KSB has launched the ELN-150 Imvubu, a powerful new self-priming wastewater pump engineered and manufactured in South Africa for tough African conditions. Named after the Zulu word for hippopotamus, the Imvubu draws inspiration from its large lifting “ears” and a massive free-pass “mouth” that mimics the animal’s strength and bulk. The design allows the pump to swallow oversized solids with ease, showcasing the pump’s durability and hydraulic muscle.
KSB Pumps and Valves’ Product Manager for Wastewater, Hugo du Plessis noted that the Imvubu is the result of years of research into failures and challenges faced by municipalities across Southern Africa. “We listened to users who deal with clogging, difficult seal replacements, fragile casings and pump breakdowns in places where skills are scarce and uptime is critical. The Imvubu is our direct answer to these problems. It is proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa, built with global technology but optimised for African realities,” said du Plessis.
Using advanced CFD modelling, KSB redesigned the impeller, volute and hydraulic channels to boost performance. The pump now delivers over 65% hydraulic efficiency, placing it ahead of comparable self-priming units, and achieves an industry-leading 77.3 mm free-pass solids capacity, exceeding the global raw sewage benchmark of 76 mm, often the difference between uninterrupted pumping and costly blockages.
The Imvubu is built for long term endurance, using grease-sealed bearings that require no oil lubrication and KSB’s own mechanical seal which is lubricated by the pumped medium to reduce contamination risks. The cast-iron volute walls are thick and abrasion-resistant, extending operational life in harsh conditions. A well-positioned inspection hatch allows operators to clear blockages without removing the suction cover, making it easier to service in field conditions.
The pump can be speed-adjusted through simple pulley changes and may also be mounted on diesel skids for remote or emergency applications, giving it flexibility across a wide range of deployments. Applications span municipal wastewater, mining sumps, industrial effluent, agriculture, river abstraction and portable dewatering. The pump has already run successfully at the Drakenstein Wastewater Treatment Works in the Western Cape during extended testing.
Built entirely in South Africa, the Imvubu supports DTIC localisation, boosts industrial employment and positions KSB as a competitive exporter of engineered equipment across Sub-Saharan Africa. “The Imvubu keeps people working, proves we can compete with global brands and brings practical solutions at a time when wastewater failures are making national headlines. Municipalities urgently need equipment that works with minimal attention and the answer is the KSB Imvubu,” concluded du Plessis.
