In the high stakes world of the mining industry, the smallest equipment failure can lead to extremely costly downtime and significant losses. A seamless operation where every component works in perfect harmony sounds ideal, right? Proper mining pump maintenance is a crucial step towards this. Ensuring your mining pump systems are regularly maintained not only extends their wear life, but also keeps your mine site operations running efficiently, avoiding unplanned downtime and reducing total ownership costs.
The Benefit of Regular Pump Maintenance
Mining pumps are versatile pieces of equipment; however they are not immune to wear and tear which impacts performance over time. If this wear is consistent and goes unchecked, the efficiency and functionality of the pump can be compromised, eventually leading to pump failure.
While wear is inevitable under the harsh environments industrial equipment operates within, it doesn’t need to weaken a mining pump’s performance. To ensure your existing pumps operate to an optimal level throughout their entire lifespan, it is advised to conduct preventative maintenance on all installed infrastructure, not just the pump alone.
Regardless of the application or operating conditions, a routine maintenance program will assist in extending the life of a pump. Well-maintained equipment lasts longer, requiring less frequent and cheaper repair work.
How Do I Know My Mining Pump Needs Maintenance?
Ensuring your mining pump is in top condition is crucial for the success of operations on mine sites. Here are some telltale signs your pump may need maintenance:
- Leakage around seals, joints or connections should be addressed immediately to minimise the need for pump repair, keeping maintenance costs down.
- If a drop in performance is noticed such as reduced flow rate or discharge pressure, it’s time for a checkup.
- Overheating often points to problems with the cooling system, or friction from worn parts.
- Excessive vibration can cause misalignment or wearing of the bearing assembly.
- A sudden spike in energy consumption can indicate internal wear or blockages.
- Grinding and rattling noises are indicative of worn components.
By regularly monitoring these indicators, you can ensure your pump operates efficiently and reliably over the long run, keeping your mining projects running smoothly.
Essential Maintenance Tasks For Optimal Pump Performance
Prestige Pumps recommends the pump’s performance (head and flow) is verified periodically against the start up or original duty point which will indicate the condition of the wearing parts.
Sealing System
As with all wearing parts, the pump’s sealing system components will require checks. The frequency of the seal checks will depend on the application the pump is being used for.
Extending The Life of Your Mining Pump
Matching a suitable pump to its application includes evaluating the environment in which the pump will operate, specific design features of the pump and its role in the total system design. This ensures the equipment performs effectively for its intended use.
Routine maintenance is highly beneficial for ensuring your mining pump is operating effectively. A well-maintained pump keeps your operation efficient, while also extending pump life and avoiding premature pump failure. Deferring maintenance activities can lead to costly downtime and expensive repairs. Maintenance activities should cover all aspects of the installation from suction to the end discharge point.
Why Choose Prestige Universal Mining Pumps?
With over 40 years of experience in the mining industry, Prestige Universal Mining Pumps are well equipped to deliver outstanding mining pump solutions. At P.U.M.P, we offer the sale of new pumps, hire pumps, as well as complete maintenance, servicing and repairs for a wide range of pump types. We manufacture our own range of dewatering pumps, slurry pumps and carry a range of spare parts to suit. Our licensed electrical and mechanical fitters provide our servicing and repairs Australia-wide, and each pump we look at must pass full testing procedures, meeting specification requirements, before it is sent back to site.
Our vast experience and intimate product knowledge allows us to offer a unique and in-comprehensive service to our clients. With an understanding of both pump sales and maintenance, Prestige Universal Mining Pumps is the ideal choice for all your mining pump requirements.