PUMPS
Pumps in mining need to perform reliably in extreme environments so it’ s important that the selected pump has been thoroughly tested and is capable of withstanding tough and changeable working conditions from the moment it is turned on
On servicing he comments:“ Anyone in the industry knows that downtime is lost time. When it comes to pumping fluids, any time lost for maintenance and repairs can be catastrophic. So it’ s important to choose pumps with a combination of long-service intervals and simple service when one is required. Furthermore, as every second counts in terms of operational time, users should seek pumps that can be serviced in minutes, not hours, with easy access to all parts and consumables. Often, service needs to be completed remotely or at a job site, so the availability and simplicity of a service package is a major consideration.”
Atlas Copco demonstrated at a UK launch event a new highly-efficient PAS pump. The PAS range was recently expanded to include 18 new models and is suitable for multiple applications, from dewatering on construction and mining sites to solids removal, drainage and even emergency situations involving flooding and shipping. The modular design of the PAS range allows many different configurations and comes in 4”, 6”, 8” and 12” models. All pumps in the diesel dewatering range feature a patented hinged door that provides fast access to the impeller and wear plates. This innovation makes issues previously related to on-site service and unclogging a thing of the past.
Recent additions to the Atlas Copco family of submersible dewatering pumps were also shown. In particular, the company highlighted its WEDA + range that recently underwent a top-to-toe design overhaul, resulting in several innovative new pumps that offer up to 20 % overall reduction in power consumption compared to previous models; combined with greater efficiency, simplified maintenance and increased capacity.
“ Providing hours, and even days, of unattended dewatering operation, WEDA + submersible pumps are designed to meet the demanding requirement of raising water from great depths or lowering water tables in challenging environments. Submersible pumps are capable of running for thousands of hours without attendance. As they are sub-surface units they can continue working under ice in freezing conditions; as long as the pump is completely submerged. Where appropriate to the task, electric pumps also offer environmental compatibility. For instance, quiet running is an essential feature of their performance when they are sited in populated areas or employed in night-time operations.”
Flowrox PC and new Chile location
Flowrox progressive cavity( PC) pumps are ideal for demanding industrial slurry and paste pumping applications, especially with high viscous or shear sensitive liquids and sludges.“ To optimise your performance, Flowrox has prepared new generation of E and EL series of PC pumps. Improvements have been made in pump construction which results in cost effective investment.”
The new generation of Flowrox PC pumps in E and EL series has a lighter structure. New pumps are lighter and can fit into a smaller place.“ Because of simpler structure of the PC pumps it is also much easier to replace existing pumps. Flowrox PC pumps of E and EL series can be easily tailored to your needs. You can choose additional features based on your process demands. The basic model is cost effective and can be easily adapted to your specifications.”
PC pumps can pump nearly pulsation-free. Pumped medium continuously shifts spaces( progressing cavities) between the rotor and the stator which almost completely eliminates pulsation. Flowrox technology enables the PC pumps to deliver up to 10 bar of pressure per single stage. This is possible with spiral stator that forms the heart of the whole pump.
Furthermore, comparing Flowrox PC pump performance with conventional PC pump, Flowrox 2 / 3 geometry pumping elements need less RPM than conventional 1 / 2 geometry pumping elements to achieve the same flow rate.
Other benefits of Flowrox PC pumps are over 30 % higher pumping capacity compared to a conventional PC pump with same rpms; saving energy up to 15 % compared to a conventional model; and minimised maintenance time enables the highest run time possible.
Technical features include the combination of an elliptic rotor and a stator with even wall thickness, more pressure with less strain, increased flow per revolution, long rotor / stator lifetime, and less backflow.
Flowrox officially opened its sixth subsidiary Flowrox Spa in Santiago, Chile recently. The opening ceremony was held on 24 April 2018 and was visited by numerous representatives, customers and business partners as well as Mika Markus Leinonen, Ambassador of Finland in Chile.
“ Flowrox has a long history in Chile and South America. For 20 years we operated in the region through local Larox company, successfully supporting local customers. In 2010, we interrupted our operations, but now we resume our historic commitment to the region. In 2016, Flowrox clearly established its presence in South America by appointing an area sales manager. The importance of business development on this continent led to the decision to found Flowrox’ s sixth subsidiary in Santiago, Chile.”
The establishment of subsidiary is an integral part of the strategic plan for a long-term business development throughout South American continent, and also an important milestone to further expand Flowrox’ s global market.“ This is a significant step to improve our services and supply of products to our customers and partners. With our own local organisation, we will be able to offer high quality customer services and manage efficient distribution of our appreciated products,” says Rafael López, Managing Director of Flowrox Spa.
“ I am looking forward to be able to improve cooperation with local representatives and partners, engineering companies, and provide better service to all customers. I believe that more and more customers will benefit from better process efficiency provided by Flowrox products,” adds López.
“ Opening a Flowrox subsidiary in Chile is another step closer to our customers. We are now able to significantly improve in close customer support, fast availability of components and service, local stock and responses in own language. Flowrox Spa is setting way for long-term cooperation build on dialogue and trustthroughout whole South America.” IM
46 International Mining | JUNE 2018