Shaft power components


Slurry pumps push the boundaries of reliability

2nd Quarter 2018 Shaft power components

KSB Pumps and Valves has busted the ‘slurry pumps have short lifespans’ myth with the ongoing success of its Navachab Gold Mine installation in Namibia, where 10 of its LSA slurry pumps have operated for nearly a year without incident. This is in stark contrast to the previous pump sets at the mine, which operated a mere 4 to 6 weeks between breakdowns in the aggressive wear environment of the mine.

The hard metal design and additional high pressure gland water system of the pumps are less prone to component wear. They make use of a unique high pressure gland water system and gland service package that pressurises the stuffing-box with non-slurry laden water to prevent particle ingress that can cause wear of components. Hard metal linings and specially designed impellers further contribute to the hardwearing nature of the pumps.

The new pump station has now run more than 5000 hours without a single breakdown. It consumes 18% less power than the previous installation, while the maintenance requirements over the first 5000 hours of operations are limited to the repacking of the glands and the checking of bearing assembly oil levels.

The rural nature of mines in Namibia makes it imperative that pumps are manufactured from the highest quality materials and manufactured to the highest international standards. Correct pump selection is important, making it essential to work with the best technical teams available, such as those of KSB Pumps and Valves.

For more information contact Annett Kriel, KSB Pumps and Valves, +27 (0)11 876 5600, annett.kriel@ksb.com, www.ksbpumps.co.za





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