Pumps that handle large particles are prone to wear and frequent downtime as a result of particle abrasion. Using rubber linings in these pumps has shown cost savings on components and maintenance, says industrial engineering company Weir.

Weir GM pump products Marnus Koorts notes that the company’s expertise in elastomer technology for rubber linings means that it can supply rubber linings on almost all of its pumps, adding that these linings excel in applications where particles are driven by a great deal of energy.

“Rubber is very good at absorbing and transferring the energy from moving particles, whereas metal liners are more readily worn away by those impacts,” says Koorts. “This makes rubber linings ideal on the larger mill pumps and similar applications, which is where our customers get optimal value from this solution.”

“We have helped customers to deal with some of the most abrasive applications to be found in mining. These conditions are commonly found where hard rock is mined, crushed and milled, and the coarse particles leave the mill to be pumped further,” he says.

Another benefit of using rubber in these large pumps is that it is relatively lightweight compared to unlined metal pumps, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance of rubber parts. Replacing a rubber lining on a pump can be done quickly, and less often – giving the plant optimal uptime, adds Koorts. He points out that this also provides a higher level of safety against the risk of particle wear actually breaking through the shell of the pump, which can cause the high pressure inside the pump to spray slurry up to a couple of hundred metres – presenting considerable safety and environmental hazards.

“Where the rubber lining is present, it is encapsulated by a metal shell for added support,” he explains. “Maintenance planning can be enhanced by using Weir’s Synertrex wear monitoring technology, which would alert the operators to the need for parts replacement, avoiding failures.”

The company emphasises that many of its pump ranges are available with the option of either rubber or metal liners, allowing customers to trial the rubber lined option, which can be fitted through a swap-in process during the plant’s shutdown period.