Industrial equipment supplier Australian Pumps (Aussie Pumps) Industries highlights industry experts’ recommendations that heavy-duty trash pumps be used in the transfer of site tailings water, silt, as well as slurries.

This is owing to the pumps’ wide open impellers, non-clog design, and suitability for handling even sand- and silt-laden water without becoming blocked.

The company believes that the simple water transfer, tanker filling or dewatering of flooded mines with a simple wet prime pump, as opposed to complicated priming apparatus, is far more cost effective.

The company suggests that for the use of dewatering engine drive pumps with complex priming apparatus are being phased out.

“Unless the mine or quarry needs the ability to run and ‘snore’, the dry prime system can be inconvenient,” says Aussie Pumps chief engineer John Hales.

He explains that dry prime pumps need compressors or vacuum pump systems to enable them to self-prime, as they are not designed for trash handling applications and have trouble handling solids.

“We realised that many dry prime pumps were being misapplied by the mining industry because there is no real knowledge of the advantages of wet prime trash pumps.”

The Aussie Pumps range therefore includes a product that starts with small 2 inch pumps, designed to handle 1 inch solids and goes all the way up to large 6 inch heavy-duty self-priming trash pumps.

These pumps are able to handle flows of up to 6 000 ℓ/m, and also include features that allow for simple servicing.

“Cleaning out a trash pump that has been blocked by debris can be done quickly. The pump’s unique front opening port means there is no need for dismantling of the pump or disconnection of pipework in the event of a blockage,” he says.

Hales emphasises the difficulty in moving trash pumps from one location to another on mine sites, particularly through manual handling. He states that products such as this are often moved by an excavator, front-end loader or another similar machine.

Meanwhile, protective roll frames on conventional pumps are not durable and are unable to protect the pump and light air-cooled diesel engine.

The company decided to develop a range of frames made from heavy-duty hot dipped galvanised 35 mm steel tube. Integrated lifting bars make it simple to move them on site, while the frames are reinforced to provide protection.

Other important features include electronic-stop (E-stop), battery isolation and a fire extinguisher.

The company also offers bunded trays as an option as well as wheel kits. The lifting bar is designed into the frame to enable the unit to be moved easily.

“We decided to call it the ‘Mine Boss’ family because we believe that it is unique in the world and will last in any application,” enthuses Hales.

Being self-priming, the pumps will handle draught water through a vertical lift of down to 7.6 m. No mechanical priming aids are required, including foot valves.

The company’s flagship model 600TD, part of the Mine Boss range, is powered by engine manufacturer Deutz’s 60 hp 4 cylinder air-cooled diesel engine with electric start.

The pump comes with a large open non-blockage style impeller and heavy-duty volute. An oil lubricated tungsten titanium carbide seal comes equipped as standard.

The pump will be able to handle 76 mm spherical solids. Designed with minimal maintenance in mind, the engine comes with an engine accessory manufacturer Lofa 620 controller that provides low oil pressure, oil temperature and V-Belt shutdown.

These pumps are being used on mining construction sites in Australia and the South Pacific and have been exported around the world.

The machine comes bounded on a heavy-duty skid base with fork truck tine holes and an integrated heavy-duty centre-mounted lifting bar.

A 152 ℓ fuel tank is supplied in the base of the skid allowing the pump to run for about 11 hours without needing to refuel.

The pumps feature a 6 inch heavy-duty inlet valve that traps the water in the pump after priming. After that, simply starting the engine will allow the pump to begin priming.

The outlet is a unique but simple 90º discharge elbow that can be installed in any direction.

The Mine Boss range was released three years ago.

Owing to the Mine Boss’ popularity, the company has now developed a lightweight and portable diesel drive firefighting pump that is capable of pressures of up to 100 psi.

Referred to as the Aussie Fire Chief Mine Boss, the pumps feature heavy-duty gal frames, a centre-mounted lifting bar, fire extinguisher, battery isolation and E-stop.

“These pumps are built tough and will provide an invaluable safety resource for mines where fires seem to be occurring more frequently,” Hales concludes.