Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS), manufactured and delivered six flameproof mobile pump sets to a colliery in Mpumalanga in May.
According to MRS Managing Director, Franscois Steenkamp, the company chose Tsurumi 100 KTX flameproof submersible dewatering pumps as the most suitable for the specific underground dewatering application. MRS incorporated flameproof panels, and manufactured mobile trolley units to complete the individual mobile pump sets.
“The Tsurumi KTX series is an explosion-proof type of the general KTZ series dewatering pumps. The pump is available for operating in an area in which an explosive atmosphere occurs occasionally. KTZ pumps are designed to withstand the most demanding conditions, including those found in the highly abrasive waters as found in coal mining, especially during dewatering processes. Versatility is increased as each pump model has the capability of easily converting between high head and high volume performance with an easy change of the impeller and wear plate.”
The commissioned pump sets are constructed in such a way enclosing the parts that could ignite the material being transported or found in the surrounding area. Every KTX pump is equipped with a CTP, circle thermal protector integrated in the motor housing, the CTP directly cuts the motor circuit if excessive heat builds up or an overcurrent caused by an electrical or mechanical failure occurs. Mounting the pumps on a trolley gives the client extra mobility being able to move each individual pump set as the underground water level rises or the mining operation is moved to a different location. “What gives our clients further peace of mind is that with this unit, replacement parts and spares, conforming with flame proof specifications, are readily available and can be delivered and installed within a very short turnaround time.”
Often mined areas in a coalmine form a zone of broken rock rubble and the spontaneous heating of coal in these areas are not easily detected. Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS) has for over a decade serviced the coal mining industry with solutions addressing the threat fires pose to the coal mining industry. During dewatering of a mine, electric powered submersible pumps may be used, taking note that if using electrically powered pumps, it can present a potential spark hazard that may ignite explosive vapours. Contaminated air in coal mining, or mining in general, referred to as mine damps is often released during mining operations including drilling and blasting. Being in a confined space the contaminated gases builds up as it is unable to disperse which can lead to explosions. Having pumps not fit for purpose, this could lead to disaster as a small spark can ignite the contaminated gasses. MRS supplies and installs pumps specifically designed and customised for
the areas they operate in adhering to various regulations as prescribed by the mining industry. The MRS supplied Tsurumi flameproof pump sets are designed and manufactured strong enough to contain an explosion and prevent a flame or heat from escaping that could ignite mine damps.
MRS has recently taken a leading role in the supply, refurbishment and installation of flameproof products having earlier this year commissioned an underground double configuration flameproof pump set to a Mpumalanga colliery for the purpose of dewatering its shortwall coal mining operations. “The flameproof pump set is used to dewater unmined areas at a rate of 60m3 (60 000l) per hour.” Says Steenkamp.
In another project MRS refurbished a 10” Bermad FP 720-UL Pressure Reducing Valve. The valve, forming part of a mine’s fire protection system, showed signs of cavitation around the valve seat causing valve failure and a subsequent threat to the fire protection systems’ integrity.
Background
Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS) is a leading South African supplier of mechanical seals, pumps, integrated pump systems and complementary pump products. Drawing upon some of the most well-known and proven brands worldwide such as AESEAL mechanical seals and support systems, STRAUB pipe couplings, Belzona industrial protective coatings, Labtecta Bearing Isolators, Verder Pumps SA, DAB pumps, KSB and HCP pumps amongst others, MRS sets the standard in terms of reliability, innovation and world class customer service. Working within the guidelines of ISO 9001:2000, and ISO 14001:2004 quality and environmental standards as well as the OHSAS 18001:1999 Occupational Health and Safety standards, MRS offers a complete turnkey supply and service of pumps. The company further specialises in complementary pump products including floatation devices, complete pump refurbishment, mobile dewatering solutions and proven water and energy saving solutions.