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Handy, Trash & Diaphragm Pumps

Hard-working drainage pumps for as-required site dewatering or water circulation.

    Deal to nuisance water

    Our range of portable trash, diaphragm and handy-sized submersible pumps work well when dewatering is intermittent or water, sludge or waste volumes are low. They will deal to groundwater, sludge or abrasive liquids with solids in a range of civil, quarrying or mining or municipal applications.
    Ease of use

    Move fluid fast

    With self-prime or no-prime options and electric or petrol drives, our handy-sized pump range is designed for quick set-up and operation.
    Move fluid fast
    Reliability

    Built tough to last

    These pumps work hard. They endure frequent use in contaminated, debris-heavy water, so we choose brands with a reputation for durability.
    Built tough to last

    Overview of our Handy, Trash, Diaphragm Pumps

    Caffini Electric Diaphragm Pumps

    Designed for high flow, low pressure situations where transfer of thick slurries is required.

    • Size: 50mm - 152mm
    • Max Flow: 830L/min
    • Max Head: 15m
    • Max Solids: 60mm
    Caffini Petrol Diaphragm Pumps

    Designed for high flow, low pressure situations where transfer of thick slurries is required.

    • Size: 50mm - 102mm
    • Max flow: 520L/min
    • Max head: 15m
    • Max Solids: 60mm
    Trash Pumps Caffini manufacture a fast, self-priming centrifugal trash pump with tool-free maintenance. Transfer contaminated liquids with solids up to 40mm.
    • Size: 76mm - 102mm
    • Max flow: 144m³/hr
    • Max head: 32m
    • Max solids: 40mm
    Flexi-drive Pumps

    A lightweight, portable dewatering pump with rugged frame, protected coil, cast-iron impeller and 3-dog coupling for safer handling. No priming required.

    • Size: 76mm (3")
    • Max flow: 1100 l/min
    • Max head: 26 m
    Grindex Handy Submersibles Run-dry indefinitely, SMART motor technology, supreme efficiency. Grindex submersibles are tougher and lighter than most.
    • Size: 50mm – 152mm (2”– 6”)
    • Max flow: 350L/s
    • Max head: 200m
    • Max solids: 11mm
    Proril Handy Submersibles

    Compact, lightweight Proril SMART and SAVVY series pumps provide reliable low-volume dewatering for domestic and small construction applications.

    • Size: 25mm – 50mm (1”- 2")
    • Max flow: 110L/s
    • Max head: 90m
    • Max solids: 35mm

    View our full dewatering, bypass and sewage pump range.

    GALLERY

    In the field

    Here are some examples of our solutions being used.

    Read Sludge & Slurry Articles

    They brought their mechanics, they didn't just dump it and leave….couldn't have done it without them to be honest

    Mark CadwalladerCatchment Worker

    This sort of unique system you set up is what sets you apart from others in the Market

    Jacob Warmsley Project Manager

    I had an amazing experience with Prime Pump at the Transmission Gully ... will recommend you guys anytime and anywhere.

    Peter FisherDirector

    You guys had our backs from the get-go and stood beside us and persevered.

    DaveOps Director

    We called for a different type of solution…... We were pretty happy with what's been delivered

    Rob KerrProject Director

    Prime supplied us with the best solution for hire and the instant availability was what we needed… We certainly will be using them in the future

    Priscilla EllmersWastewater Supervisor

    Make an enquiry

    Let’s sort your fluid management needs 
    Speak to an expert

    Ben Beatson

    Ben Beatson
    Sales Engineer

    Gerhard Rudolph

    Gerhard Rudolph
    Hire Account Management

    Brent Petrie

    Brent Petrie
    Sales Engineer

    Questions

    FAQ

    At Prime Fluid Management, we understand that every fluid management challenge brings unique considerations. Here, you’ll find clear, practical answers and expert guidance to help you maximise uptime, achieve regulatory compliance, extend equipment life, and implement the most effective solution for your site. 

    What is the difference between a slurry pump and a sludge pump?

    A slurry pump is designed to move mixtures of liquid and solid particles where the liquid component helps the material flow. It is built with abrasion and corrosion resistant materials and a robust design to handle the wear from suspended solids.

    A sludge pump is designed to handle much thicker and stickier material known as sludge which has a higher solid content. These pumps often use positive displacement or slow moving mechanisms to avoid clogging and manage dense viscous fluids.

    How do sludge pumps work?
    Sludge pumps move heavy viscous mixtures using either centrifugal or positive displacement methods. Centrifugal sludge pumps use a rotating impeller to generate pressure and move the sludge. Positive displacement sludge pumps, such as progressive cavity, diaphragm, or lobe pumps, trap a fixed volume of sludge and force it through the pump. This method is especially useful for very thick or high-solid-content applications.
    What is the main source of sludge?
    Sludge typically comes from wastewater treatment processes where water is separated from solids through sedimentation or filtration. It is a semi-solid byproduct that can contain organic matter, heavy metals, and other impurities. Sludge can also come from industrial operations such as mining or manufacturing plants, where process residues and waste streams generate similar thick, viscous materials.