Pumping Progress
With a recent flurry of new models adding higher performance and broader functionality to existing product lines, it’s safe to say that there’s a pump available for any conceivable mining application


Atlas Copco’s Weda pump line.

GIW MDX slurry pump.
There normally is a slow but steady trickle of product news from the mine pump and piping systems market sector, with suppliers periodically extending their product lines, updating existing models and introducing new accessories and services. However, in September that trickle turned into a torrent as the mining industry converged on Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, for MINExpo 2008 and manufacturers seized the opportunity to demonstrate new pump, valve and piping technology, and showcase their flagship products, which ranged from components designed to handle high volumes of corrosive and abrasive slurry to models made for handling precise, delicate gas and fluid transfers.

Almost 80 companies exhibited pumps or pump- and piping-related products at MINExpo. Here’s a select sampling of those products as well as others introduced by recent product announcements.

Atlas Copco has brought its Weda line of pumps to the North American market, with a full assortment of models available through Atlas Copco distributors. The brand offers 16 different submersible drainage units and one sludge model, with motor power ranging from 1 to 85 hp power in three- or single-phase power options. Discharge diameters range from 2 in. to 10 in. Models are available for pumping up to 5,000 gpm.

The strong point of the Weda line, according to the company, is its seal system, which is straightforward and can be replaced in 30 minutes. An Instant Service Pack is available which includes everything needed for seal replacement. “Service is so easy that it can be done more or less in the pump pit,” said Gunnar Benselfelt, product manager for Weda pumps.

GIW says its severe duty-rated MDX slurry pump, designed to operate at a low specific speed, can provide stable plant operations by harnessing variable flow conditions encountered in modern mill circuits. Stable flow in combination with an optimum head/quantity and efficiency curve ensures efficient mill operation, according to the company.

GIW claims the MDX offers a large BEP “sweet spot” to ensure stable sump levels over large flow variations, high efficiency operations, and longer equipment wear life—which can extend operating cycle times to match scheduled mill outages. MDX pumps are outfitted with GIW’s patent-pending slurry diverter technology which increases suction liner life by reducing particle recirculation between the impeller and the suction liners. The diverter is combined with an adjustable suction liner design to further extend suction liner wear life and meet predetermined maintenance intervals.

Options that include metal, rubber or ceramic materials further expands customer performance preferences. Models are available in flow ratings up to 62,000 gpm and TDH to 300 ft. An open hub side casing is offered on larger sizes for right or left hand pumping applications. Other options include reduced eye suction liners, adjustable liner assemblies, quick release wet end and full vanes to fit oversized shrouds.

MDX pumps are designed to match the life cycle of the customer’s mill circuit operations. GIW uses system modeling tools, including JK Simmet, along with their proprietary Pump Operating Cost Calculator to identify the duty conditions and to select the best solution for specific pumping needs.

ITT’s many mining pump products were on display at MINExpo 2008, including well-known brands such Goulds, Flygt, Fabri-Valve and DiaFlo. For details on these products, turn to page 52 in our special MINExpo post-show report.


KNF Type N1050 process pump.
KNF introduced the Type N0150 process pump, engineered to deliver what it claims is the highest flow rate of any electrically operated diaphragm pump. These pumps are designed to provide oil-free operation without risk of medium contamination and can be equipped with a double diaphragm system for increased safety critical when handling valuable or dangerous gases. All process pumps can be customized to meet application requirements. Versions can be supplied with explosionproof motors for compliance with ATEX and Class 1 Division 1 Groups C and D hazardous locations; corrosion-resistant models can be ordered to withstand harsh environments; specialized leak-tight capabilities can be enhanced; and a wide range of available pump materials can be specified to expand application potential. Depending on model, these pumps can achieve flow rates up to 10 scfm, maximum vacuums up to 29.3 in. Hg, and maximum pressure up to 30 psig. They are designed to offer significantly low leak rates ranging from 6 x 10-3 mbar l/s (standard models) to 6 x 10- 6 mbar l/s (double-diaphragm versions).

German pump builder Ritz Pumpenfabrik displayed the HDM, the latest design version of an axial submersible pump concept that was originally patented in 1930. The HDM comprises a modular design that allows the company to tailor each pump to specific job requirements, and offers high performance that includes flow rates up to 27,000 gpm, delivery heads in excess of 5,000 ft and pressures up to 2,200 psi.


Ritz Pumps’ modular construction displayed.
The HDM derives its performance from two contra-rotating submersible pumps arranged one above the other. The pump sections are located at each end of the main pump assembly with discharges combined at the center and piped through casing channels to the top. The pump assembly is driven by a common shaft. Because each of the two pumps deliver only half the assembly’s total flow rate, this results in a halving of the flow or prime velocity outside the pump protects the well walls around the pump suction points and minimizing intake of abrasive solids. Additionally, the halved capacity per pump allows smaller impeller inlet cross-sections and leads to low circumferential velocities in the sealing gaps, resulting in further wear reduction.

Monoflo has developed a mine dewatering station that can operate in fixed or mobile applications. These systems feature a specially designed Monoflo progressing cavity pump equipped with long-wearing components and available special coatings that the company says were developed specifically for the mining industry. Notable features of the pump include a Halar-coated PowerDrive transmission warranted for five years, standard 316 stainless steel hard chrome-plated rotor, abrasion- resistant synthetic rubber stator, purpose- built bearing housing for mining environments and a unique gland arrangement that can offer up to a threefold reduction of drive-shaft wear. A single greasing point for the pump and motor, and walkways and ladders for washdown and inspection enhance unit maintenance efficiency.


Seepex SST axially split stator.
Seepex released a new integrated drive for its line of metering and general transfer progressive cavity pumps. The drive integrates the pumps with a single reduction gear reducer, a four-pole, TEFC, inverterrated ½ hp electric induction motor and a vector-type, variable frequency drive in a NEMA 4 enclosure. The pump and drive combination can cover a performance band of 0.08 gph to 4.7 gpm and pressures to 360 psi. The unit operates from standard 1x120 VAC, 15 amp circuits with a 5-15p grounded plug. The drive has an H-O-A switch with a 10-turn potentiometer for manual control and will accept a 4-20 mA process signal through a standard ½ in. UNF-connector. Other ½ in. UNF connectors are installed for external high pressure, low-flow or run-dry protection. The effective speed range of the units is 20-600 rpm.

The company also introduced a new axially split SST stator for its BN progressive cavity pumps. It can be ordered on a new pump or can replace conventional tube-type stators on Seepex pumps currently in use. Unlike previous designs of progressive cavity pumps, additional space at the discharge of the pump is not needed to remove the stator. According to the company, replacement can be done in place and in less than one-fourth the time of conventional pumps. With the SST stator, compression is set after the two halves are fitted on the rotor. Compression of the stator on the rotor is easily determined by the amperage draw on the electric motor. A unique retensioning mechanism extends the service life of the stator two to three times that of conventional molded-to-metal stators.

Godwin Pumps displayed its HL160M unit, capable of handling heads to 600 ft, maximum flow up to 2,000 gpm, and passing solids up to 1 3/8 in. in diameter. With a working pressure of 285 psi and 90 psi of suction pressure, the pump is well suited for mine dewatering. As with all Godwin Dri-Prime pumps, the HL160M automatically primes from dry to 28 ft of suction lift. The pump can run dry during intermittent flow without damage, due to its high pressure oil bath, double mechanical seal fitted with solid silicon carbide faces.

Thompson Pump offers a series of high pressure jet pumps that the company says can handle liquids containing larger solids and more air than standard end-suction centrifugal pumps. By increasing the impeller size and adding the Enviroprime compressor-assisted priming system, Thompson JSC High Pressure Jet Pumps are able to pass solids up to 4-in. in size and can prime dry and re-prime automatically. The compressor-assisted priming system is capable of handling large volumes of air, producing quicker priming times. As the water passes through the volute, it is sent out a smaller diameter discharge port. The smaller port increases the pressure as the liquid leaves the pump, creating the jetting feature for which the pumps are known.

Tsurumi showcased its KT, LB, LH and LHW Slimline pump range, available in power ratings from ½ hp to 40 hp. Featuring aluminum bodies, double inside mechanical seals with SiC faces, and oil lifter for seal face lubrication, the smaller LB and KT pumps are designed for operating in 8-in. casing and are rated from ½ hp to 2 hp. Also designed for that size casing but in a higher power version are the LH23 and LH33 models, rated at 4 hp and with 2- and 3-in. discharge ends, respectively. The largest of the series, the LH430, is a 40-hp unit with 4-in. discharge, measuring 54 in. high, 14-3/8 in. wide and weighing 714 lb.

Gorman-Rupp claims its line of enginedriven, self-priming centrifugal pumps offers the broadest range of its type in the industry, encompassing its Super T and Ultra V Series portable units in sizes ranging from 1.5 in. to 10 in, heads to 175 ft, flows to 3,500 gpm, solids handling capacity up to 3 in. and either Deutz or Deere diesel power. The company also offers its 10 Series self-priming models for medium-head dewatering applications and severe duty 80 Series pumps for similar applications with continuous workloads.

G-R also manufactures a complete line of electric-motor driven and hydraulic powered submersible pumps for underground mining—including units approved by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration for use in gassy mines and tunnels— ranging in size from 1.5 in. to 12 in., with capacities to 7,100 gpm and heads to 600 ft. The company notes that these pumps can be installed in series (in-line staging) to effectively double the head at a given flow while eliminating the need for variety of different pump sizes.

Viking Pump has expanded the range of its Universal Seal series pumps to 365 1,600 gpm with the release of the RS series. These internal gear pumps can develop pressures to 200 psi and can handle viscosities to 2,000,000 SSU (440,000 cSt) and fluid temperatures from -84°C to 427°C (–120°F to 800°F). Models include the RS324A (cast iron), RS323A (steel) and RS327A (316 stainless steel). Viking Universal Seal design allows users to select a sealing option from among cartridge seals, component mechanical seals or packing, and flexible design also lets users change seal types in the field to adjust to new operating conditions. The enlarged bearing housing provides in-line access to bearings and seals, and allows easy adjustment of end clearances for continued maximum efficiency. Available jacketing options include all critical areas of the pump such as the bracket, casing, flanges, head and relief valve.

As featured in Womp 08 Vol 9 - www.womp-int.com