MINING PUMPS
Valmet Progressive Cavity( PC) pumps are widely used in demanding applications, including mining and minerals processing, where they handle thick pastes, shearsensitive fluids, or abrasive slurries
effort. The standard models are equipped with temperature-based protection, making them ideal for basic applications. For more advanced needs, configurations that integrate torque, vibration, or liquid sensing are available. Additionally, the smart monitoring unit streamlines the process by eliminating the necessity for complex DCS or PLC programming. Where remote diagnostics are required, IIoT features can also be included to enhance functionality.
Rounela concludes:“ Dry running can severely damage pumps, resulting in unplanned downtime, high maintenance costs, and reduced productivity. Progressive cavity pumps equipped with flexible and reliable dry run protection ensure more efficient and smarter operations. These systems combine multiple detection methods that go beyond basic temperature monitoring, alongside a local smart analyser that simplifies implementation. With integration-ready alarms for seamless plant operation and IIoT capabilities where necessary, these pumps are designed to protect equipment effectively while maintaining operational efficiency, even in challenging industrial environments.”
FLSmidth KREBS UMD pumps for Indian iron ore
Following a long-standing relationship, an Indian mining customer has awarded FLSmidth with the largest single order for the world’ s largest size steel media tower mills. The mills are to be delivered at what is set to become one of the largest and most efficient iron ore beneficiation plants globally, reinforcing FLSmidth’ s global leadership in energy-efficient grinding technology.
The order includes the delivery of 18 vertical tower mills( called FTM-5000) to be used in both the secondary and tertiary grinding circuits, directly downstream from two of the world’ s largest high-pressure grinding rolls( HPGRs), which the customer ordered from FLSmidth in Q4 2024. Each of these vertical grinding mills will be the
44 largest steel media mills ever deployed in terms of both size and capacity. In addition to these mills, the order also includes the delivery of 30 KREBS UMD pumps and 18 KREBS gMAX hydrocyclones to complete the secondary and tertiary grinding circuits’ process requirements. The slurry pumps will be the largest known size of slurry pumps in all of India mining. The equipment is expected to be installed and commissioned during 2026 / 2027.
“ Winning this strategic order is a proud moment for the FLSmidth Mining team. The combination of the upstream HPGRs and vertical tower mills will provide the customer with significant reductions in energy, water and grinding media consumption throughout the entire flowsheet, supporting optimal profitability”, said Mikko Keto, CEO at FLSmidth.“ It also clearly underpins the value of leading technology, strong customer relations, and the confidence customers have in our MissionZero flowsheet supported by our global service network.”
The KREBS UMD centrifugal slurry pump is designed to pump the discharge from hard rock grinding mills. The optimised, heavy duty design delivers the highest efficiency and even wear in the most abrasive applications.
The UMD pump features a wear ring suction-side sealing system that solves both the grinding and recirculation problems within the pump. To stop recirculation, pumps without a wear ring must close the suction-side clearance either with a full-face suction liner adjustment or by adjusting the impeller to the suction liner. This can be effective when pumping fluids without
The FLS UMD pump features a wear ring suction-side sealing system that solves both the grinding and recirculation problems within the pump
solids; with slurries, however, the solids that become caught between the rotating impeller and static suction liner are crushed, consuming power and causing wear.
The FLS wear ring solution stops recirculation, while still allowing for a large gap between the impeller and suction liner- eliminating the grinding of solids and increasing the wear life by more than 50 % when compared with other pumps. Because the UMD maintains a constant operating speed and does not grind particles, the pump lasts longer and consumes 5 to 10 % less slurry power.
The UMD is available in a variety of interchangeable elastomer, alloy and polyurethane liner materials. The UMD can handle a flow range from 200 to 90,000 GPM( 50 to 20,000 m 3 / h). High pressure and fully rubber lined split cased versions of the UMD pump are available for applications with wide flow ranges, corrosive agents and high discharge pressure requirements.
Finally, many sites have pumps rotating in both left- and right-hand orientations. This requires keeping different casings, liners and impellers in stock. The UMD has a symmetric casing, which means for either orientation, the same casing, suction liner, back liner and wear ring can be used.
Looking back as Chile’ s VOGT passes 70
Last year, Chilean mining pumps leader VOGT turned 70. In 1954, brothers Richard, Otto and Fritz Vogt founded Industria Mecanica VOGT in a small 400 m 2 workshop with only three workers. Little did they know that their passion for manufacturing parts for various machinery would lead them, four years later, to specialise in the production of centrifugal pumps for water, initially focused on the agricultural and construction sectors.
A key milestone was the signing of an agreement in 1968 with the renowned German company Allweiler, which allowed VOGT to manufacture in Chile some models of their famous‘ L’ series multistage pumps under license. This collaboration greatly enhanced VOGT know-how in centrifugal pumps. Thousands of units produced of this extended series attest to the success of this alliance.
The 1980s marked VOGT’ s foray into industrial applications. This involved significantly expanding the product range and offering special executions, strengthening in-house engineering and development capabilities.
An innovative marketing strategy was the mass distribution of the VOGT Pump Technical Catalogue. Engineers and designers of a whole generation appreciated having the information they needed to specify VOGT products technically, at a time when others skimped on hydraulic curve data and technical specifications.
Another growth factor was the enactment of the Law for the Promotion of Private Investment in Irrigation Works. VOGT captured a substantial part of the technified irrigation market that experienced an explosive boom in Chile. This prompted the expansion of VOGT facilities, incorporating additional sheds, modernising equipment
International Mining | JUNE 2025