The new era of pump wear technology

KSB offers comprehensive services to help relieve the pressure and reduce the life cycle cost of your most challenging pump problems.

The efficient operation of slurry pumps in the mining industry is critical, with pump wear technology playing a significant role in monitoring and maintaining pump performance. One innovative solution that is making waves in the industry is the KSB GIW^® SLYsight technology. This advanced slurry pump wear monitoring technology is revolutionising the way pump wear is detected and managed, leading to improved pump performance and longer equipment lifespan.

The transportation of abrasive and corrosive mixtures in mining operations is the task of slurry pumps, but this duty inevitably results in considerable wear and tear on the equipment. These pumps face a rigorous demand that poses a significant challenge in maintaining optimal performance levels. Although traditional methods of monitoring and managing pump wear through manual inspections and scheduled maintenance are common, they come with limitations such as time and resource expenditure. Additionally, such approaches are reactive, meaning wear is often only identified after it has impacted pump efficiency, leading to higher maintenance costs and potential downtime. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a more advanced solution that can offer precise and timely insights into the wear status of slurry pumps, enabling a more proactive approach to maintenance.

KSB GIW^® SLYsight utilises custom sensors, in strategic locations, to measure the actual wear rate of a slurry pump’s parts, including the internal clearance between the suction liner and the impeller, also known as the “nose gap.” The data collected by the sensors as the pump runs, is shared through periodic reports. 

This enhanced monitoring system delivers data during nose gap adjustments that not only contributes to the pump’s maximum wear life but also enables operators to make an efficient and safe adjustment while the pump is operating.

Integrating KSB GIW^® SLYsight technology can prevent unforeseen shutdowns and streamline operations. By implementing this system, the maintenance of slurry pumps becomes simpler, eliminating any doubts. 

The greatest advantage of SLYsight is its ability to supply maintenance teams with data that was once inaccessible, keeping them ahead of the game. This innovative technology enhances the understanding and management of pumping equipment wear by providing visual data reports and monitoring capabilities.

By comparing KSB GIW^® SLYsight technology to traditional wear monitoring practices, it becomes clear that the field of pump maintenance is shifting. The limitations of periodic inspections and human intervention, including subjective interpretation and variations in precision, are intrinsic to traditional methodologies. Although these approaches served their purpose in the past, they often lead to reactive maintenance strategies that only address wear once it has already impacted pump performance. 

SLYsight, on the other hand, employs advanced sensors to monitor wear in real-time and introduces an objective lens that enhances accuracy and eliminates guesswork. This technology enables informed decision-making that can pre-emptively counter potential wear and tear issues before they escalate. By freeing up resources and allocating time and manpower more efficiently, SLYsight marks a clear advantage over traditional manual inspections. 

As the industry pivots towards real-time data and predictive analysis, pump maintenance will be characterized by proactive and informed strategies.

The mining industry is entering a new era of efficiency and reliability with the evolution of pump wear technology. Innovations like KSB GIW^® SLYsight are revolutionizing the industry by utilizing real-time data collection and predictive insights. This proactive approach to maintenance is a departure from the traditional reactive methods and ensures a longer lifespan and better performance for slurry pumps. It also reduces the risk of financial and operational setbacks caused by unplanned downtime and costly repairs. Integrating these advanced technologies into daily operations is becoming a key factor in achieving optimal efficiency and reliability. As more mining companies adopt these sophisticated monitoring systems, the industry is expected to redefine success and pave the way for the full potential of pump wear technology.