PUMPS
industry . These robust and reliable pumps are working at an open pit gold mine in Surigao del Norte , in the island province of Caraga , Philippines , enabling the diversion of ground and runoff water .
With a long-standing relationship with Power Systems Incorporated , the international mining corporation is a gold producer with a relevant focus on the environment and social responsibility . Their premises in the Philippines comprise a large open-pit gold mine and a processing plant that enables the effective extraction of the ore . However , located in one of the wettest regions of the Southeast Asian archipelagic country , excessive rainfall poses a significant challenge for mining activities . And that makes dewatering operations essential to achieve safe production with a sustained and sustainable economic impact .
Nestled at almost 262 m above sea level , Surigao del Norte boasts a tropical rainforest climate . With an average annual temperature of around 28◦C - slightly higher than the Philippine average . Surigao del Norte is also known for its abundant rainfall , receiving around 2,953 mm of precipitation and experiencing almost 212 days of rain annually .
Especially in the rainy season , from June to November , the climate conditions can hinder the smooth development of activities , negatively impacting production . Trapping and removing runoff and groundwater from the mining site is crucial for the mining operations to ensure a safe and economically viable outcome . If left unchecked , excess water can accumulate in the mine , leading to safety hazards such as flooding , slope instability , and rockfalls . It can also contaminate the surrounding ecosystem , causing severe environmental damage . To avoid this , mining companies employ different water management strategies , such as constructing retention basins , diversion ditches , and pumping stations to capture and redirect water from the mining area .
Several WEDA D95 electric submersible pumps have been carrying out the crucial task of dewatering operations at the gold mine . These pumps are designed for demanding and rough applications and can deliver long-lasting performance , even under extreme conditions . WEDA ’ s advanced technology is specifically engineered to reduce wear and deliver consistent performance over an extended operating life . The pump features a high chrome wear-resistant impeller and solid-redirecting auxiliary vanes , contributing to its exceptional performance . With high-wear resistance , they have been effectively employed for the interception and diversion of ground and runoff water before it enters the mining pit . By utilising next-generation pumps , the mining corporation benefits from the safe and orderly extraction of ore .
According to Alfredo Salvador , Sales Manager at PSI : “ The Wear Deflector Technology is a remarkable feature of the WEDA D95 . The pump ’ s life is longer thanks to its innovative hydraulics , which can be re-adjusted to compensate for any wear . This feature has been crucial in choosing the WEDA D95 for this challenge .”
From the approach adopted by the end customer for this dewatering job , the technical benefits - the pump ’ s hydraulic performance , repairable mechanical seal , motor cooling capabilities , and improved corrosion resistance - have played a significant part in tipping the scales ; however , product availability and aftermarket support have had even greater weight .
“ At Atlas Copco we are convinced that providing the best possible support for our products comes from the combination of great products with great partners . Power Systems Inc ., our national distributor for the Philippine market , played a key role in getting the customer to be one of the first to deploy this pump for a real application . The customer clearly appreciated the tremendous advantage of working with a local partner that understands the specific needs , conditions and the importance of local stock and service support for their demanding dewatering applications ,” says Bart Duijvelaar , Product Marketing Manager Submersible Pumps , Atlas Copco Power and Flow .
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