Submersible Pumps for Mine Dewatering Projects
Clog-resistant, low-maintenance and Long-lasting Submersible dewatering pumps have proved to be an answer to irksome, intermittent pump failure. Incredibly, switching to a clog-resistant submersible pump eliminates the problem. Hidrostal Pumps South Africa is eager to provide relevant clog-resistant submersible pump solutions to mining companies.
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his is the time when a high-revenuechasing mining company would loathe encountering pump failures in dewatering applications in the throes of productivity. Unfortunately, pump failure occurs when least anticipated, resulting in downtime and translating to losses in thousands of dollars from a profit perspective. Clogging - the bane of mine managers One of the common problems diagnosed in submersible pump failures is clogging, which is the bane of mine managers. Unfortunately, some interventions in pump failure tend to be ‘stop-gap’ measures. At some point after the interruption of work to remove the solids that have clogged the pump component, the issue resurfaces, effectively becoming a vicious cycle. Asked about how the industry can forestall the problem, André Nel, The Operations Manager of Hidrostal Pumps South Africa, explains: “It is all a question of choice. It is about choosing pumps that forestall the recurrence of the problem. It all boils down to the issue of choice. ‘We are products of the choices we make,’ so goes the saying. And submersible pumps are no exception.” Nel suggests that it is rational to use clogresistant submersible pumps in dewatering applications where clogging is naturally a big problem. This is based on evidence gathered
A clog-resistant submersible pump
from projects that Hidrostal Pumps has been involved in, solving complex problems that clients in different sectors, including mining, encountered. Clog-resistant submersible pumps He advises mining companies to consider switching to clog-resistant submersible pumps for their dewatering requirements to avoid downtime related to pump failure. Specifically, he refers mining companies to Hidrostal pumps, highlighting benefits that have endeared them to clients and made them the preferred option for clients in projects. Hidrostal pumps are specially tailored by Hidrostal’s team of professionals to be ideally suited for different applications, and highly respected for features such as robustness, simplified installation process and reduced maintenance costs. Robust Hidrostal pumps are fitted with a unique screw-centrifugal impeller, which makes them ideal for handling mediums that contain large solid content and fibrous material. Enhancing robustness, the impeller type enables the pump to be extremely clog-resistant, minimising downtime as a result of blockages. Furthermore, they have been engineered to adapt to specific needs or requirements and to ensure that pumps have long-extended life
32 Mining Business Africa | September - October 2023
expectancies. Nel comments on how the pumps meet all contemporary requirements expected: “We have various material combination possibilities that have been tried and tested, to cater for different pumped mediums and applications. Special protective features and elements for preventative maintenance and monitoring purposes ensure that pumps do not fail prematurely. With this process, we ensure that Hidrostal pumps are successful in difficult applications and that they achieve the best results concerning performance, energy efficiency, reliability, and low lifecycle costs. Furthermore, the manufactured seals from Hidrostal guarantee long service life.” Simplified installation and reduced maintenance costs The convoluted process of installation and maintenance requirements are common burdens in submersible pumps. Hence, Hidrostal pumps have been designed, engineered, and fabricated with alleviating these challenges in mind. For permanent installations, the guide rail mounting arrangement with automatic coupling simplifies the installation and retrieval of submerged units. This minimises the time required for inspection and maintenance. The adjustable entry cone and various material options are available for applications with abrasive and corrosive process fluid.
