from 1.7 million people based in Birmingham and the Black Country and aims for the water to become clean and safe enough to be sent back into the...

The design of a Tsurumi Pump: Motor Protection

A submersible pump works within its own liquid environment which is why it is necessary to provide built in motor protection. Tsurumi has built in motor protection in all of its submersible pumps.  Located directly above the motor windings, a0-00 snap-action self-resetting bi-metal device cuts off voltage from all three phase windings simultaneously if the current is too large in one, two or all three windings, or if the windings get too hot. Tsurumi enables measurement of winding resistance and...

Jamie leaves Obart Pumps after 22 years.

Yesterday was Jamie’s last day at Obart. He has been with Obart Pumps for almost 22 years. He joined back in 1999 as a Sales Engineer, after previously working in the hire industry and has since become a key member of the Obart team.   He is renowned in the pumping industry for his expert knowledge on water pumps and assisting in the increase in distribution of Tsurumi products over the last 2 decades.   Daniel Weippert, Managing Director of...

Phil Gibson is promoted to Business Development Manager

Phil has been promoted to Business Development Manager, 3 phase.He will be focusing on our 3 phase market of dewatering pumps and will continuously build relationships with our tunnelling & mining customers.Phil has said ‘this is a really exciting opportunity for me. I would like to say a big thank you to all my colleagues for all their help & support in the past, we really do have a great team of people. I am looking forward to the upcoming...

Richaine Nicholls has been promoted to Trainee Technical Sales Engineer

Richaine has been promoted to Trainee Technical Sales Engineer.She joined us back in 2018 as a Sales Administrator. With her knowledge and interest on water pumps growing, we’re proud that she’s able to now apply this to her new role.In her new position, she will be working closely with our technical department and assisting our customers with their technical based enquiries.Richaine has said ‘I've learnt so much in the time I have been here and I find it really enjoyable!...

The design of a Tsurumi Pump: Double Mechanical SiC Seal

Double mechanical SiC seal in oil bath All Tsurumi products contain a double mechanical seal for increased durability.  How?  The isolation of the fixed upper and lower mechanical seals in the oil chamber provides a clean, non-corrosive and abrasion-free lubricating environment this prevents spring failure caused by corrosion, abrasion and bottom seal failure due to loss of cooling during dry run conditions.    The double mechanical seals within all Tsurumi pumps have sealing rings made from Silicon Carbide this is...

Lee Austin: South Africa to the UK

Your role back at Tsurumi Pumps Africa was 'Technical Co-Ordinator'. How did you get into this role? "Before Tsurumi Manufacturing entered Africa independently, I worked for the Group that had the licence to sell Tsurumi in Africa. I had been working closely with the Tsurumi Africa team for a few years when a vacancy came up and was fortunate enough to be offered the role after applying."   How did you learn to select and specify Tsurumi Pumps? "The MD...

The design of a Tsurumi Pump: Anti Wicking Cable

The anti-wicking cable offers maximum protection against water penetrating through the cable entry should the cable be damaged, or the end of the cable submerged.  This, also prevents moist air from entering the motor and stops condensation forming, caused by the temperature difference between the motor pack and outside air.   How? The moulded cable boot protection tube works by extending the cable bending radius, preventing abrasion and reduces rubber fatigue. The cable gland provides 360-degree compression of the cable...

Welcome to the Obart team Paul Keller

Paul Keller is joining us as our new Warehouse Manager. His roles will include organising and running our warehouse. With his background in warehouse management and previously working for a well-known brewery, he will be a great addition to our team. He lives in Maidstone with his wife Sharon. Aside from work, Paul enjoys brewing beer and anything else to do with fermentation. He has said he is keen on learning about the world of pumps. Welcome to the team...

International Women's Day 2021

Today is International Women’s Day, a global day to recognise women worldwide. To celebrate this, we’d like to praise the women of Obart. In such a male dominated industry, here at Obart, we're proud that our ratio of men to women is almost equal, with 55% men & 45% women.      

Our New Warehouse Operative - Jonny Starks

Jonathan Starks has joined us permanently as a Warehouse Operative, since joining the Obart team last year on a zero-hour contract.His role focuses on workshop activities. He is currently undertaking his FLT training, so will be involved with the loading and unloading of goods, as well as assisting in the movement of stock into their designated bays after deliveries.With his background in the hospitality and music industry, we were thrilled to welcome him join our team.Jonathan said “I have thoroughly...

Our New Sales Administrator Dee Sharma

Dee Sharma is joining us as our new Sales Administrator. In this role he will be processing orders, dealing with current and potential customers, as well as assisting the sales team in their day to day duties. With his background in sales and previously working for an engineering company, we’re thrilled to have him join our team. When he’s not working, Dee enjoys watching movies and supporting his favourite football team, Manchester United. He lives in Gillingham with his parents...

The design of a Tsurumi Pump: Oil Lifter

All Tsurumi Pumps are fitted with an oil lifter, which improves the sealing performance of the mechanical seal. Without the oil lifter, oil would be pushed to the outside by centrifugal force reducing lubrication. The oil lifter offers added protection even in special applications when the pump is installed horizontally.   How? Incorporating an oil lifter stabilises lubrication and enhances the cooling action of the mechanical seal, so that the pump operation remains stable even when oil volume decreases.  ...

FIT&FLOW’ Launch for Obart Pumps

In order to offer customers a one-stop pumping solution, we have launched a complete range of pump accessories and fittings under the brand name of ‘FIT&FLOW’. Comprising high quality hoses, couplings and fittings, the ‘FIT&FLOW’ range is designed to complement our range of submersible and puddle pumps, surface pumps, engine pumps, hand pumps and flood management products. Pete McMutrie, our Sales Director explained: “We offer high quality pumps manufactured by reputable brands such as Tsurumi, Honda, Speroni and APP, so...

Louise Collett Joins Us At Obart

Louise Collett has joined us as Despatch Administrator. Her role will include processing delivery labels ready for products to be despatched, processing customer invoices & assisting with any other administrative duties.With her background in the construction industry and having previously worked for a hire company in Kent, she will be an excellent addition to our team. Louise has expressed that she is very much looking forward to becoming part of the team and working at Obart.Living locally in Kent, she...

The Executive Hire Show's History With Obart Pumps

Obart have attended the Executive Hire Show and its predecessors every year, without interruption since 1975. This week, we would have been exhibiting in Coventry, however due to the pandemic, the show had to be postponed.  This hire industry show is a key event in our yearly agenda and the show we look forward to the most.  The hire trade show began as Hirex as was first held at a hotel in Wembley in the mid 70s, and via the Wembley Conference Centre, Earls Court Arena...

Sarah Dodd Is Appointed As Our New HR Manager

We’re proud to welcome Sarah Dodd as our new HR Manager. With her qualifications and experience in Human Resource Management, we believe she will be a great addition to the Obart team. Sarah stated ‘I am looking forward to enhancing the people practices already in place as well as introducing new ones. I hope to make a positive impact for all staff and the company overall.’Living in Kent with her husband, Sarah also has two gorgeous Cockapoo’s, Chaz and Skye....

Greenwood Plants Donate To Our Chosen Charity

We’d like to express our sincerest gratitude to our friends at Greenwood Plants Ltd in Chichester, who have donated to our chosen charity this year, Dandelion Time.Due to the large volume of stock deliveries we receive in wooden crates, we thought it wouldn’t be environmentally friendly let them go to waste.Thankfully Greenwood collected some of these crates, to reuse and recycle at their vicinity. In exchange, Glenn Devenish, the MD, has kindly donated to our chosen charity. They will be used to move...

Lee Austin Joins Us All The Way From South Africa

Lee Austin is joining our team all the way from South Africa, previously working for our friends at Tsurumi Pumps Africa in Johannesburg, joining us as our Internal Sales Manager.She's has stated 'its a great opportunity to be able to gain international experience whilst remaining in the Tsurumi family, adding a little bit of Springbok flair to my new UK team.' Lee now lives in Maidstone with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures...

Welcome To Obart Ellie German

We’d like to welcome Ellie German to our team. Ellie is joining us as an assistant accountant, with previous experience in finance, working for a well-known automotive dealer.Alongside working for us, she will be training to become a qualified accountant, working towards her exams to complete the ACCA qualification. Ellie lives with her Dad and brother in Maidstone. She is an avid fan of Crystal Palace, and as the owner of a season ticket, in her spare time, she enjoys attending...

Farewell To Our Finance Director - Simon Baldock

Today is our Finance Director, Simon’s last day. Simon joined at the start of 2017 and has been a key part of the Obart team. He is retiring, with plans to finish a life-size Dalek he has been building, as well as completing many DIY jobs his wife has lined up for him and is hoping to improve his piano skills.Our Managing Director Matthew Hill has said ‘Simon, you have played an instrumental part in the growth of Obart in your...

Fully Stocked Warehouse For All Our Customers Needs

Here is a section of our head office warehouse in Kent, containing just a small segment of our vast stock levels. We want to reassure our loyal customers that we have a large number of products available for same-day dispatch, to allow your businesses to continue to run smoothly, especially during these testing times.

Filming for our YouTube Channel

Today we are filming for our website and YouTube channel. We're focusing on the automatic Tsurumi pumps and their on/off points when the water rises and falls. Pictured is the HS24.S with an electronic sensor switch and the LB-480 with a pendant float switch. The HS series is a lightweight and robust range of single-phase contractors’ pumps used widely by tool rental companies, utilities and in the construction industry. The hydraulic design features a double mechanical seal, with an oil lifter, for...

Tsurumi Training Takes Place Via Webinar

It was great to take part in Tsurumi Europe's interactive webinar today. A very informative presentation, allowing us to test our knowledge on 'how to avoid the most common failures when handling Tsurumi pumps'. Pictured is Philip Gibson, our Sales Manager and Ellie Hill, from our Marketing team, participating in the quiz.If you'd like to take part in future webinars, follow Tsurumi Europe's LinkedIn page for more updates and for what you missed, check out their YouTube channel - https://hubs.li/H0y4g2z0

Jordan Skinner's First Year At Obart

We’d like to congratulate our Inventory Controller, Jordan Skinner, on her first year at Obart Pumps. Jordan’s role revolves around improving the accuracy of our stock levels and controlling goods in, allowing them to be dealt with promptly so they can be dispatched to you, our customers, as swiftly as possible.Her background revolves around hospitality, with further qualifications in Leadership and Management. Jordan lives near Maidstone with her daughter Lila-Ray. She enjoys music, keeping fit and spending quality time with her...

LH645 Supplied To A Local Quarry

Great order for an LH645 going out today which is being delivered to a quarry, presented by our Sales Manager, Philip Gibson. The LH series are three-phase contractors’ pumps capable of very high heads. Constructed in superior grade materials throughout to give exceptional performance in harsh operating conditions. The hydraulic design features a double mechanical seal, with a patented oil lifter, for positive seal lubrication in any operating position. The top discharge design forms a water and air-cooling channel and this,...

Jo Wendes Joins Obart As Financal Controller

We’d like to introduce our newest addition to the company, Jo Wendes.Jo will be joining us as our FD Designate. She is a chartered accountant, working in accounts for over 16 years and also working in marketing for 7 years. For the last 2 ½ years, Jo worked as a Divisional Accountant for a well-known automotive dealer.In her spare time, she enjoys travelling abroad, previously taking trips to Budapest and Copenhagen and had planned a road trip from San Francisco...

Louis our Warehouseman enjoying the much needed rain

As a result of the recent heatwave across the UK, heavy rain and thunderstorms are now predicted over the next couple of days, with possible risks of flash flooding. The recent floods in Scotland and Wales show the quick devastation flash flooding can cause and we are fully equipped to help, with excellent stock levels on our pumps. All of our staff have been working non-stop throughout this heatwave. As pictured, our Warehouse Team Leader, Louis, was thrilled to be...

MH-400 Pump Runs 24/7 for 7 Years!

Great feedback from one of our customers on one of our MH-400 pumps running 24/7 for 7 years! Purchased in August 2013 by Mr Odedra, it had been running non-stop in his pond, feeding water to his biological filter. It finally wore out after being continually submerged, without any maintenance in all that time. When re-ordering the same again a delighted Mr Odedra told us that he has had many pumps in the past, but this one had lasted the...

CAM80 Pumps Used At COVID-19 Testing Stations In The UK

Great order for 10 x Speroni CAM80 jet pumps (with Logicpress pressure switches) to be used at COVID-19 testing stations in the UK. With 20 sets supplied earlier this month, we are expecting further orders over the next few days and weeks as the Government expand their network of locations for where to get a test.They are being used in welfare units to supply water for regular washing and sanitising throughout the day. This combination was selected for its compact...

COVID-19

We continue to monitor regular updates and advice from the UK Government and Public Health England to take the steps deemed necessary to cope with the impact of COVID-19. With a large warehouse and substantial stock levels for all products, we are able to cope with short and medium term demand easily. However, while all of our product suppliers are from outside the UK, we are working closely with them to ensure that a constant supply of stock is maintained...

How Can You Flood-Proof a Town or City?

In 2018, the UN warned of widespread extinctions, drought and flooding unless more is done to slow down and tackle global warming. Flooding is currently the biggest risk to the UK, with the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) warning that more than half a million properties in England alone are in areas at risk from coastal flooding. They predict that figure could rise to 1.5 million by the 2080s. (River Severn at Upton upon Severn 2014. Photo: Getty Images) The...

Obart Pumps employees recycling for Charity with Terracycle

Tsurumi Pumps Buy in to the UK

On the 13th December 2019, the shareholders of Obart Pumps reached an agreement to sell the company to Tsurumi (Europe) GMBH, which became effective on 1st January 2020.  Tsurumi are a Japanese company and are one of the world’s leading submersible pump manufacturers. Formed in 1924, they were the first company in Japan to manufacture submersible pumps and have 4 factories, producing over 600,000 pumps per year while employing over 1,000 people. This was a strategic purchase by Tsurumi who...

On the Back of National Tunnelling Day!

A centrifugal pump is the simplest machine which is used various industries as well as in many daily applications. In 1475, Italian engineer Francesco di Giorgio Martini designated mud lifting machine as a centrifugal pump. But actual centrifugal pumps were not invented until the 17th century. Then Denis Papin created one centrifugal pump by using straight vanes. Later, in 1851 British inventor John Appold designed curve vane. John George Appold of Shoreditch, London was a British fur dyer, engineer and...