PUMPS
Sykes innovative pump solutions
Chris O ’ Brien , Sykes Group Global Pumps Product Manager gave IM some further insights into the attributes of its range and its global presence
Q Would you say the biggest tick boxes for pumps in mining are uptime , maintainability / serviceability , robustness of materials and power ? A Mining operations are often continuous processes , so pumps need to operate reliably with minimal downtime to ensure smooth production . High uptime of dewatering pumps ensures the mining area is dry and always accessible to the mining equipment for mineral extraction . Pumps in mining environments are subjected to harsh conditions and heavy use , leading to wear and tear over time . Easy access for maintenance and servicing is essential to minimise downtime during repairs and ensure the longevity of the equipment . Dewatering mining environments can be subject to pumping water with solids as well as corrsosive fluids so selecting the right pump with the right materials is important . Energy costs can be significant in mining operations , so pumps should be designed to operate efficiently to minimise energy consumption and reduce operational costs . By focusing on these key factors , mining companies can select pumps that meet their operational needs and contribute to the overall efficiency and productivity of their operations .
Q How is Sykes delivering on these and does the XH range represent the most mining-applicable set of pumps that you offer to mining ? A Sykes has been supporting the worldwide mining and construction industries for over 50 years both in sales and rental to end users and distributors so we understand the needs of our customers first hand . Now part of the Atlas Copco Group and with our manufacturing facilities in Cardiff , Australia ; Jebel Ali in Dubai and Charlotte in the USA , as well as an extensive team of Sykes experts for both sales , specification and aftermarket service supported by our dealer network around the globe , we are in constant contact with our customers and understand the needs of the industries we support . Our products are designed with reliability in mind from our vast range of materials available ( SG Iron , 316SS , CS340 and CS500 Chromium Steel , CD4MCU and SAF 2205 and 2507
Super duplex materials ). Our reliable SAE4 , SAE3 , SAE2 and SAE1 bearing frames cater for a diverse range of flows , heads and power requirements . The bearing frames are also common throughout a range of models allowing conversion from one model to another easily without changing the bearing frame and shaft . The need to change model eventuates as dewatering requirements change such as the mining area becoming deeper or larger in area thus requiring a pump to cater for higher flow rates or pressures . By exceeding industry standards for shaft stiffness ratios , Sykes ensures that their pumps offer stability and reliability even when operated by personnel who may not have extensive technical expertise . This not only simplifies operation but also enhances safety and minimises the risk of errors or accidents . It ' s a testament to Sykes ' commitment to user-friendly and dependable solutions .
Q Where does Sykes go from here in terms of growth , whether in terms of the product line or in terms of presence both in Australia and globally ? A By continually engaging with end users and actively listening to their feedback , Sykes demonstrates a commitment to staying informed about evolving requirements and addressing any issues faced by customers promptly . This approach not only fosters strong relationships with customers , but also ensures that Sykes remains agile and responsive , able to adapt its products and services to meet changing needs effectively . Keeping abreast of customer requirements and concerns is key to maintaining a competitive edge and delivering value-added solutions . Sykes became part of the Atlas Copco Group in December 2023 and this marks an exciting development for Sykes . Being part of Atlas Copco has opened up new opportunities to expand into additional markets worldwide while also strengthening Sykes ’ presence in its current markets . Being part of a larger group has provided Sykes with access to enhanced resources , technologies , and expertise , which further drives our innovation and growth . Additionally , maintaining Sykes ’ existing operations ensures continuity and stability while leveraging the synergies and benefits that come with being part of a larger organisation . It ’ s an exciting step forward for Sykes and its continued success in serving customers globally . make them stand out ? Perry stated : “ The hallmarks of a GIW ® Slurry Pump are best in class materials combined with best in class hydraulics , tailored to the requirements of the application , in a maintenance friendly design with the lowest total cost of ownership for the customer . Materials such as Endurasite and Enduraclad were developed to deliver maximum wear performance . Hydraulic features such as the patented diverter were developed , and later made standard on products like the GIW ® MDX and GIW ® TBC , to minimise nose wear to keep wear life and hydraulic efficiency optimized for the longest duration possible .”
He adds : “ Maintenance friendly features such as the adjustable suction liner , and the first of its kind push-button solution known as RAMSL , help operators seamlessly maintain peak performance while keeping the equipment in continuous operation . GIW ® SLYsight is the latest world class , first to market addition to the KSB GIW product family , offering real time wear and nose gap sensing capabilities to give maintenance planners a wealth of information never before possible to accurately and confidently set optimised maintenance cycles and correlate operational data to wear performance .”
KSB GIW has a world class materials research facility which it says is constantly developing solutions for customers ’ unique and varied application conditions . The materials and hydraulics laboratories on site contain all of the expertise and equipment to test these solutions against actual slurry . Perry : “ For example , when evaluating different material formulations in the development of Endurasite , impact testing was carried out using an actual pump in a closed loop system loaded with rocks in excess of 8 inches . Materials development is not confined to white iron alloys , as our materials team has rolled out an impressive portfolio of formulations from elastomers ( rubbers and urethanes ) to clad overlays in complex geometric contours within the hydraulics , and in layers as thick as 20 mm .
The materials experts are furthermore able to lend support to application engineers in selecting the proper material formulations for each duty condition , factoring in the properties of the solids and dissolved chemicals in the slurry , backed by extensive testing and field experience .”
Homing in on IoT solutions for mining pumps , Ferguson told IM : “ At KSB GIW , we understand that maximising uptime and efficiency is paramount in the mining industry , and we are fully committed to supporting our clients with advanced , reliable , solutions that help maximise total cost of ownership . The Internet of Things ( IoT ) is revolutionising the mining industry by enabling companies to reduce the total cost of ownership of their equipment and operations . For example , IoT-enabled sensors can help predict equipment failure before it occurs , allowing for maintenance to be scheduled during non-critical operational times , reducing downtime and repair costs . To support our customers in the pursuit of operational efficiency with best-in-class slurry
36 International Mining | JUNE 2024