KREBS® pumps support mines’ efficiency drive

Jun 01, 2023

With energy costs rising and mines embracing decarbonisation strategies, the mining sector is increasingly on the look-out for ways to reduce energy consumed by pumps. This is where FLSmidth's wear ring technology has raised the bar and put its KREBS pump efficiency out front, according to the company's Stephan Kruger.

In the mining industry's drive to conserve energy, a focus on pumps is essential, especially given the sheer scale of pumping equipment required on the average mine and mineral processing plant.

On this score, global minerals process specialist FLSmidth has allowed mines to achieve new levels of efficiency with the initially patented wear ring technology on its KREBS pumps, according to Stephan Kruger, FLSmidth's Vice President Pumps, Cyclones and Valves for Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and South Asia. Mines have seen significant efficiency gains by using KREBS pumps, explains Kruger, resulting in considerable bottom line impacts when multiplied by the dozens or even hundreds of pumps often employed on a single mine site.

"It is not only the rising cost of electricity that drives mines’ energy strategies, but also their commitment to a low carbon future," he says. "FLSmidth's KREBS pumps directly support these efforts by our mining customers, thanks in great part to our innovative wear ring technology."

He highlights that two key aspects that reduce efficiency in slurry pumps tend to be suction side recirculation and mechanical grinding between the casing and the impeller. The wear ring significantly reduces both of these factors, leading to lower power draw and longer pump life.

"Through our case studies, we have seen power draw being cut by 5 to 10% for the same flow and head with the application of KREBS pumps," he points out. "Similarly, we have measured the impact on pump life, and have shown that the life of wet end parts can be lengthened by one and a half to two times."

According to Derek Lane, General Manager Operations, conventional products in the market solve only one of these factors through impeller and liner adjustment which may reduce recirculation but simultaneously exacerbates the grinding. "This leaves the pump user having to compromise on efficiency, which we do not expect our customers to do," Lane explains.

He says adjusting the wear ring allows the speed of the pump to be maintained as a constant, rather than users having to speed up the pump in response to the impact of grinding and wear. The wear ring in KREBS pumps can be easily adjusted so that it continues drawing the same power for the required pressure, holding energy consumption to a minimum.

The regular adjustment of KREBS pumps can also be done without shutting down the pump and disrupting operations, says Morne Potgieter, FLSmidth Sales Manager Pumps, Cyclones and Valves for Central and Southern Africa. This is important as it contributes to the general continuity – and hence efficiency – of the whole operation.

"The wear ring can be simply adjusted by hand while the pump is running, and without the use of any special tools," he notes. "This allows the gaps to be kept as small as possible to avoid recirculation inside the pump, while maintaining speed and pressure."

FLSmidth makes the most of this technological innovation through its skilled field service teams and training offerings, which ensure that customers understand and apply the wear ring adjustment to best effect. Potgieter says the training leaves on-mine operators more comfortable with the task of adjustment, even if many of them may be hesitant about working on rotating machinery.

"We also do extensive technical training with customers on aspects such as pump assemblies, and make sure that we are available when they need us," he says.

The life of KREBS pumps is further enhanced by the range of materials of construction available to suit the application, says Kruger. "The choice of material is based on the application requirements and in particular minimising wear. There are a number of factors considered which determine the material of construction such as pump size, impeller size and tip speed as well as slurry hardness.".

Materials used in the construction of slurry pumps are classified into two main types: metals and elastomers. For metal pumps high-chrome alloys, hypereutectic alloys, hypoeutectic alloys and stainless steels are commonly used. Elastomers options vary between natural rubber, polyurethane and synthetics such as neoprene.

He emphasises that the application of these materials makes their own contribution to the mining sector's sustainability agenda, by reducing the level of scrap produced due to equipment replacement.