African Mining January 2022 | Page 37

CRADLE TO GRAVE •

“ With South Africa ’ s mining industry in many respects leading the way in deploying collision avoidance systems , Booyco Electronics has developed world class solutions that can add value to global markets ,” says Lourens . “ Having explored the best ways of servicing our international customers , we have chosen a number of strategic collaborations with technology integrators across the world .”

The company now has collaborations with several technology specialists worldwide including Insucam , Ramjack , RCT and Tecwise . These partners understand the safety and other benefits of Booyco Electronics ’ PDS solutions and bring their insights into the local conditions in which this equipment can be applied .

“ We believe that these technology partners – who understand our products and solutions – create the optimal channel to customers in regions where Booyco Electronics does not have its own infrastructure ,” Lourens says . “ These companies understand their customers ’ specific needs and can apply our solutions in the most effective manner .”

He highlights that collaborative partners are expected to have high levels of expertise in related fields , a solid technical capacity to support customers , and the necessary insight and experience to implement value-adding solutions .

“ Their role in applying our PDS solutions would include the full scoping of customer needs , close engagement to clarify options , training of customers ’ operators , installation of equipment and general project execution ,” said Lourens . “ This gives the customer confidence that our solutions will be properly leveraged to satisfy requirements .”

“ We appreciate the fact that new technologies like ours are easier to introduce through an existing relationship – for instance , where a mine has already been working successfully with a trusted technology integrator ,” he says .

“ Our approach is therefore to build on those links where confidence has already been built , based particularly on the delivery of innovative solutions .”

The company ’ s partners are therefore best placed to facilitate Booyco Electronics ’ access into markets not yet familiar with PDS .

Integrated Pump Technology has reported an unprecedented demand for Grindex stainless steel pumps from customers on the Zambian and DRC Copperbelt .

Recent months have seen the company replace cast iron and aluminium pumps with these units across a range of operating applications , and on remote mines in this region .

Sales manager , Jordan Marsh attributes the move to stainless pump units to the poor water quality in the region which has seen acidity levels increase and pH drop . “ In areas experiencing acid mine drainage , we see many instances where initial pumps selection did not properly consider the operating conditions , and excessive strain

Grindex

Grindex stainless steel pumps are ideal for use where acidity levels are high .

was placed on pumps that are not practical for use in such highly corrosive applications .”

“ This is one of the reasons why we urge our customers to do a proper assessment of the operating environment and ensure that the pump selected is capable of dealing with conditions ,” he continues .

Marsh stresses that a standard submersible drainage and sludge pump , even with a protective coating , is not able to withstand the levels of acidity and abrasion and will fail within a matter of weeks or even days .

A major advantage that the Grindex Inox range of pumps offers is that that these are essentially plug and play units and easy to install and operate . The pumps are manufactured from acid-proof stainless steel and operate reliably in pH levels ranging from 2 to 10 . This makes the pumps more than suitable for use in mining applications on the Copperbelt .

“ What sets the Grindex Inox range apart from other similar stainless steel pumps is that it incorporates SMART motor protection ,” Marsh explains . “ This facilitates pump operation without requiring an external control panel and prevents damage being caused in the event of a power outage .”

The cast acid-proof stainless steel impeller ensures pumping capacities in corrosive slurries , while the diffusers in the drainage pumps are rubber-lined and adjustable to maintain optimum pumping performance . In the sludge pumps , the rubber-lined pump housing is highly abrasive resistant and oil-resistant for longer life .

Included in the Grindex pumps recently installed and operating successfully on the Zambian and DRC Copperbelt are dewatering , drainage and sludge pumps ranging from 2kW all the way up to 8kW units as well as 85 kW Grindex N / H stainless steel Inox pumps .

We urge our customers to do a proper assessment of the operating environment .