As opencast mines get deeper, operations often contend with significant water ingress and rising depths. In such an environment, technical demands increase, particularly dewatering capabilities at these extreme depths. Against that background, IPR, now part of Atlas Copco’s Specialty Rental Division, is bringing to market the Atlas Copco PAC SH range of dewatering pumps.
According to Steve du Toit, sales manager at IPR, the PAC SH range offers a maximum head of 235 m and a maximum flow of 2 000 m³, making it the largest pump to date in IPR’s dewatering portfolio. The PAC SH complements an existing broad portfolio that already includes the VAR, PAS and PAC ranges, allowing IPR to offer mines and quarries a full suite of dewatering solutions at each stage of pit development, from breaking ground to deep levels.
“The extended PAC range means mines can now match the right pump to each stage of pit development – from medium depth to very deep pits. This flexibility ensures efficiency at every stage and provides operational teams with the confidence that the right solution is always available,” says Du Toit.
Eliminating multi-stage pumping
The PAC SH self-priming centrifugal single-stage pump range, explains Du Toit, stands out due to its ability to deliver greater lift and efficiency than conventional multi-stage centrifugal dewatering systems often used at extreme depths. The advanced design and capabilities mean that fewer pumps are needed, set-up is simpler and performance is more consistent in deep pit dewatering applications.
“The complexity of multistage pump systems rises with mining depth. The addition of piping and pumping stations not only calls for more equipment, but also increases the need for maintenance,” says Du Toit. “With their high lift capability, the PAC SH pumps can move water directly from deeper levels of the pit without requiring multiple stages. This translates into easier installations, less equipment to look after and more efficient dewatering, allowing deepening mines to cut costs and increase efficiencies.”
Dewatering, adds Du Toit, is often a major operational cost driver for mines. PAC SH high-head pumps are said to be fuel-efficient, require less maintenance and reduce the high capital costs related to multiple units. The lower fuel consumption and extended service intervals reduce operating costs significantly – delivering real savings in total cost of ownership (TCO).
Pump in detail
The PAC SH pump range boasts a five-vane closed impeller, enhancing efficiency and ensuring superior fluid handling. Its robust design allows it to handle high concentrations of solids and abrasive materials, making it effective in challenging site conditions where continuous and consistent dewatering is essential.
The pump is mounted on a galvanised steel base with a two-point lifting system, allowing for easy transport and handling. A protective engine canopy ensures long term durability, even in harsh operating environments. Security and operational efficiency are further enhanced with a manual lockable diesel fuel fill system, preventing unauthorised access while ensuring safe refuelling.
The pump and engine control panel which includes an emergency stop function, provides operators with precise control over performance and safety. A heavy-duty battery with a secure enclosure guarantees uninterrupted power, while vacuum and pressure gauges enable accurate monitoring of suction and discharge performance.
To maximise pump life and reliability, a pump operating range sign serves as a visual guide to ensure optimal performance while minimising wear and tear.
IPR prioritises safety and ease of use, incorporating features such as heat shields, work lights, a lockable battery isolator and a fire extinguisher as standard. The unit can also be configured with rear discharge pipework including an optional geared butterfly valve, allowing for customised application setups to meet specific site requirements.
Flexibility matters
At the time of writing, IPR had brought its first PAC SH pump into South Africa, which was due for delivery at a mine in Africa. While this was an outright purchase, Du Toit says the PAC SH range is also available for short, medium and long-term rental, providing customers with the flexibility they need to meet their dewatering needs.
“The financial position of the mine or quarry determines whether to buy or to rent a dewatering pump. In the event where the project is long term and capital is available, outright purchase would be the right option for the mine. If capital outlay is a problem, rental will be ideal. Rental eliminates the need for a substantial upfront capital expenditure, freeing up the much needed budget for other pressing needs. In addition, rental costs can be classified as operational expenses, and this is especially important where dewatering is a critical necessity, yet there is no capex available,” says Du Toit.
The PAC SH pump range benefits from the reliable aftermarket support that IPR has become renowned for in the dewatering game. Du Toit stresses that when choosing a mission-critical asset such as a dewatering pump, it is important for mines and quarries to factor in the reputation of the brand and the aftermarket regime behind it.
“Operations that buy or rent their dewatering pumps from IPR can be confident that their equipment is always dependable and operates at peak performance. Our 24/7 technical support through our experienced field service personnel means that we can attend to any breakdowns in a timely manner, reducing downtime for customers,” concludes Du Toit.
