Xylem has made water system improvements easy with a four-step process
Xylem offers a solution to mines looking to improve their operating efficiency with a focus on water systems
Godwin Electric pumps are built to fit exactly what your mine needs. Increased efficiency and minimum downtime are just a couple of the promises Xylem
Godwin Electric pumps are built to fit exactly what your mine needs. Increased efficiency and minimum downtime are just a couple of the promises Xylem products guarantee. — Photo courtesy Xylem
Xylem Applied Water Systems has been a major contender in the mining industry for years, serving more than 140 countries. Now, Nate Maguire of the Industrial & Agricultural Business Unit of Xylem has a solution for mines looking to improve their operating efficiency with a focus on water systems.
Xylem has made water system improvements easy with a four-step process: conduct a pump system audit; optimize pump energy consumption; optimize pump total cost of ownership; and optimize the system. They wants to help their customers “solve their most challenging water-related problems.”
All mines perform regular audits to determine efficiency and productivity. Pump-specific audits, however, are Xylem’s first step, and specialty. “The results are the same with an audit of a mine pumping system, except that the benefits are potentially broader,” Maguire said. “The process includes a thorough inventory and assessment of pumping assets.”
From here, Maguire and his team “act on opportunities discovered during the audit,” to ensure that the pumps operate efficiently. They want to confirm that pumps operated as close to their “best efficiency point” as possible. Who doesn’t like money saved?
The third step in Xylem’s process is to determine the cost of the water pumps. “Energy is not the only contributor to the total cost of ownership,” he said. “Pump technologies should be chosen and maintenance practices fine-tuned to minimize unplanned repairs and extend service life.”
Mines waste exceptional amounts of money due to poor pumps and unplanned downtime.
Maguire explained that it is estimated that “unplanned downtime costs up to 10 times as much as planned downtime.” Routine maintenance should also be quick and painless.
The fourth step is optimization of the system. “The ultimate goal should be to ensure that the entire pumping system performs at the highest efficiency level,” explained Maguire. Optimizing a system means high performance, with low energy and maintenance costs, and minimal downtime. The last step of Xylem’s improvement process looks at all pump components as a whole: The team will look at “treatment technologies, valves, flow meters, etc., but as a whole.”
Xylem’s wide range of products, materials and options “gives users the ability to specify the right pump for the job,” Maguire said. “For instance, a turbine pump constructed with specific material components resists corrosion during repeated contact with abrasive water."
The G&L A-C Series 8300 does it all: internally self-flushing seals promote maximum lubrication and debris removal. These pumps are all double-suction and base-mounted, but come in varying sizes and motor sizes. — Photo courtesy Xylem
This results in a longer lasting pump, built specifically for the job.
“Mine operators are seeking ways to minimize operating costs, especially during the current downturn,” Maguire explained. “Our four-step process provides a framework for evaluating pumping systems to achieve cost savings and lower the risk of unplanned maintenance.” A smooth-running system means high performance and high productivity. Competing water systems don’t focus on optimal efficiency quite so strongly.
E-SV multiusage vertical pumps come in 11 different models built to fit your unique needs. Flow rates up to 800 GPM, a wide temperature range, and a great design are just a few perks of these pumps. — Photo courtesy Xylem
Xylem’s new products promise leading hydraulic designs equipped with custom software specifically designed for the pump industry, and to meet clients' unique requirements.
Xylem’s team of experts guide mine operators through each step of the improvement process.
Years of experience, and a deep knowledge of the pump industry, make the switch to Xylem products painless. Superior efficiency and lifetime, along with minimal downtime and maintenance costs, are at the centre of Xylem’s goal to improve mines across the board.
“While many companies are scaling back their plans for the mining industry in light of the current downturn, Xylem is maintaining its growth plans,” Maguire said. The company hopes to continue development and improvement of its own products. “We are excited about the future in mining!” he said.
