Irrigation on Coastal Farmland

In coastal agricultural areas, the reliability of submersible pumps used for water extraction is severely tested by the high presence of sand in the water.
Constant wear, frequent clogging, and repeated restarts lead to a significant increase in energy consumption and intervention times, with ongoing maintenance putting the functionality of the entire irrigation system at risk.

This is a common challenge for many farms, such as that of agronomist Francesco Rescina in Palagiano (TA), Apulia. Before FB’s intervention, he faced serious irrigation issues over more than 300 hectares cultivated with kiwis, apricots, cherry tomatoes, and oranges.
The breakthrough came with an innovative system designed and implemented by our technical sales expert Vincenzo Libraro: a high-performance submersible pump, mounted horizontally on a floating platform and fed by a settling tank, which optimized water extraction even in the presence of sand.

The pump’s limitations: sand, sludge, and continuous malfunctions

The original irrigation system suffered repeated startup failures due to the build-up of sludge and sediment at the bottom.
The previously installed monoblock pump could not operate continuously: every start required manual priming. Additionally, the presence of sand damaged filters and impellers, reducing the pump’s lifespan and causing considerable energy waste.

The pump had to be replaced every six months, often with additional damage to mechanical seals, foot valves, and motor windings.

The FBSX submersible pump on floating raft eliminates the sand problem 

To permanently solve the issue, the FB team designed an alternative to the traditional well system: a settling tank to allow sand to settle, paired with an FBSX submersible pump in investment-cast stainless steel, installed horizontally at the center of a floating raft.

The raft’s elevation (with about 80 cm high support feet) allows the pump to remain well above the sandy bottom, avoiding direct contact with abrasive residues. Water is drawn from approximately 60 cm below the surface, where it’s cleaner, improving performance and enabling automatic operation through solenoid valves and float switches.

Investment-cast stainless steel vs. cast iron: more reliability, less maintenance 

Cast iron pumps, in addition to being particularly heavy, come with several drawbacks: large impellers restrict smooth water flow, the rough casting surface increases head loss and reduces overall efficiency, and after long periods of inactivity, they tend to seize up.
Moreover, cast iron is more prone to corrosion.

The FBSX model in investment-cast stainless steel proved ideal for withstanding harsh conditions, even during continuous operation.

The pump runs 24/7 with variable flow without any drop in performance.

Results: savings, durability, and scalability

Following the intervention, the client achieved:

• Continuous and automated irrigation
• Reduced malfunctions
• 35% energy savings
• Longer pump lifespan
• Lower costs thanks to the elimination of frequent repairs

The system has been operating for over a year without replacements, bringing peace of mind to a farm managing large-scale operations and extensive crops.
The success was such that the system was replicated in other fields and has inspired other operators in the area.

To find out how to adapt this system to your needs, contact the FB team.