Mechanical Technology March 2015

⎪ Pump systems, pipes, valves and seals ⎪

Fine adds that the pump sector is highly competitive. “There are a large number of players at the moment. As a result, one has to focus on customer ser- vice. Turnaround time is definitely critical when it comes to repairs, as downtime impacts not only the bottom line, but also has health and safety implications for dewatering applications at mines,” Fine says. Integrated Pump Technology has just launched a campaign to gain a detailed understanding of the dewatering re- quirements of the South African mining industry. “Together with our new test facility, this will really give us an edge in the market. We believe that there is still untapped potential locally, which companies are overlooking in their efforts to focus on Africa. The reality is that the local mining industry is still huge – and is alive and well,” Fine concludes. q

are not only about the hydraulics, but increasingly involve electrics as well, especially with submersible pumps.” Fine says that while pump technology is advancing steadily in the pursuit of improved efficiencies, Grindex pumps are characterised by their ruggedness, ‘plug-and-play’ ease of operation and low maintenance requirements. The 18 000 litre test tank, which measures 3.6 m by 2.4 m, is fully automated with different programs for specific Grindex pumps. “You set it and it automatically runs through a sequence to test the pump according to the original equipment manufacturer’s pump curve. It is connected to a computer but can also be operated manually, if need be,” Fine explains. The above-ground test tank was designed specifically for Integrated Pump Technology’s new facility, and represents “a considerable investment”.

The first test run at Integrated Pump Technology’s new 90 kW test tank facility, carried out on a Grindex Bravo 800 pump.

Robust slurry pumps for copper mine I ntegrated Pump Technology of South Africa has supplied 20 Bravo 900 submersible slurry pumps and 20 M20 control panels to Kamoto Copper Company (a subsidiary of Katanga Mining) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These heavy duty electrical submersible slurry pumps are the largest of their kind in the Grindex product family, says Klint Bawden, general manager: sales and mar- keting, Integrated Pump Technology.

and “is in the process of establishing a fully-fledged service and repair workshop at Kamoto Copper Company to cater for its aftermarket needs”. “Pumping slurry is one of the most de- manding applications for any pump, due to issues such as sediment build-up leading to costly downtime and repair costs,” Bawden explains. “The Bravo range from Grindex is robust and hard-working enough to result in reduced operating and maintenance costs.” These pumps, with a maximum submers- ible depth of 20 m, do not require any support superstructure, which makes for quick and easy installation and less space needed for their operation. The cartridge seal is preassembled for quicker and easier mounting, while the Hard-iron impeller and pump housing fea- ture high wear resistance, which is critical in slurry applications. The large throughlet means that the pump can handle solids of varying sizes. A leakage sensor allows for early detection of any problems, while the single adjustment screw makes it easy to tweak the impeller for optimal performance. The agitator has been designed specifi- cally for coarser slurries, and is able to stir

Chris Heunes, export sales manager at Integrated Pump Technology says the Bravo range of Grindex submersible slurry pumps has been used at Katanga Mining’s operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for three years and the range has proved to be “particularly successful”; and about 300 pumps are currently in opera- tion. “The company’s products are being deployed at three different areas of Katanga Mining’s operations in the DRC,” he ex- plains. “These are the Luilu Metallurgical Plant, the Kamoto Concentrator (KTC) and KOV Open Pit Mine (KOV).” Heunes says that EC Mining has been formally appointed as the distributor for Integrated Pump Technology for the DRC

up and pump sand, sludge and solids in suspension. Integrated Pump Technology has also supplied about 50 stainless steel Inox pumps over the last six months. “These are specialised electrical submersible drainage and sludge pumps that can handle acidic operating conditions,” Bawden explains. Features include zinc anodes for added protection, with all cast parts made from acid-proof stainless steel. q Integrated Pump Technology is the sole importer and principal distributor for the Grindex range of dewatering, slurry and sludge pumps for southern Africa.

Mechanical Technology — March 2015

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