Global leader in vacuum pumps, blowers and compressor technology Busch Vacuum Solutions, part of the Busch Group has decades of experience in demanding industrial applications and supports the mining industry with reliable vacuum and overpressure solutions that help improve efficiency, safety and long-term process performance.

In underground coal mining, one of the most important safety challenges is the presence of methane gas, which often accumulates in coal seams and mine workings, creating serious risks when it is not controlled effectively. For this reason, reliable methane extraction is essential to support safer mining operations and stable production, Busch notes.

A successful Busch project demonstrates how DOLPHIN LR liquid-ring vacuum technology can support methane degassing in coal mining applications. The installation included nine DOLPHIN LR 1560 A liquid-ring vacuum pumps, each driven by a 315 kW motor. The pumps were supplied as part of fully automated recirculation systems designed to extract methane from a coal mine through three DN600 pipelines.

The system can handle a flow rate of more than 16 000 m³/h per pipeline, operating from 250 mbar inlet pressure to 1 200 mbar outlet pressure.

Busch says the DOLPHIN LR vacuum pumps are particularly suitable for this type of application because liquid-ring technology is “known for its robust design and reliable performance in demanding environments”.

It adds that coal mining processes require equipment that can operate continuously and handle challenging process conditions and the DOLPHIN LR range is designed to deliver in applications where uptime and safety are critical.

Moreover, not only does the extracted methane support mine safety, when the methane reaches the required purity levels, it can be compressed and used as a fuel source for a gas turbine. This means the system helps turn a potential mining hazard into a useful energy resource, the company comments.

For Busch South Africa, this continued success is highly relevant to local mining operations.

“Across Africa, mines are constantly looking for reliable technologies that can improve safety, reduce downtime and support more efficient production. Busch understands these challenges and offers proven vacuum solutions backed by technical expertise, application knowledge and long-term service support.”

It adds that, whether the application involves methane degassing, mine dewatering, filtration, pneumatic conveying, process vacuum and overpressure, or other demanding operations, Busch works closely with customers to recommend the right solution for their process.

Busch says its DOLPHIN LR methane degassing installations show what is possible when “proven engineering, reliable technology and mining expertise come together”.

After-Sales Service Expertise

Busch notes that, in demanding mining environments, reliable after-sales service is essential to maintaining system performance, availability and long-term operational reliability.

This is particularly important in applications such as horizontal belt filtration for fine iron-ore dewatering, where consistent vacuum performance “directly supports effective moisture removal and the production of a drier mineral cake”.

For this type of application, Busch notes that vacuum pump performance is not just about creating vacuum; it is also about maintaining stable operation. The equipment must, therefore, be able to handle wet conditions, operate reliably and support continuous production.

“Dewatering is a critical part of the production process in mining. After ore has been processed into slurry, water must be removed efficiently to leave behind a drier mineral cake that can be handled, transported or processed further. For fine iron-ore material, this step is especially important, as effective filtration directly supports process efficiency, product quality and plant performance.”

Busch Vacuum Solutions demonstrated its service capability through one of many liquid-ring vacuum pump repair projects that required a “carefully engineered service approach”, while also considering the customer’s future equipment and replacement requirements.

“The scope involved several site and technical considerations, including lifting and height constraints, specialised tooling, cost optimisation and the development of additional local technical expertise. As part of Busch Vacuum Solutions commitment to quality and transparency, the final pressure test was completed in the presence of the customer.”

Busch notes that successful execution was supported by detailed planning, technical collaboration and the selection of the expert team and qualified local machining and fabrication partner. It also invested in specialised tooling and strengthened local service capabilities, creating a sustainable foundation for supporting similar requirements in the future.

The project reflects Busch’s broader approach to after-sales service in the mining industry: understanding the application; providing the right vacuum technology; and supporting that technology throughout its life cycle.

“By combining global vacuum expertise with strong local capabilities, Busch can support customers from pumps and blowers to maintenance and repair through to technical support, performance optimisation and future replacement planning.

“At Busch South Africa, we are committed to supporting the mining industry with dependable vacuum technology, expert service and long-term partnership. Whatever your mining challenge, from safety-critical gas extraction to demanding process applications, we have the solution to support you through it,” the company concludes.