The GIW range of slurry pumps, produced by KSB Pumps and Valves’ South African division, is specifically designed to optimize wear performance in the harsh environments typical of hard rock mining. This was highlighted by Jacques Pretorius, the mining market area manager.
MDX Product Line: Engineered for Tough Conditions
Pretorius elaborates that the GIW mill-duty extra heavy (MDX) product line is engineered to handle the demanding conditions of mill discharge and cyclone feed applications effectively.
Premium Wear-Resistant Materials
The MDX series has become a standout in the market, thanks to its use of premium wear-resistant materials. These materials include robust wear components such as shells, impellers, and liners, all manufactured using the company’s proprietary Endurasite material technology.
What is Endurasite?
“Endurasite, a white-iron alloy, can potentially double the wear life of components compared to other materials,” Pretorius notes.
Enduraclad: Advanced Wear-Resistant Technology
Additionally, research and development have led to the creation of another durable material, Enduraclad. When applied to the wear surfaces of pump components, Enduraclad enhances hardness and wear resistance.
Proven Success in Harsh Conditions
Introduced to the mining sector in 2018, KSB reports that Enduraclad has demonstrated success even in the most challenging conditions.
Enhanced Compatibility and Technology
The MDX range is compatible with GIW’s remotely-adjusted mechanical suction liner (RAMSL) technology, which Pretorius explains, allows for quicker and more precise nose gap adjustments.
RAMSL Technology: Precision at Your Fingertips
“RAMSL technology enables a single operator to remotely adjust the suction liner in a pump with a precision of 0.25 mm at the touch of a button on the control panel,” Pretorius highlights.
Detailed Performance Insights
This technology also offers a detailed understanding of the pumps’ condition and performance without the need for large crews or unplanned shutdowns.
Ease of Remote Adjustments
Before RAMSL, periodic adjustments to MDX cyclone feed lines required hand tools, but now these adjustments can be made and monitored remotely with ease.
Digitally Enabled User Interface
Further modernizing the pump, its manual user interface is now digitally enabled, serving as a data output source to track various performance metrics, such as real-time vibration readings and precise suction liner movements.
Optimized Maintenance Scheduling
The interface also allows mine operators to optimize maintenance schedules and share data with KSB, which can then provide maintenance recommendations and performance enhancements.
Improved Accuracy and Efficiency
KSB asserts that MDX pumps equipped with RAMSL significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of maintenance scheduling.
Longer Run Times and Minimal Shutdowns
“With long-lasting components and simplified maintenance, the MDX pump boasts longer run times compared to competitor pumps, with minimal shutdowns,” concludes Pretorius.
Conclusion
The GIW slurry pumps from KSB Pumps and Valves offer a robust solution for the wear challenges in hard rock mining. With innovative technologies like Endurasite, Enduraclad, and RAMSL, these pumps ensure durability, precision, and efficiency, making them an ideal choice for demanding mining applications.