In the mining industry’s drive to conserve power, a focus on pumps is important, particularly given the sheer scale of pumping gear required on the average mine and mineral processing plant.
On this score, world minerals process specialist FLSmidth has allowed mines to attain new levels of effectivity with the initially patented wear ring technology on its KREBS pumps, based on Stephan Kruger, FLSmidth’s Vice President Pumps, Cyclones and Valves for Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and South Asia. Mines have seen important efficiency gains by using KREBS pumps, explains Kruger, leading to considerable bottom line impacts when multiplied by the dozens and even tons of of pumps typically employed on a single mine site.
“It isn’t solely the rising value of electricity that drives mines’ power strategies, but also their dedication to a low carbon future,” he says. “FLSmidth’s KREBS pumps immediately assist these efforts by our mining clients, thanks in nice half to our progressive put on ring expertise.”
He highlights that two key aspects that cut back efficiency in slurry pumps tend to be suction side recirculation and mechanical grinding between the casing and the impeller. The wear ring significantly reduces both of these elements, resulting in decrease energy draw and longer pump life.
“Through our case studies, we now have seen power draw being reduce by 5 to 10% for a similar move and head with the application of KREBS pumps,” he points out. “Similarly, we now have measured the impact on pump life, and have shown that the life of moist end components could be lengthened by one and a half to two times.”
According to Derek Lane, General Manager Operations, conventional products available in the market clear up only considered one of these components by way of impeller and liner adjustment which may scale back recirculation however concurrently exacerbates the grinding. “This leaves the pump user having to compromise on efficiency, which we do not expect our prospects to do,” Lane explains.
He says adjusting the wear ring allows the speed of the pump to be maintained as a continuing, somewhat than customers having to hurry up the pump in response to the impact of grinding and wear. The wear ring in KREBS pumps could be easily adjusted in order that it continues drawing the same energy for the required stress, holding energy consumption to a minimal.
The common adjustment of KREBS pumps can also be done without shutting down the pump and disrupting operations, says Morne Potgieter, FLSmidth Sales Manager Pumps, Cyclones and Valves for Central and Southern Africa. This is necessary because it contributes to the final continuity – and therefore effectivity – of the entire operation.
“The wear ring may be simply adjusted by hand while the pump is working, and with out the usage of any special instruments,” he notes. “This permits the gaps to be saved as small as potential to keep away from recirculation inside the pump, while maintaining speed and strain.”
FLSmidth makes probably the most of this technological innovation via its expert subject service groups and training offerings, which ensure that prospects perceive and apply the damage ring adjustment to best effect. Potgieter says the coaching leaves on-mine operators more comfortable with the duty of adjustment, even if lots of them could additionally be hesitant about engaged on rotating machinery.
“ เครื่องมือที่ใช้วัดความดัน do intensive technical training with prospects on features such as pump assemblies, and be positive that we are available when they want us,” he says.
The life of KREBS pumps is additional enhanced by the vary of supplies of construction obtainable to suit the application, says Kruger. “The selection of material is predicated on the applying requirements and particularly minimising wear. There are a quantity of components considered which determine the material of building similar to pump dimension, impeller dimension and tip speed as well as slurry hardness.”.
Materials used in the development of slurry pumps are classified into two main varieties: metals and elastomers. For metallic pumps high-chrome alloys, hypereutectic alloys, hypoeutectic alloys and stainless steels are generally used. Elastomers options vary between pure rubber, polyurethane and synthetics similar to neoprene.
He emphasises that the application of those materials makes their very own contribution to the mining sector’s sustainability agenda, by reducing the level of scrap produced as a end result of equipment replacement.
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