MechChem Africa September 2018

⎪ Pump systems, pipes, valves and seals ⎪

Colin Adams, managing director of Integrated Pump Technology, the sole importer and principal distributor for the Grindex range of dewatering, slurry and sludge pumps for Southern Africa, talks about the advantages of Grindex Bravo submersible pumps for sand slurry applications. Moving sand slurries with ease using correct pumps

S and slurry can be one of the most challenging pumping applications as the material being transferred is thick, abrasive and contains coarse particles that often formanunstablemixture. Colin Adams, managing director of Integrated Pump Technology, says that sand slurries alsooften contain corrosive elements and sharp particles including stones, which could result in excessively high wear with a dramatic reduction in pump life. “Pumping sand slurry can be tough on pumps and it is critical that the correct pump be selected for this demanding application,” Adams says. “Attention needs to be paid to theflowrequirements andpower calculations when determiningwhich pump ismost suited toan individual application.Most importantly, these sorts of pumping tasks require more powertooperatethanthatrequiredbyaclean water pump.” IntegratedPumpTechnologyhas reported continued success with its Grindex Bravo pumps, which often replace vertical spindle pumps in these applications.

and sizes range from 3.0 kW to 70 kW. These pumps are equipped with an agitator mechanism that directs settled material to the pump’s intake. The sludge pump range has all the ad- vantages of the other two ranges as well as recessedvortex impellers and split hydraulics with replaceable rubber linings. This allows these pumps to handle larger solids with increased abrasion resistance. Manufactured in Italy, the Faggiolati qual- ity submersible drainage and wastewater pumps are considered a natural comple- ment to the company’s Grindex pump and accessory range. One of the most significant advantages that Faggiolati pumps offer is that allunitsareequippedwithpremiumefficiency IE3 motors. This is particularly important on a continent that needs energy-efficient prod- ucts and solutions. The extensive product line-up of more than 800 items ranges from Apart from the obvious advantage that a submersible pump offers over a vertical spindle pump such as its ease of installation, the innovative design of the Grindex Bravo rangeensuresminimalcontactwiththeactual sand slurry being pumped. Adams says that these pumps have been engineered to deal specifically with complex slurries, and have an integrated agitator sys- tem that allows the slurry to be placed into suspension for easier pumping. “Themajority of pumps do not have this feature and agita- tion therefore needs to come fromanoutside source, thus increasing the cost of the instal- lation as well as the maintenance required in that application,” he says. Commenting on potential increasedwear in these applications, Adams says that the hydraulic components aremade fromN-Hard 4,oneofthehardestmaterialsavailabletoday. This ensures optimumwear life. Grindex Bravo pumps are engineered to operate over the complete pump curve, not just on specific duty, and can handle from 30  ℓ /sec up to 130 ℓ /sec at a maximum head

Grindex Bravo pump design with its integrated agitator system ensures minimal contact with the sand slurry being pumped. of 45 m. The slim compact design facilitates quick and easy installation, while low noise level operation is another advantage. Lower operating costs are also possible. These high efficiency pumps are known for reduced electrical consumption as well as for lower maintenance costs. q 0.5 kW to 350 kW and pumps are available in grey cast iron as well asmarine bronze and stainless steel for specialised applications. Integrated Pump Technology has a strong network of 16 strategically located distribu- tors each of which has a solid track record. q

Global pumps on display at EMA Integrated Pump Technology showcased its range of global OEMpumps at ElectraMining Africa. The company was established four years ago as the official Southern African distributor for the well respected Grindex range of electrical submersible pumps and last year introduced the Italianmanufactured Faggiolati pumps to its product offering.

Grindex pumps incorporate a unique air valve that allows the impeller to pass air instead of water, protecting the unit in dry run conditions. These robustly constructed pumps are engineered to operate in harsh environments offering end-users reliability and energy efficiency. The range of Grindex dewatering pumps range in sizes from 0.5 kW to 90 kW with a new145 kWunit currently in field trials. This unitwill be released tomarket earlynext year. Grindex slurry pumps are robust work- horses made for use in mines and quarries

Stainless steel pumps from Integrated Pump Technology are ideal for mining applications and were on display at Electra Mining Africa.

September 2018 • MechChem Africa ¦ 11