From Pilot Testing to Long-Term Cooperation
In January 2025, Nord Minerals team successfully completed the pilot testing of a new gravel series pumping equipment with an increased flow section for a metallurgical industry customer in Kazakhstan.
During a CTS shop inspection of the customer’s pump fleet, Nord Minerals experts noticed that four 8c8 series recirculation pumps were not performing well. They could not withstand handling abrasive material – ferrosilicon magnetite. Flow paths, seal and bearing units failed every 2-3 months, and the customer had to purchase two additional pumps and 48 sets of spare parts each year.
To eliminate this problem, Nord Minerals developed a more cost-effective and efficient technological solution. An 8/6 ROITECH pump with a frequency converter was installed in place of the worn-out pumps. The new equipment was equipped with spare units and a flow path designed for increased wear resistance.
Additionally, Nord Minerals specialists have solved the following tasks:
- Strengthened the foundation that did not meet the requirements for new equipment.
- Integrated the frequency converter into the limited space of the power control room.
- Optimized the installation process in the presence of outdated handling equipment on site.
During five months of testing, the pump has demonstrated stability and reliability:
- No downtime or need for unscheduled maintenance. The pump has never failed or needed additional maintenance.
- The flow path is functioning properly, with the expected service life of at least one year.
- By monitoring the motor speed, the pump's operating parameters can be checked in real time.
The successful testing has become the basis for ling-term cooperation: the modernization of the remaining three slurry pumps is already scheduled for this year.
