Rubber linings provide significant resistance to coarse particle abrasion in pumps, making them an ideal choice for handling abrasive materials with large particles. Weir, leveraging years of research and development in elastomer technology, offers rubber linings for nearly all its pumps. According to Marnus Koorts, the general manager for Pump Products at Weir, this provides a distinct advantage in applications like mill pumps, where the energy from moving particles is effectively absorbed by rubber linings. In contrast, metal liners wear down more quickly from such impacts.
Weir’s expertise in elastomer technology, developed over decades and field-tested, places it ahead of competitors who have only recently begun incorporating rubber linings into their pumps. Koorts explains that Weir’s rubber-lined pumps have proven highly effective in some of the harshest mining environments, especially where hard rock is crushed, milled, and transported. Case studies have shown significant improvements in pump wear life after switching to rubber linings.
An additional benefit is the reduced weight of rubber-lined pumps compared to their all-metal counterparts, enhancing safety and simplifying maintenance. Mill pumps, being crucial to plant operations, must undergo quick and infrequent maintenance. Koorts notes that rubber linings facilitate this, as they can be replaced more quickly and less frequently, maximizing plant uptime and improving safety by preventing particle wear from penetrating the pump shell.
The rubber linings are reinforced by a metal shell for added durability, and maintenance can be optimized using Weir’s Synertrex wear monitoring technology. This system alerts operators when parts need replacing, helping avoid pump failures. Weir offers both rubber and metal lining options across many of its pump ranges, making it easy for customers to trial rubber linings during scheduled shutdowns.
Koorts highlights a growing trend in the mining industry toward rubber linings, with companies recognizing their value in abrasive applications. Additionally, rubber linings offer a lower carbon footprint compared to steel, aligning with the mining industry’s increasing focus on sustainability.
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