Company Announcement - Integrated Pump Technology, the exclusive distributor in southern Africa for Grindex, is achieving considerable success with its Bravo submersible pump range which is proving an efficient, cost effective alternate solution to vertical spindle pumps. This is one of numerous IPT products gaining traction within the mining sector which will ensure its growth trajectory continues. “The Grindex Bravo slurry pump footprint is also growing quickly because of its robust design. These pumps can operate reliably within the most arduous African mining conditions,” says IPT general manager for export, Colin Adams.

Because submersible pumps operate in the slurry, infrastructure construction is unnecessary and pumping start-up is immediate. Bravo submersible pumps, in particular, are engineered to pump slurry and fluids with a high content of abrasive solids, with particle sizes up to 50 mm. The range offers reliable pumping performance and the pumps are fitted with a cooling jacket and an agitator for effective slurry handling, eliminating the issue of silt build-up.

“This new approach to pumping slurry with submersibles guarantees higher efficiency rates, lower running costs as well as lower maintenance costs. It is the most cost effective pumping solution for slurry handling applications,” Adams says. According to Adams, 90% of IPT’s business is being generated from southern African mining projects, largely as a result of this product range’s escalating success. Total sales contribution from the product is up from 10% last year to 30% at present – with over 120 Bravo pumps already installed this year.

Adams also refers to IPT’s service delivery and after sales offering, pointing out that it is another company strength. “We have a dedicated and fully committed sales team at our head office in South Africa, as well as support through an established distribution network of eight strategically located and specialised local pump companies whose proximity to customers provides a fast, personal service.

Support into Africa is through a well-positioned network which covers Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique and Zimbabwe with fully trained representatives who provide customised product recommendations to customers in these regions based on on-site evaluations. “Their facilities are also equipped with maintenance and full service capabilities as well as parts stockholdings. Together with their understanding of local market requirements, our presence in Africa has been significant since our start-up about in June 2014,” Adams highlights.

In line with its growing slurry pump presence, IPT has also developed a new slurry product which easily removes silt and built-up sediments from lined water storage areas.

Locally designed and engineered, IPT’s SlurrySucker dredge unit effectively de-silts or de-slimes dams without damaging the lining, Adams explains. The concept took about six months to develop and test. The SlurrySucker comprises of a Grindex slurry pump in combination with Grindex dewatering pumps to create a jetting system.