Australian-based engineering firm, Weir Minerals Multiflo (WMM) recently launched its latest technical innovation, the highly anticipated – Multiflo MH-C2 highwall pump. The product is a superior highwall mine dewatering solution, developed in response to industry feedback following the major flooding disasters of 2011 and 2012, and is expected to contribute to job sustainability, as well as provide other important economic benefits and improved environmental outcomes.
According to WMM Managing Director, Paul Avey: “The new Multiflo MH-C2 highwall pump has been designed to better protect people, the environment, and mine assets.” Avey is confident that the Multiflo MH-C2 highwall pump’s ability to quickly and safely get mine sites up and operational during times of flooding and other water-shed crises, and can set new standards in dewatering processes. “With a flooded mine or quarry costing up to a million dollars a day in lost productivity, we believe the Multiflo MH-C2 highwall pump will be extremely well received by the industry, simply because of the urgent need for a robust and reliable highwall mine dewatering solution.”
WMM has previously stated it would like to see a greater emphasis placed on pre-emptive dewatering strategies built into risk management policies for the industry to mitigate loss of jobs, productivity and lives. “Operator safety and improved environmental outcomes were core considerations in the design of the Multiflo MH-C2 highwall pump” says Avey, “and we are very proud of what we have achieved.” Featuring an environmentally friendly dual pipe system that separates hydraulic oil hoses from the dedicated discharge pipe to reduce the risk of hydraulic oils contaminating discharge water, the Multiflo MH-C2 highwall pump is a welcome advancement in mine site dewatering technology.
The key unique features of the new Multiflo MH-C2 highwall pump include virtually no restrictions to the flow with a dedicated discharge pipe separate to the hydraulic cabling lines; and a self-centralising pipe guide head; as well as a booster option available (200 litres/sec at a maximum 200 m head). It has a Weir Minerals-designed heavy duty submersible slurry pump and hydraulically driven wheels on the submersible pump head assembly to assist ascent and descent. It is backed up by Multiflo’s renowned product reliability and WMM aftermarket support. Additional key features include custom engineered skid design comprising of nudge bars and 20mm Bisalloy sleigh ends to facilitate movability on site; hydraulic fail-safe override system; and Hydrau-Flo fuel valves as standard to ensure safe reliable filling. It also has in-built fuel and hydraulic cells with a separate dry test cell.
In August 2012, WMM became the first multinational organisation to collaborate with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) to establish a scholarship which benefits the recipient over a period of three years. The scholarship paves the way for emerging mechanical engineers to expand on their intellectual knowledge and practical skills via a program supported by WMM. Avey said: “WMM is committed to engineering new technologies that not only encourage fundamental environmental principles, but also encourage greater development and sustainability of Australia’s human resources.”