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PUMPS
capabilities to 9 m, as well as the ability to run
dry without adversely affecting performance,
pressure and accuracy (no slip). Abaque pumps
are constructed of ductile iron and stainless steel,
allowing higher discharge pressure to 15 bar.
The Abaque Series’ pumping action is achieved
by compression of a circular loop of elastomeric
hose with two diametrically opposed rotating
shoes. This rotational motion forces the fluid in
the hose to move ahead of each shoe. When each
shoe reaches the end of the loop, the reinforced
hose immediately returns to its original shape,
ensuring suction and priming, creating a strong
vacuum pulling more fluid inside. This results in a
pump that features higher performance, lower
water consumption, reduced downtime, lower
maintenance costs, increased reliability and the
ability to handle the toughest pumping
challenges, including extremely abrasive and
aggressive fluids.
The hoses are available in natural rubber
(highly resilient with excellent abrasion
resistance and strength), Buna-N (highly wear
resistant to oily products), EPDM (high chemical
resistance when handling concentrated acids,
alcohols and ketones) and Hypalon® (resistant to
chemicals, temperature extremes and ultraviolet
light). Abaque pumps are available in 13 different
sizes, with flow rates ranging from 15 to 77,000
litres/h.
Drilling pumps
The pump plays an integral role in a drilling
system; you cannot drill without water. The pump
needs to be durable and reliable which is why
drillers are so reluctant to change a reliable drill
mud pump. The model used by most drillers has
been around for years, is reliable, but has not
seen any major improvements for years.
Now Fordia has launched a new and improved
drill mud pump. This is a company that works
with its customers in mineral exploration and the
geotechnical and environmental drilling
industries to provide high-quality drilling
solutions that include diamond tools, drilling
equipment, accessories and services.
Its Elepump KF-50M is a new drill pump that is
smaller, lightweight and takes up very little space
yet, the company says, “surpasses old models in
terms of performance and reliability.”
Fordia was eager to have the pump tested in
the field by one of its drilling customers, Major
Drilling, one of the world’s largest drilling
services companies serving the mining industry.
At a drilling project in Battle Mountain, Nevada,
Major Drilling was using one of its fleet of
standard pumps, the same model used by many
drilling customers.
Major Drilling was very hesitant to try the
Elepump KF-50M (to compare its performance to
the industry standard) in case something went
114 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2016
wrong. Downtime means no drilling is being
performed and no money is being made. However,
Major Drilling’s team decided to try one pump.
The state of Nevada is notorious for its tough
ground conditions. The grou