Using efficient pumps that have undergone extensive testing, measured by agreed and approved key performance indicators, can result in operational savings, states slurry pump manufacturer Schurco Slurry.

Amid the significant challenges in reducing the operational costs associated with gold mining and ore processing, the company highlights its broad range of slurry pumps, including the S-Series heavy duty, L-Series lined and U-Series unlined pumps range, which allow for the efficient handling of large volumes of abrasive liquids.

The company says slurry pumps are viewed as a vital part of the operating equipment in gold mining processes, with reliable and efficient pumps being essential for profitable and safe operations.

“Gold has always provided comfort during tough economic times globally and every effort contributes to customer cost savings, adding up to substantial savings in the bigger picture,” says Schurco Slurry sales executive Gerrit Duvenhage.

Despite highlighting the crucial role that slurry pumps play in the gold mining industry, Schurco also points out that clogging and high wear rates pose significant challenges.

Clogging can disrupt the normal operation of a pump, potentially damaging the internal components or even destroying the entire pumping unit, while high wear rates typically affect the impeller and internal liners.

In this regard, Schurco stresses the need for regular maintenance and planned inspections to detect these issues earlier. The company assists its mining partners in taking proactive measures to reduce wear by selecting the appropriate materials for a specific operational application, thereby enhancing the durability of pumps and spare parts.

“For instance, a parameter like inlet velocity can accelerate wear. This is just one of many challenges that can be mitigated by choosing the correct equipment for the specific application,” notes Duvenhage.

The choice of piping in a slurry pump application is also important, he adds.

Duvenhage contends that quality control throughout the manufacturing process is crucial and involves selecting the correct alloy to fit the application of the pumping system, thus ensuring appropriate engineering tolerances and precision.

Schurco invests a significant number of resources in continual personnel training and development to ensure that its teams select and apply the correct slurry pumps according to specific application requirements, and as a means of ensuring that the latest technological developments are taken into account in future pump developments.

“The selection of suitable pump build materials is another key factor to ensure that the installed pumps not only operate efficiently, but also have a long wear life,” he explains.

The company also outlines that technology will be a key catalyst in the improved performance of slurry pumps. Research will, therefore, be essential to the ongoing development of its slurry pumps, as it allows for lower operational costs, enhanced efficiency and improved durability to meet the evolving needs of customers and regulatory requirements in various industries.