Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/841719
30 AGGREGATES MANAGER / July 2017 APPLICATIONS to the specific dewatering operation and ensuring an accu- rate configuration. The manufacturer completed an entire site review to fully understand the mine's unique conditions and diverse applications. Water management requirements at the mine include pumps to dewater the pits, transportation of water within a vast multi-segmented pond system, and recla- mation of process water for re-use in production. Heavy rains, which are common in Texas, can result in con- siderable storm water that enters the pit and must be quickly removed. The combination of storm water and other natu- rally occurring seepage must be quickly cleared from the pit in order to minimize downtime and keep production moving. A range of dewatering equipment is required to meet these challenges and handle the harsh operating environment; reli- ability, efficiency, and durability are paramount. The operation required a combination of large- and mid- sized pumps. Based on the site-wide review, a suite of rental dewatering equipment was proposed to tackle each applica- tion challenge cost-effectively. Initially, a selection of high- head fully automatic self-priming diesel pumps, as well as electric drive pumps, were provided. High-density polyeth- ylene (HDPE) pipe was also supplied. "We are focused on four key areas when it comes to select- ing dewatering pumps: reliability, longevity of wear parts, ease of maintenance, and fuel consumption," says Mike Fleet, Vista Sand general manager. Xylem proposed a rental model — en- hanced by support from Mine Safety and Health Administration- certified technicians — that offered flexibility to handle dewatering tasks with a range of dewatering pumps and the associated equipment, while avoiding capital expenditure on expensive pumping equipment, which was not required by the mine on an ongoing basis. Following the success of the initial application, the partnership grew to include the ongoing provision of ad- vanced, often customized, dewatering solutions and service support. Keeping operations running 24/7 Downtime as a result of pump break- downs or damage to piping or other ancillary dewatering equipment is costly and challenging for mine oper- ators. Reducing downtime and max- imizing the efficiency of pumps is critical to supporting effective op- erations. At the Granbury mine, the partnership includes a PMA offering full-service maintenance and monitor- ing to mitigate against downtime. Rental dewatering technologies can be offered with a full team for set-up and dismantling of pumping systems, and equipment is serviced on average every 10 days, with repairs completed as needed. "Our objective is to stay one step ahead of potential equip- ment issues," says Josh Jenkins, Vista Sand process engineer- ing technician. "When selecting equipment, we look for an experienced partner who can provide a total solution and who will act as an extension of our team to get the job done." The preventive maintnance agreement provided peace of mind, he adds. Certified technicians service the rental pumps at the recommended 250-hour service internal and keep oil and fluid levels in check for optimal efficiency. The frequent servicing of pumps and HDPE pipe improves equipment reli- ability and supports the smooth running of operations at the mine, Jenkins says. In addition to the dewatering equipment in use at the mine at a given time, a range of back-up equipment is often provided for more challenging applications which could result in costly downtime. This contingency planning approach means that, should a problem arise, pumps can be quickly replaced with a back-up solution to minimize downtime and keep operations running. In the event of a more significant emergency, a service team can be on-site within an hour, day or night. Embracing maintenance to drive productivity As mine operators seek to drive cost efficiencies and increase productivity, there is a growing need to ensure optimal perfor- mance of dewatering pumps. Aggregate managers across the globe are embracing PMAs as a means of delivering enhanced reliability in pumping operations and extending the lifespan of pumps. Recognizing that prevention is better than cure when it comes to pump maintenance is reaping benefits for those who embrace the approach. AM All hose and electrical connections are thoroughly checked before use. Daily inspections prevent against equipment issues arising during operation, reducing the risk of unnecessary maintenance and down-time costs.