MechChem Africa May-June 2020

⎪ Pump systems, pipes, valves and seals ⎪

Pumping expert keeps mines afloat during lockdown

As an essential service provider, Integrated Pump Rental is assisting coal mines and power producers during the national lockdown. The pump rental company explains how well it is positioned to assist mines as they start gearing up their operations.

H avingprovidedservices to thecoal andpower sector during the initial phases of the COVID-19 lock- down, Integrated Pump Rental remains a critical service provider as mines start gearing up their operations. “As process plants ramp up their produc- tion over the coming weeks, many are likely to experience challenges related to having had their operations temporarily shut down,” says LeeVine, managing director of Gauteng- based Integrated Pump Rental. “These problems vary from pipeline blockages and pump failures, to lack of stor- age capacity in process water ponds. This is exactly where we can step in with solutions to see them through.” Experts in dewatering, water transfer and dredging, Integrated Pump Rental has been active throughout the lockdown period to date, responding tourgent requests fromcoal mines and power producers. “As a 365-day-a-year operation, we have always worked around the clock to assist customers in need,” says Vine. “For the lock- down, we are geared up with all the neces- sary hygiene infrastructure, as well as the documentation and permissions to facilitate a quick response to emergencies. “Keeping our teams safe during this global pandemic is top-of-mind for us, as is the safety of all personnel on the sites in which we op- erate. We will continue to adhere to these measures stringently,” he says. With equipment ranging from powerful high-head, high-flow mobile dewatering pumps to submersible pumps and specialised dredging units, the Integrated Pump Rental fleet serves a range of industry demands. Experienced staff ensure that the units are applied effectively in every application. “Our SlurrySucker ® slurry removal solu- tion ensures mines and industrial water con- taminated sites do not negatively affect the environment and surrounding areas. “Not only does the Integrated Pump Rentals’ SlurrySucker dredging system ef- fectively clean process water ponds, it has become recognised as an ideal solution for cleaning water capture areas where silt or

slime is an issue or where water re- tention and water holding capacity is being threatened. Some of these areas are environmentally sensitive andmust be protected fromcausing any pollution. “Throughour SlurrySucker product range, we are able to offer a complete solution to ef- fectively remove slurry fromanywater-based environment and in so doing nowoffer one of themost cost-effective solutions for any dam cleaning project,” adds Vine. The benefits of the SlurrySucker extend well beyond improvingmines’ environmental footprints. They enable increasedwater stor- age, the recovery of minerals and improved processing water quality. They furthermake it significantly easier to extend the life of water-dedicated assets by protecting damplastic liners. Clients are con- sequently able to incorporate slurry removal projects into their planning inorder toextract greater value from all non-mining areas. “Bodies of water, such as ponds, lagoons, dams and canals should be considered valu- able plant assets and must be maintained to maximise their operational efficiency and contribution tooptimisedoperational perfor- mance. The SlurrySucker deliverswithout fail in this area,” Vine confirms. The SlurrySucker is sized to meet the cli- ents’ slurry removal requirements in terms of particle size, aggregation, distribution, cohe- siveness, flow characteristics, sedimentation rates and specific gravity. Typical suction water agitation dredging usually achieves 20% - 30% solids for SGs up to 3.0. Vine highlights two product options – the Maxi SlurrySucker that is capable of moving 250m³ anhour at 20%- 30%byvolume, which is equivalent toapproximately70dry tons per hour. The Mini SlurrySucker, which operates at 100m³ an hour, at 20%- 30%by volume for roughly 30 dry tons every hour. Whether short-term pond clean-ups or ongoing pond management projects, the SlurrySucker is designed for difficult site

The mobile trailer mounted Sykes CP pump unit is easy to get to site and get working.

A range of top-end quality Sykes pumps offer efficient and cost-effective dewatering.

The SlurrySucker has an established reputation for cost effective dam cleaning. conditions for many applications. “Duringthelockdown,wehavealreadyhad to dewater a flooding coal mine in KwaZulu- Natal and respond to an urgent request in the petro-chemical sector,” Vine says. “For vital dewatering applications, our range of diesel pumps can run unattended for 24 hours at a time while our submersible pumps can run indefinitely. We also advise customers on the best and most cost-effective solutions,” he concludes. q

May-June 2020 • MechChem Africa ¦ 21