Mechanical Technology June 2016

⎪ Sustainable energy and energy management ⎪

be regularly checked and, if necessary, adjusted – especially those around the drive shafts of pumps. Advanced monitoring systems are available that use handheld devices connected to a central database to guide on-site personnel through the process. This ensures that no part is missed and that all monitoring data is stored cen- trally so maintenance can be properly prioritised across a whole site. In 2013, Weir Minerals launched a proprietary condition monitoring system, which is used by its maintenance engineers and is available to its customers. Many cases have been seen where automating the maintenance process at coal mining sites has delivered a significant improvement in equipment performance. Systems, conditions and acceptable performance margins vary between dif- ferent sites, so there cannot be a standard solution that meets the requirements of all. Consulting with an equipment sup- plier or maintenance expert is advisable to ensure that the right level of monitoring is in place. It is Weir Minerals’ mission as a pump manufacturer to deliver continuous

to be monitored over time. This means that replacements can be made before excessive wear leads to sub-optimal performance or failure. Examining the condition of internal parts such as the lining and impeller will mean taking it out of action for a short time. This is often worthwhile in order to avoid unexpected repairs and long periods of poor efficiency. The frequency of these tests should be determined based on a good knowl- edge of the average operating lifespan of individual parts at the relevant levels of duty. This way, checks will be performed frequently enough to maintain efficient performance, but not more often than necessary, avoiding excessive costs. Non-interruptive monitoring should also be carried out regularly, as this provides a way for any issue arising between scheduled checks to be noted. Temperature and vibration measurement of any moving parts, energy consump- tion and flow-rate monitoring can all be carried out while a pump is operational – supplying useful information without costly downtime. All mechanical seals should also

A cutaway model of the Warman froth pump with the modified inducer impeller blades.

improvement for its customers,

whether in terms of increases in energy efficiency, reduction in the frequency with which parts need replacing and the ease with which this can be done. It is important for those operating coal processing plants to keep abreast of the developments both in pump technology and in the support strategies that many suppliers are now beginning to adopt in order to ensure that the pumps driving their process are performing well. Ultimately, fit-for-purpose pumps running at optimum efficiency will bring significant production benefits. q

THERE’S ONLY ONE SUBSTITUTE FORA WARMAN ®