A significant sized mine produces premium Nickel products for export. Based in Western Australia, the mining site extracts and processes nickel ore to produce nickel concentrate and other valuable by-products.
Using a Goodwin ANZE 200mm Submersible Slurry Pump at a Nickel Ore Concentrator Facility
A significant-sized mine in Western Australia produces premium nickel products for export. This mining site extracts and processes nickel ore to create nickel concentrate and other valuable by-products. However, one of the persistent challenges faced by the mine was premature and ongoing pump failure in both of their beneficiation ponds, leading to considerable downtime, increased operational costs, and reduced productivity.
To mitigate these issues, the mine sought an alternative pump solution that could withstand the harsh operating conditions. Goodwin Pumps provided a 200ANZE Submersible Slurry Pump for a trial period, showcasing its superior performance, reliability, and durability. This article outlines the benefits of implementing the Goodwin 200ANZE 200mm Submersible Slurry Pump at the mine and how it helped optimize operations.
The Challenges of Pump Failures in Nickel Ore Processing
Nickel ore processing involves handling highly abrasive and dense slurries. The mine had been experiencing major pump failures due to the installed pumps being rated for a maximum of 1.3 Specific Gravity (SG). Since the nickel ore slurries often exceeded this threshold, the pumps suffered from excessive wear and tear, causing them to fail every four weeks.
Additionally, the repair process took another four weeks due to long lead times for spare parts from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). To avoid prolonged downtimes, the mine was forced to stockpile high volumes of spare parts, tying up capital and storage space. This inefficiency resulted in an estimated 20% reduction in daily productivity, impacting the overall profitability of the operation.
Goodwin: A Legacy of Engineering Excellence
Recognizing the operational bottleneck, Goodwin Pumps proposed a solution in the form of their ANZE 200mm Submersible Slurry Pump. Known for their robust design and engineering precision, Goodwin Pumps has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality pumps capable of handling the most demanding industrial applications.
Understanding the mine’s hesitancy to invest in new equipment, Goodwin offered a risk-free trial: a one-month deployment of the 200ANZE for a nominal fee of AUS$1. This strategic move allowed the mining company to evaluate the pump’s capabilities before committing financially.
Rapid Deployment and Seamless Integration
Once the AUS$1 order was received, Goodwin delivered the 200ANZE Submersible Slurry Pump to the site the very next day. The installation and commissioning process was completed within a day, enabling the pump to be fully operational by the second day of the trial. This rapid deployment was facilitated by the pump’s user-friendly design, which allows for easy handling, installation, and maintenance.
Ever since the trial’s success, the site now refers to the Goodwin Submersible Surry Pumps as THE YELLOW SUBMARINE!
The Performance and Benefits of the 200ANZE Pump
After one month of operation, the Goodwin 200ANZE demonstrated superior performance compared to the previous pumps. Some of the key benefits observed include:
1. High Resistance to Abrasive Slurries
The 200ANZE was specifically designed to handle slurries with a Specific Gravity (SG) of up to 2.8, making it ideal for nickel ore processing. Unlike the previous pumps, which failed every four weeks, the 200ANZE maintained continuous operation throughout the trial period without any signs of wear.
2. Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs
By eliminating the frequent breakdowns and prolonged repair times, the 200ANZE drastically reduced downtime. The mining company no longer needed to stockpile large quantities of spare parts, freeing up capital and storage space for other operational needs.
3. Increased Productivity and Efficiency
With the previous pumps, productivity was reduced by 20% due to frequent breakdowns. The 200ANZE’s ability to operate without interruption meant that the mine regained full productivity, translating into higher output and improved revenue.
4. Cost Savings on Spare Parts and Repairs
Because the 200ANZE is engineered for durability, it requires significantly fewer spare parts and repairs compared to the previous pumps. This reduction in maintenance costs provided direct financial benefits to the mine.
5. Ease of Handling and Installation
The Goodwin 200ANZE is designed for straightforward installation and commissioning. The trial pump was fully operational within 48 hours of delivery, demonstrating its ease of use and reliability.
Long-Term Adoption and Expansion
"For the first time in my working life, I had staff come to me and thank me personally for introducing these pumps into the operation which has made their lives so much easier in maintenance and allowing them to spend more time on other tasks."
The General Manager of the mine contacted the Manager at Goodwin Australia on day three of the trials, to request a formal quotation for two more 200ANZE Submersible Pumps. This was due to the exceptional results achieved during the first two days of the trial which made the General Manager pleased with the pump’s performance as they added a 30% increase in production capacity into the process facility. The General Manager also stated that they have just experienced the best and most superior service in the history of the site.
Due to this success, Goodwin Australia and Brazil have sold a total of more than 60 pumps to this customer at various locations around the world.
Goodwin Australia's Solution Provided:
The implementation of the Goodwin 200ANZE 200mm Submersible Slurry Pump at this Western Australian nickel mine marked a significant improvement in their ore processing operations. By addressing the persistent issues of frequent pump failure, downtime, and high maintenance costs, Goodwin provided a robust and efficient solution that enhanced productivity and contributed to cost savings.
Investing in high-performance, durable slurry pumps like the Goodwin 200ANZE for General Managers overseeing similar mining operations can lead to substantial long-term benefits. The trial offer, which allowed the mining company to test the pump’s capabilities before committing to a purchase, further highlights the company’s confidence in its product’s reliability and effectiveness.
With a proven track record in handling abrasive slurries and a commitment to engineering excellence, Goodwin Pumps Australia continues to be a trusted partner for the mining industry, offering solutions that maximize efficiency and profitability.
