Slurry equipment solutions provider Weir Minerals has developed a new range of horizontal froth pumps, which is achieving positive results in mining applications in South Africa, Weir Minerals Africa’s slurry pump product manager Rui Gomes tells Mining Weekly.

“Weir Minerals has performed testwork in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, and has improved pump operations accordingly,” he says.

The test was a 12-month process, during which the com- pany assessed the parameters and analysed the downfalls. “After considering numerous reports and data, the company decided on a pump size, which was then monitored for a three-month period,” says Gomes, adding that the company noticed immediate improvements.

He says the new pump range is ideal for use in platinum, copper, gold and phosphate mines, as it is suited to applications where froth is created through froth flotation and subsequently needs to be transported by means of a pump. “Froth can be difficult to move, as it comprises mainly air, and centrifugal pumps do not manage air well,” he adds.

“Designed to handle heavy froth, the Warman AHF horizontal froth pump has a large inlet and inducing impeller designs that are successful in areas where others fail,” says Gomes.

An oversized inlet, with unique inducing impeller vanes, handles heavy froth and high-viscosity dense slurries with ease. “The AHF line of horizontal froth pumps has proven valuable in dense slurries, where viscosity becomes a pumping issue for the standard slurry pump,” he adds.

The pump has a heavy-duty construction with through-bolt design, which provides ease of maintenance and less downtime, while ductile iron-lined casing provides durability, strength and a long service life.

The large open internal passages reduce internal velocities, thereby improving wear-life, resulting in lower operating costs.

Further, the pumps have a unique impeller design for difficult froth applications and a thick elastomer or metal bolt-in liners, which provide superior corrosion resistance and also offers ease of liner change-out and interchangeability to reduce maintenance costs and improve wear-life.

Cartridge-style bearing assembly allows for maintenance in a clean environment without removal of the pump, resulting in reliable operation and prolonged bearing life.

A standard AH, from which the AHF pump was created, can be converted by replacing the cover plate, throat bush and impeller, while a full flush, low-flow or dry-running centrifugal seal reduces water usage and operating costs.

Gomes says that the AHF pump is unique, as it is a horizontal pump rather than a vertical pump, which is commonly used in the frothing industry in mining. “Weir Minerals still continues to supply a range of vertical froth pumps, as there is a market for it; however, some of the benefits that we have noticed with the horizontal froth pump include improved efficiencies and a smaller footprint,” he notes, adding that the pump is fit for purpose.

Gomes highlights that new technology has been implemented to ensure that Weir Minerals continues to supply efficient pumps.

“Weir Minerals invests substantially in research and deve-lopment worldwide,” he says, adding that the company’s investment in pumps has been focused on improving efficiencies, pump performance and the life of the wear parts in the pump.

This pump range is relatively new to the South African market, as Weir Minerals launched the range after the acquisition of pump suppliers CH Warman in 2008. These pumps have, however, been widely tested and used internationally.

Meanwhile, Weir Minerals is noticing growth potential in Central Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, where the copper industry has been growing for the last two years.

Gomes says that West Africa, as well as Mozambique, will be focus points, as the mining industry continues to grow. “Weir Minerals Africa is well positioned to supply products throughout the African continent through an extensive footprint. The company is constantly adapting to keep abreast of new developments and places with growth potential.”

Meanwhile, Weir Minerals prides itself on being well placed in terms of its aftermarket service and support. “The company has service facilities throughout Africa [with employees] who are well trained to provide main-tenance and technical support,” says Gomes. The company also provides a roaming team of technicians that provide on-site support, as well as the transfer of necessary skills required in even the remotest part of Africa.

Locally, Weir Minerals is actively engaged in upskilling the industry and facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills from an ageing workforce. Among other initiatives, the company offers several bursaries through local universities, complemented by experiential learning. “We currently have several engineering bursary students who spend time at the various South African operations to gain experience and hands-on exposure. The company offers graduate programmes that encourage mentorship and career development,” says Gomes.

“We are noticing that, over the last two years, there has been an increase in the number of students whom Weir Minerals has trained and we are proud to be making a contribution to the upliftment of the industry and, indeed, society at large,” he concludes.