The pump is reported to offer users longer pump life and superior performance. According to Rui Gomes, Product Manager – Slurry Pumps at Weir Minerals Africa, the new WARMAN WBH centrifugal slurry pump, which was recently launched worldwide, includes more than 20 design enhancements to existing technology. With an eye on improved efficiency and operational savings, the newly released pump boasts an innovative single-piece frame. This allows for truer alignment of the bearings, seals and impeller with the front liner whilst lowering the part count.

In addition, the pump’s ‘One Point’ front liner adjustment mechanism gives operators the ability to both rotate and to axially adjust the liner relative to the impeller, even while the pump is running.  The ability to continuously minimise the gap between the liner and impeller can reduce wear of these components and ensure a superior longer term performance, while at the same time reducing production interruptions.

Weir Minerals’ Director of Technology, Fred Bradner, says that the pioneering design features built into the WBH slurry pump are meant to maintain top performance. “Specifically, maintenance must be easy and predictable, and the new Warman WBH pump is built to ensure longer maintenance free intervals, and a broader efficiency curve than other pumps in this class. That helps to increase production and reduces energy consumption, which contributes to cost savings.”

Bradner also notes that the Warman WBH pump minimises the risk of catastrophic failure with safety features including standard leak detection, optional vibration, temperature and wear monitoring, and the ability to add pressure relief and thermal cut-out devices.

“Combined, the many performance and wear life enhancing features designed and built into the Warman WBH pump can translate into a lower total cost of ownership for its users,” Bradner says.

Gomes says that Warman WBH pumps installed in Australia have received high praise from mine engineers and maintenance supervisors who are impressed with the slurry pump’s reliability and performance.