Xylem’s Steve Tilders on the redesigned Rule LoPro Series bilge pump for recreational boating
Xylem, an international name for applied water services, also prides itself on its “watertight” reputation in marine pumps for recreational use. This year, the Rule LoPro Series enters the market with a new design and updated features. Products such as the LoPro are essential for recreational boaters to maintain safe vessels throughout the boating season.
Steve Tilders, director of marine sales for Xylem Inc., recently sat down with MPT for a conversation on the product’s new design, the importance of feedback from the recreational boating community, and the essential aspects needed to create a reliable bilge pump for the consumer market.
MPT: Summer is here, so many people are taking to the water. How does the LoPro bilge pump work? And what benefits does it offer recreational boaters over other products?
Steve Tilders: The LoPro 900 Series Bilge Pump from Rule, a Xylem brand, senses when there is water in the boat and automatically turns on and stays on until the water is gone. The LP900S features two automated modes: In high- or low-water sensing mode, the pump starts when water reaches a 2-inch level, or at 1.3 inches if the motor cartridge is turned upside down. In electronic automatic mode for vertical installations, the pump turns on every 2.5 minutes to check for water and stays on until the water is gone.
The LoPro 900 Series also provides intense pumping power, pumping up to 900 gallons per hour at 12 volts. Four discharge port options offer greater flexibility to accommodate a variety of boat installations. The discharges also feature built-in check valves to limit backflow.
RULE-LoPro-900S
MPT: What role did customer feedback play in the release of this product? What needs were you looking to meet?
Steve Tilders: Customer feedback played an essential role in the release of this product. The low-profile design means it can fit into tight spaces and its 180-degree rotating motor cartridge makes it even more versatile for a variety of installations on recreational boats. It’s also got big pumping power, which customers were also seeking.
MPT: What were some of the key performance points you looked for in the design and build of the LoPro pump?
Steve Tilders: In the design and build of the LoPro Series 900, we sought to achieve five goals. First among them was to give the pump an overall lower height. We also wanted to enable automatic operation for the user and allow him or her to connect with any existing plumbing sizes.
Another key goal was to create flexibility in orienting the discharge hose, which would make the pump a practical solution for many recreational users in myriad situations. Lastly, we wanted to allow for easy replacement, if necessary.
MPT: What varieties and options are available to consumers?
Steve Tilders: We made it simple, by creating options that respond to our customers’ needs. Customers can choose between the automatic LP900S, with switching technology integrated into the pump; or the more traditional LP900D, with manual control operations. Both pumps deliver pumping power at 900 gallons per hour. ◆
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MODERN PUMPING TODAY, August 2016
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