Pump Rental in Mining Applications: Short-term solutions to long-term problems

Failure of permanently installed mine dewatering pumps can wreak havoc with production schedules and be very costly. Often times, the elimination of pump failures require long-term solutions such as potential modifications of pumps or piping. However, keeping up with production schedules requires a short-term solution: pump rental. For practically every permanent pumping system, there’s a temporary rental alternative. With pump rental, production stays on schedule while providing time to investigate the root cause of the permanently installed pump failure and fix the problem.

Mine dewatering usually falls into two categories: 1) horizontal transfer of water from one part of the quarry to another, or 2) vertical pumping of water out of the quarry, up the quarry walls or benches. In either case, portable temporary replacement pumps exist that are capable of doing the duty of the permanent pumps that have failed. The important factor is using the right pump for the application.

Using the right portable pump

Just as quarry dewatering falls into two categories, portable pumps exist in two categories as well:

• For horizontal transfer, a medium head pump is sufficient, such as the Godwin Dri-Prime® CD series.
• Pumping up a high wall requires pumps that can create significantly more discharge head, such as the Godwin Dri-Prime HL series. In addition, vertical turbines are available for rent in high wall pumping applications, which can reduce the cost of operation thanks to their high efficiency.

Not just any portable pump will do

Word to the wise: using a medium head pump, such as a Godwin Dri-Prime CD series pump, to pump up a high wall can result in deadheading the pump (i.e. the inability of the pump to overcome the discharge resistance). This is called discharge cavitation and can result in a broken shaft or compromised mechanical seal. Correct pump selection and utilization is key to successful pumping and reduced breakdowns.

Get help

The best course of action for temporary pump rental in mining applications is to engage the assistance of a pump specialist who can survey the situation and recommend the right pump for the application. Remember, for practically every permanent pumping system, there’s a temporary rental alternative. With pump rental, production stays on schedule, and there’s time to investigate the root cause of the permanently installed pump failure. Contact a Xylem Rental Solutions portable pump specialist today to help determine which temporary pump is best for your situation.