The Hippo submersible slurry pumps range from Centurion-based pumping solutions provider Hazleton Pumps is regarded as the safest range the company has developed, with specialised protective features standard.

“There is currently no other submersible slurry pumps range that can be compared with the Hippo submersible slurry pumps range. “We are world leaders in pump solutions, owing to our achievements in high head and high volume submersible slurry pumping recognised internationally,” Hazleton Pumps MD Thys Wehmeyer explains.

He says the submersible slurry pumps are developed to be an integrated pumping solution. They are continuously updated to ensure capability in meeting client demands, through customised engineering and advanced technology, facilitated by a team of experts who accommodate a variety of applications and specific duties to supply pumping solutions.

“All the pumps we manufacture have a comprehensive data file in which the operating conditions are recorded, as well as the repair and maintenance costs over the life span of the pump.”

Wehmeyer says all the wearing components of the pumps – such as the impeller, volute, wearing plate and others – are closely monitored to predict their life span. This information is then used to improve the pumps.

The upgrade programme which Hazleton Pumps introduced to support the research and development of the Hippo submersible slurry pumps has assisted with the range being regarded as “the world’s safest and most reliable submersible pump”, he says.

All the pumps can run continuously, as the stator housing is filled with oil dissipating heat from the electrical winding; this prevents the stator winding from burning out because of overheating.

The oil in the stator housing has the additional benefit of lubricating the seals and bearings. In case of mechanical seals failure, Wehmeyer says the contamination of the oil is detected by moisture-detector relays, and before the liquid being pumped comes into contact with the electrical winding of the pump, the pump is switched off and, therefore, the electrical winding can never burn out.

The pump is also fitted with thermistors to ensure that any mechanical failure of the bearings is detected. “Any possible electrical flash inside the pump enclosure is prevented by having the pump enclosure under vacuum pressure and monitored by a pressure transmitter,” he says.

The Hippo pumps range, with only the bearings and mechanical seals imported, boasts a 98% local-content manufacturing percentage.

Extended Warranty
Owing to the reliability of the Hippo range, Hazleton Pumps has introduced an extended warranty period of two years on all new submersible slurry pumps in the range, with clients having the option to extend the period even further thereafter, says Wehmeyer.

The cost of the extended warranty period varies and is determined by the operating conditions, duty point and the product being pumped, as well as the location where the pump will operate.

Wehmeyer says the mechanical seals on the Hippo submersible slurry pumps are guaranteed by the seal manufacturer for a year and the company will replace the mechanical seals as part of the extended warranty, as well as any other components that might affect the reliability of the pumps.