Golf Course Grundfos VSD Irrigation Pump Upgrade
Alyangula Golf Course offers a unique tropical golfing experience, nestled on the foreshore of Milner Bay within the remote Groote Eylandt archipelago. Located over 600 kilometres from Darwin off the North-East coast of the Northern Territory, Groote Eylandt is renowned for its pristine waters, abundant marine life, stunning beaches, and rich Aboriginal culture. The island is also home to the significant GEMCO South32 manganese mine, which plays a vital role in the region.
The Alyangula Golf Course faced persistent operational issues due to its severely outdated irrigation pump system, which was nearly 30 years old. This outdated setup lacked crucial “soft starter” or Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology. Consequently, when the large pump activated, it delivered an uncontrolled surge of water, creating immense stress on the entire 30-year-old golf course irrigation pipeline network.
This constant stress resulted in frequent pipe breakages underground, leading to ongoing, costly repairs for the maintenance team. Despite these essential repairs being necessary to keep the course operational, the existing maintenance contract with the mine did not account for a major pump upgrade. This created a challenging situation where the problem persisted, causing significant disruption and inefficiency without a clear pathway for funding a long-term solution. The entire community relying on the golf course for recreation was impacted by this unreliable and damaging system.
Recognising the ongoing issues during his regular visits over the years, Adam Stockwell, Managing Director of Think Water Darwin, was eventually asked to provide a quote for an updated irrigation system.
Think Water Darwin’s involvement was comprehensive, encompassing the design and sizing of the new pump system, followed by the supply of all necessary equipment. The solution included a Grundfos Hydro Solo E Variable Speed Booster System with a WEG motor. This large, advanced pump is equipped with intelligent controls and sensors that monitor pressure both upstream and downstream, allowing it to precisely adjust water flow and pressure in real-time.
This VSD technology was crucial for mitigating the “blast” effect of the old system and eliminating damaging water hammer—the sudden shock to pipes when a pump abruptly starts or stops—a critical improvement for the 30-year-old pipe network. Additionally, a stainless Octave water meter from Netafim was supplied to ensure accurate measurement and control of water usage.
Once the new system was physically installed by the mine’s team, Think Water Darwin undertook its commissioning and comprehensive training for the operational staff. This ensured the system seamlessly integrated with the existing oval irrigation, allowing the pump to manage its operations automatically without requiring manual shutdown sequences and providing efficient water supply around the course.
The commissioning of the new Grundfos VSD pump brought immediate and significant relief to the Alyangula Golf Course operations. Maintenance staff reported an “unbelievable relief,” noting it was “the best thing that we’ve done.” Crucially, the frequent pipe breakages have ceased, indicating the VSD’s success in protecting the aging infrastructure.
Furthermore, the system now delivers better and more even pressure, significantly improving irrigation cycles and overall turf health. This upgrade, from Think Water Darwin’s expert design and supply to the effective commissioning and training, has transformed the reliability and efficiency of the golf course’s irrigation, providing a consistent and high-quality playing experience for the Alyangula community.
