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High pressure
hydrofracturing pumpset
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Our customer, a major
mining company located in Orange is developing new and
innovative techniques for mining with a view to reducing
costs and making more mine sites viable. Instead of the
traditional method, which involves blasting, this
technique uses high pressure water forced into
fissures within the rock structure of the mine to
collapse large sections of rock that can be excavated.
The pumpset is pictured with Carlos about to put it on
the truck for despatch after extensive tests at our
factory.
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The pumpset
comprises a
Hammelmann
triplex pump
rated at 6
litres per
second at
10,000 psi.
The pump is
driven by a
1000V
electric
motor
through a
gearbox
which
increases
the speed to
1800 rpm
from motor
speed of
1450 rpm.
The pump was
mounted in a
separate sub
base for
ease of
removal for
servicing in
the field.
The water
supply from
a tank is
boosted by a
centrifugal
pump and
filtered
through an
80 micron
self
cleaning
filter. An
electro-magnetic
flow meter
was fitted
to the
suction side
of the pump
to allow for
accurate
logging of
flow rates. |
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The equipment was mounted on a large
purpose-built base plate which included an A frame
towing point to allow the machine to be repositioned in
the mine by large excavating equipment. The pumpset
weighed in excess of 10 tonnes and so had to be very
strongly constructed. The pump was connected via Spicer
driveshaft to maintain correct alignment and speed up
the removal and replacement process in the field. The
pumpset was fitted with pressure and temperature sensors
to provide shutdown for low oil pressure, low water
supply pressure or high temperatures. A vibration sensor
was fitted to the gearbox.
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A
control room was
built to house the
controls,
instrumentation and
to provide a
comfortable working
environment for the
operators. The
control station was
fitted with
airconditioning,
recessed lighting
and inbuilt desk for
computer equipment.
A 10 mm thick safety
glass window was
fitted to allow the
operators to view
the pumpset during
operation. The roof
of the cabin had
additional
strengthening
members to provide
protection to the
operators should
there be any loose
material falling
from the mine roof. |
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A
large motor control
centre and
distribution board
was needed to drive
all the electrical
equipment. By
mounting this all in
an air-conditioned
container, we were
able to provide
protection against
dust and spray with
the additional
advantage of being
easily
transportable. All
the electrical works
were carried out to
mining industry
specifications.
Motor controls and
safety interlocks
were built to Safety
Category 2. |
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