GIW Industries, Inc., a company engaged in the design, manufacture, and application of heavy-duty centrifugal slurry pumps has launched the GIW® TBC-92 slurry pump for operation in the oil sands.
Named for its 92-inch impeller, the TBC-92 is one of the largest and heaviest slurry pumps available in the mining industry and emerges as the latest in a line of powerful high-pressure pumps offered by GIW.
The TBC-92 is designed to tackle heavy-duty slurry transport while providing a low total cost of ownership. Minimal labour and maintenance time helps to optimise production and profit.
The installation of the TBC-92 marks an important milestone. GIW now has pumps in service at all operating Canadian oil sands hydrotransport applications.
GIW business development manager Mollie Timmerman said: “This pump incorporates lessons learned over the years from operating in the oil sands, and features our latest hydraulic and wear technologies.
“Because this is the heaviest TBC pump we have ever designed, particular attention was given to maintainability, as well as material selection and construction of the pressure-containing components.”
The TBC-92 combines elements of the products that preceded it, including the TBC-84, also known as the `Super Pump’. Also included are features from GIW’s MDX products, which are used in heavy-duty mining circuits in hard rock mining.
Ms Timmerman said: “The client needed a higher-capacity pump than was currently available on the market, the TBC-92 pump is the best solution for maximized production.
“We’re all about customer focus from concept to operation.”
In total, the TBC-92 weighs about 209,000lbs, roughly equivalent to a fully-loaded Airbus A321 plane, with a casing that weighs 34,000lbs. For ease of maintenance, customers receive custom lifting devices to facilitate the safe removal and installation of wear components. The pump also features a long-lasting suction liner that can be adjusted without needing to shut the pump down.
After the pump is installed, customers can benefit from the services of dedicated site account managers, who will work with them throughout the startup process. This commitment to customer support extends into maintenance planning, parts stocking, system analysis and training.
Local services and spare parts supply will be based out of GIW’s Fort McMurray service centre.