Mining involves harsh and difficult operating conditions. The presence of water in a mine can lead to operational delays, safety hazards, and increased costs.

Dewatering pumps are therefore essential to cope with the constant influx of water. However, dewatering pumps must overcome many challenges, including corrosive water and the abrasive materials it contains, remote operation in confined environments, and high head and flow requirements. These dewatering pumps must demonstrate certain key criteria to provide consistent and efficient performance over time.

1. Pump Durability

Dewatering pumps must be able to withstand the abrasive and harsh conditions of the mining environment. Their physical design must be rugged enough to handle the rigors and collapse of an operating mine. The choice of materials in the construction of the pump is also critical. Highly wear-resistant materials extend the life of the pump and maintain performance in the presence of abrasive particles. Corrosion-resistant materials are essential to withstand the chemically aggressive environments found in some mines.

2. Pump performance

As a mine grows, dewatering requirements change. Initially, the water level may be quite low, but as excavation depth increases, the demands on the pump increase significantly. Dewatering pumps therefore need to be able to lift increasing volumes of water to higher and higher heights. This requires high head pressures and high flow rates.

3. Ease of maintenance

In safety-critical applications such as dewatering, minimizing downtime of critical equipment is a top priority. Therefore, ease of maintenance or repair of the pump is important. Accessibility to wear parts during routine inspection and replacement, and whether any special tools are required, are key considerations. Complexity is also a consideration: disassembling parts of the pump to replace seals, drive trains or lubricants in cramped conditions and poor light can be difficult, as components can easily be installed incorrectly or lost. Adjustable wear parts are also in demand, as they can be used to restore performance and extend service intervals.

4. Ease of deployment

Water levels can rise quickly, so dewatering pumps should be portable and easy to deploy. The physical size and weight of the pump are important factors, especially in restricted conditions that prevent normal handling. Additionally, electric submersible pumps require power cables and, in some cases, starter and motor protection panels. These add to the complexity of moving a dewatering pump in a confined space, so its design and portability must be considered.

All of this technology has been applied to the development of the Yondor (Ultra High Lift) dewatering pumps. These heavy-duty, automatic, self-priming pumps excel in all media. They feature cartridge seals, which not only extend the mean time between repairs (MTTR), but also make maintenance faster and simpler as there is only one component to replace - the cartridge. The use of a chain belt further increases its ease of maintenance. Another feature is the mechanical seal oil bath, which ensures adequate lubrication and extends the dry-running capability of the pump.

5. Overall efficiency of the pump

Mines are often located in remote areas without permanent power supply. Therefore, dewatering pumps must perform well over time without requiring much power. Initially, the volume of water may be small, but as the mine gets deeper, the volume requirements increase. In addition, the water becomes dirtier, more acidic and more viscous. The pump hydraulic system should meet the volume and lifting height range generated during the mine's operating life without compromising energy efficiency. The dewatering pump should also not generate any power spikes that could affect the performance of other equipment.