Tag Archives: mine dewatering

Sykes Group boosts mine dewatering capabilities with XH250 pump

Environmental, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , , ,

Sykes Group, a leading name in the realm of dewatering pump solutions, has launched its latest innovation, the Sykes/Primax XH250 for mining and quarry applications.

The XH250 is set to revolutionise dewatering operations in these sectors, offering a reliable solution for operations that are continually expanding, reaching greater depths and widths.

The pump, which complements Sykes’ existing range of Extra High Head pumps, delivers higher heads and flow rates than its predecessors to ensure consistent equipment access to all areas of mining and quarry sites, the company says.

Key features of the Sykes XH250 as stated by the company include:

  • Versatile drive options: The XH250 is available in both diesel- and electric-drive configurations, and it can be mounted on skids, trailers, or pontoons;
  • Impressive performance: The XH250 is engineered to deliver 200 litres/second at 220 m or 250 litres/second at 200 m, ensuring reliable and efficient dewatering;
  • Innovative pump design: The pump’s design incorporates several key features to enhance its longevity and performance, including extraordinary shaft stiffness ratios, multiple priming options, advanced bearing arrangements and exceptional sealing solutions;
  • Front and rear wear plates: Sykes Pumps’ inclusion of wear plates offers the ability to make fine adjustments to the impeller-wear plate clearance, enabling customers to restore pump efficiency without the need for extensive overhauls;
  • Material options: the Sykes XH250 is available with various material options to suit specific applications, including 316 SS Impeller, wear plates, and SG iron Volute, among others. Other options are Full 316 SS, CS340, CS500, CD4MCU, H7A SS, CD4MCU, SAF2205 and SAF2507.

The company concluded: “The Sykes XH250 is a testament to our commitment to providing efficient and reliable dewatering solutions for the mining and quarry industries.”

Sykes Group became part of the Atlas Copco Group Power and Flow Division this month.

Xylem boosts hydraulic efficiency of mine dewatering pumps with Godwin HL270M

Environmental, Mining equipment, Water management, , , , , ,

Global water technology company Xylem has released a new dewatering pump developed to, it says, significantly increase efficiency, cut costs, and minimise downtime for construction and mining customers.

Designed to meet the demands of deep-mine and high-pressure water transfers, the Godwin HL270M Dri-Prime® Pump can deliver cost savings of up to 10% when compared with competing solutions, according to Xylem.

With greater hydraulic efficiency and optimised head and flow, it reduces the need for multiple pumps in series, lowers energy consumption, simplifies operations and maintenance, and minimises premature wear, the company says. Field test participants have already used the pump to meet project goals with fewer assets, simpler operations and reduced maintenance costs, it added.

The solution, part of the Godwin Ultrahigh-head range, also enables operators to lower their carbon emissions, the company claims.

“Meeting the evolving needs of our customers is paramount,” Mike Ramos, Global Product Manager at Xylem, said. “The Godwin HL270M meets the unique demands of deep-mine and high-pressure water transfers. It allows our customers to go deeper and further while making operations more efficient, sustainable, and safe.”

“This product is also a great example of sustainable business being smart business. The pump uses less power, reduces the need for multiple pumps, minimises premature wear and offers longer life between repairs.”

With leading higher head and higher-pressure capabilities, the HL270M has delivered immediate and significant benefits during customer trials, Xylem said.

“The new Godwin HL270M Dri-Prime Pump is already proving to be durable and reliable in the field,” Jon Craig, Application Engineer at Xylem, said. “One of our customers was facing the challenge of transferring water through an existing pipeline covering seven miles (11.3 km). Ordinarily this would require using multiple pumps in series, making it an ideal fit for the HL270M. During subsequent testing, the pump has operated seamlessly for more than 1,400 hours and delivered significant operational efficiencies.”

The Godwin HL270M delivers a maximum head of 300 m and flows of up to 280 liters per second, Xylem said. It also delivers hydraulic efficiency of up to 70% through its enclosed impeller.

With extensive application flexibility, the product also handles a variety of fluids and liquids, including solids up to 30 mm in diameter.

Available in both diesel and electric drive packages, it will also be offered as a retrofit package for installation on existing customer-owned pumps. All Godwin portable pumps, Xylem says, are available with standard engines and motors compliant with regional emissions and efficiency legislation.

The pump is available with two standard material options – all duplex stainless steel as the primary offering and an option for cast steel pump casing paired with a duplex stainless-steel impeller.

Tsurumi to bring the pump workshop to Bauma 2022

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining services, Water management, , , , , , , , ,

Tsurumi, a dewatering pump leader, says it will be lifting the veil on its new safety pumps at Bauma 2022, in Munich, Germany, in October, offering visitors the chance to learn how to service a pump properly.

For the first time, the exhibitor is coming to the show with a workbench where visitors can demonstrate their skills. The task is to service a pump, especially in the sensitive areas of hydraulics and electrics, reinforcing the need to carry out regular maintenance to avoid pump failures.

Safety is also the focus of the new product presentation, which the Japan-based company has saved as a further treat.

For the first time, the company will showe the KRDX, a model in its new series of safety pumps that are approved according to IECEx and ATEX standards.

The three-phase submersible heavy-duty pumps are designed for slurry drainage/pumping and have motor outputs from 3.7 kW to 7.5 kW. They are equipped with an agitator and an outlet of up to 100 mm to pass solids up to 33 mm in size. Tsurumi states a pumping capacity of 2,200 litres/min.

Completing the safety trifecta will be Tsurumi’s Connect system for monitoring of pumps and other machines, including those from third parties. Via a small box on the unit, the operator can determine the location, read out performance data and set alarm and error scenarios. The aim is to raise safety and efficiency to a new level, with the first systems already in use on the market.

The manufacturer will also use the show, taking place on October 24-30, to provide information on many other pump models, including the residue dewatering pump LSC2.75S, and the KTZ and KRS pump series.

NETZSCH readies NEMO cavity pump dewatering skid for MINExpo

Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , , ,

NETZSCH Pumps North America is to showcase its line of mine dewatering pumps and pump skids at MINExpo 2021, in Las Vegas, with a booth highlight being the NEMO® Progressing Cavity Pump Dewatering Skid, which the company says is ideal for mines that require a small and compact movable unit to address their dewatering challenges.

The NEMO progressing cavity pump is, NETZSCH says, known for its continuous, pressure-stable, gentle and low-pulsation conveyance of almost any process fluid without being affected by fluctuations in pressure, viscosity or solids content.

Another option for mining applications is the TORNADO® T2 Rotary Lobe Pump, a self-priming, valveless pump that offers maximum operational performance, high reliability and durability, ease of maintenance and a low total life cycle cost, the company says.

“With a revolutionary design that has been recently reengineered to maximise uptime, the TORNADO T2 pump features metal lobes running inside a metal housing with an elastomer liner,” the company says.

NETZSCH pumps are available in a wide range of flow and pressure capabilities. Both pump types, as well as the dewatering skid tank, can be constructed from carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanised steel, and Halar/rubber-lined steel, depending on application needs.

MINExpo 2021 is due to run from September 13 to September 15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Weir Minerals expands mobile dewatering offering with new Multiflo LF pump

Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , , ,

Weir Minerals has launched its new mobile Multiflo® LF pump range featuring trailer and skid-mounted pumps specifically designed to handle liquids ranging from water, to sewage and sludge.

The launch follows successful installations across North and South America, South Africa, and Kazakhstan.

With the new range, Weir Minerals offers robust and high performing mobile dewatering pump packages suitable for sites with variable conditions, including applications where liquids may contain high percentages of solids to be transported or acidic conditions with low pH values, it said.

“Not only versatile and highly mobile, the Multiflo LF is engineered for efficiency with a proven, enclosed impeller design and leading-edge materials that dramatically reduce total cost of ownership,” Weir added.

The Multiflo LF pump is available in different configurations to meet the varied demands of dewatering applications around the world. It can be supplied with a portable trailer, or as skid-mounted packages with diesel engines (T3 & T4F rated engine emissions) or electric motor drive options.

“No matter the configuration, the Multiflo LF pump range provides a dependable pumping solution with flow rates ranging from 100 cu.m/h to 3,200 cu.m/h and discharge heads of 10 m to 210 m,” Weir said.

Ian Ross, Global Product Manager for Dewatering Solutions at Weir Minerals, said: “The new Multiflo LF range features a selection of dewatering pump package that, compared to similar pumps on the market, reduce total cost of ownership through lower energy requirements.”

The pump features a hydraulically superior enclosed impeller design and larger diameter pump shafts that allow the Multiflo LF to efficiently handle large solids while reducing operational and maintenance costs, according to the company.  This is achieved through the advanced, high efficiency pump-end that requires less energy to process fluids, operating under reduced power requirements, and, in turn, consuming less fuel or electricity.

The enclosed impeller is further supported by a stout bearing frame and large diameter shaft that is less prone to deflection during cavitation, Weir says.

“The Multiflo LF pump range is more forgiving than similar pumps on the market, and the design is proven to result in fewer seal failures and far fewer instances of shaft breakage in extreme conditions,” the company added.

Ross continued: “With this range, we deliver a complete dewatering pump package, with compressed delivery times, that can withstand almost anything, including misapplication due to improper pump selection. With the high-head Multiflo LF pumps, the double pump volute equalises internal pressure to eliminate radial thrust, which helps prevent both seals failure and shaft breakage.”

The Multiflo LF comes with heavy-duty wear-resistant materials of construction that include cast steel and cast CD4MCu stainless steel for enhanced abrasion and corrosion resistance, Weir says. Casting the pumps from steel creates a more robust pump and additionally promotes extended wear life with the possibility of weld repairing the casing should a problem develop, according to the company.

Ross concluded: “Weir Minerals prioritises partnering with our customers. We’re right there on site from the beginning, from specification to delivery, installation, commissioning, training, and maintenance. We know the Multiflo LF performs, and we take the time to make sure it’s performing to our customers’ requirements.”

Babylon adds to pump rental capacity with Trico agreement

Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , , , , , , ,

Babylon Pump & Power Ltd says it will expand its rental fleet of pumps through an unconditional agreement for the acquisition of assets from Tilbrook Ryder Investments Company Pty Ltd (Trico).

The transaction, expected to complete on October 1, 2020, will be funded by a cash payment of A$750,000 ($537,817) from existing asset finance facilities and issuance of just over 7 million fully paid shares in line with Babylon’s placement capacity, it said.

“The assets are a valuable addition to Babylon’s existing rental fleet, providing quality pumping assets for immediate use that are traditionally long lead items from OEMs,” it said.

The rental and workshop assets include two Multiflo RF-420EXHV dewatering pumps, multiple other skid-based pump units, ancillary rental equipment to facilitate pumping projects and workshop ancillary equipment to support continued growth, Babylon added.

“Trico’s fleet provides immediate opportunities to increase rental revenue in Western Australia as well as providing assets which can be used in the Queensland rental market as rental activity progresses in Babylon’s Mackay based operating entity, Primepower Qld,” the company said.

The transaction will result in entities controlled by the founders of Trico becoming shareholders in Babylon and the consideration shares will be subject to a one-year voluntary escrow, Babylon explained.

Babylon Executive Chairman, Michael Shelby, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to purchase quality long lead assets at a discount to replacement value. We are confident the assets will be deployed immediately, and on attractive rentals that will deliver a rapid payback of their acquisition cost.

“I am equally excited to have the founders of Trico, Tony Ryder and Dave Tilbrook, as supportive shareholders of Babylon. Both founders have many years of experience in the pump rental and heavy equipment industry and have the ability to offer valuable support and industry insight to Babylon as a rapidly growing company in this sector.”

Integrated Pump Rental redeploys Sykes pump set to East Africa mine site

Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , , ,

South Africa-based Integrated Pump Rental has recently responded to an urgent request for a dewatering pump at an East Africa mine suffering from major flooding following unseasonable high rainfall in the region.

“If not dealt with promptly, flooding in a mine environment will not only impede productivity but in some cases, lead to unsafe working conditions,” Managing Director of Integrated Pump Rental, Lee Vine, said. “All of this will result in consequential losses, which is why we understand the need to respond quickly to customer calls for dewatering solutions.”

In this recent example, a mine in an East African country reached out to the dewatering pump solution supplier after suffering the flooding and being quoted long lead times to get equipment to the site from its traditional suppliers.

Vine explained that one of the company’s diesel-driven Sykes pump sets had just completed its contract on a diamond mine in Lesotho and was en-route to the company’s facility in Johannesburg. This previous assignment saw the pump set delivered to site and commissioned just 24 hours after receiving the call from the customer.

“The unit only had 160 hours on it and we immediately did a full assessment of the pump, serviced it and tested it on our in-house test rig to ensure that it would provide the performance and reliability required for its new task,” he says.

“What is most significant is that within one week of receiving the call from the mine, we were able to get the pump set ready, across the border and installed on site dealing with the dewatering challenge,” Vine says.

The pump set comprises a Sykes XH150 high-head diesel driven pump capable of a flow rate of 100 l/s at a total dynamic head of 150 m in this application.

The skid-mounted solution will more than capably deal with the dewatering application at the mine, and the customer made the decision to purchase the unit as opposed to renting it, Integrated Pump Rental said.

Thompson expands rotary pump dewatering capabilities with 6RW

Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , , , ,

Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Company recently released a new diesel-powered dewatering pump that, it says, features high air handling and large water volume capabilities.

USA-based Thompson is a leading manufacturers of heavy-duty portable diesel-powered bypass and dewatering pumps,. The company debuted its 6 in (152 mm) rotary wellpoint 6RW-DIS-4LE2T-X pump  at this year’s CONEXPO-Con/AGG trade show in Las Vegas, held in March.

The Thompson Pump rotary wellpoint pumps are the ‘original’ rotary wellpoint pumps designed by co-founder, George Thompson, the company says.

“With unassisted priming and automatic re-priming, the 6RW pump features high air handling and large water volume capabilities – up to 1,400 gallons per minute (5,300 litres per minute) and heads up to 80 ft (24.4 m); operating speeds up to 2,000 rpm; and a low horsepower engine for better fuel efficiency – an EPA Final Tier 4 Isuzu engine (model: 4LE2T), with diesel oxidation catalyst after treatment,” the company said.

The 6RW pump, which adds to the 8RW and 12RW pumps in this family, is designed for wellpoint and sock dewatering applications, and can be used in place of a comparable 6 in vacuum or piston pump, making it a cost-effective dewatering option, according to the company. It is equipped with abrasion and corrosion resistant parts, polyurethane rotors, and stainless steel wear plates that can handle intense industrial and plant applications.

Chris Thompson, President of Thompson Pump and Manufacturing Company, said: “This 6 in version was created, in part, due to the high demand to expand the rotary pump family’s dewatering capabilities.”

Integrated Pump Rental prevents flooding at KwaZulu-Natal coal mine

Coal technology, Equipment maintenance, Mine operation news, Water management, , , , ,

South Africa-based Integrated Pump Rental has recently come to the rescue of a coal mine in KwaZulu-Natal, providing fit-for-purpose dewatering equipment to prevent flooding in the open pit.

The unexpected failure of one of the mine’s own pumps came at a bad time. The national COVID-19 lockdown meant it would be some time before pump repairs were possible. Some heavy downpours aggravated the situation, demanding there be no delay in pit dewatering, Integrated Pump Rental said.

The answer came in the form of a Sykes HH130 high-head diesel-driven pump. The rugged, 5 t unit was promptly delivered to site by truck, and transferred to an on-site trailer for easy mobility. The 6 in pump is capable of pumping at a head of over 140 m high at a flow of between 80-90 litres per second, according to the company.

Henru Strydom, Operations Manager at Integrated Pump Rental, said: “From our experience of the mining sector, we know that water in a coal mine is acidic. The complete pump-end we supplied was, therefore, of stainless steel construction to resist corrosion and ensure reliability and uptime.”

Lockdown regulations allowed those coal mines supplying to state power producer Eskom to continue operations during Alert Level 5, even as most business activity came to a standstill. Rainfall across much of the coal-producing province of Mpumalanga raised the risk of flooding and led to Integrated Pump Rental also delivering solutions to several customers there during the lockdown, it said.

Strydom emphasises that, in addition to maintaining their vital dewatering activities, mines gain other benefits from renting pumps. There is no large capital outlay, for instance, and running costs can be controlled.

“The renting option means that we handle the maintenance, so that mines can better control their costs,” he says. “We also ensure the pump’s optimal performance, so that mines don’t risk costly downtime.”

Atlas Copco tackles sludge with new WEDA submersible dewatering pump

Environmental, Mining equipment, Water management, , , , , ,

Atlas Copco has developed a new addition to its WEDA submersible dewatering pump range specifically designed for thick, soft, wet mud, and other similar mixtures.

The WEDA S50 fits into the S family of WEDA sludge pumps, complementing the other units in the range, in terms of specifications, the company said.

“These pumps are ideally suited for construction dewatering, industrial or refining applications,” Atlas Copco said. The technical specifications of the new S50 model place it between the S30 and the S60 pumps, offering a maximum flow of 1,450 l/min while pumping sludge with a specific gravity of up to 1,400 kg/m3. The S50 has a rated output of 4.8 kW and a maximum solids handling size of 50 mm, which is the same as both the S30 and S60 models, according to Atlas Copco.

Hrishikesh Kulkarni, Product Manager, Atlas Copco Power and Flow division, said: “The WEDA S50 is an ideal pump for rental companies and general contractors where they don’t have to worry about what goes in the pump.

“Accordingly, these vortex designed pumps are ideal for abrasive media and handling solids up to 50 mm. The S50 fits neatly into the existing range of sludge pumps, making our S family portfolio complete with a range from 0.5-1-3-5 and 7.5 kW.”

The sludge portfolio covers a wide range of applications such as cement plants, industrial process water, sedimentation tanks, treatment plants, construction sites, etc, Atlas Copco said.

The WEDA S50 comes with the standard WEDA+ features, including rotation control, phase failure protection, thermal switches in each motor winding, and 16 Amp phase shifter plugs. All WEDA+ pumps are fitted with a 20 m cable, with the reinforced cable entries ensuring high resistance to water leakage.

Atlas Copco said: “S50 pumps are built with hardened high-chrome impellers and volute, which provides high wear resistance. The aluminium alloy construction also offers high corrosion resistance. All these features combine to ensure durability and reliability in harsh environments.”

Low weight materials have the extra benefit of making handling and transportation easy, according to the company, meaning the new S50 is an attractive option for rental use.

For extra protection, the casing rib design offers external cooling to the motor in case of dry running.

WEDA seal systems, meanwhile, have a unique modular design, thus allowing for flexibility and ease of maintenance. “Service technicians can change S50 seals at the job site with minimum impact on pump availability,” the company said. “The pump has an external oil inspection plug making it a simple maintenance task to perform quick inspections.”

The S50 base is designed for stability while the bottom side discharge allows the passage of solids up to 50 mm. It offers several options and sizes for connections, and flow direction is changeable from 90° to 180° on the discharge.