Improved Engine Components Designed for Optimal Performance

In a significant development, Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd (Implats) in South Africa has implemented Weir's Wear Resistance Technology (WRT) impeller and throatbush in their tailings recovery plant. This move aims to improve durability and performance, extending the replicator parts' lifespan to an impressive four months.

John West, Regional Manager Slurry Aftermarket at Weir, stated that ongoing enhancements are integrated into every component of their parts. He provided a service technician for the installation of the upgraded parts and delivered training on general maintenance.

The extended service intervals provided by Weir's parts contribute directly to the overall efficiency and profitability of customers' operations. Energy consumption represents a significant portion of a pump's total lifecycle costs, yet many users focus solely on the purchase price of spare parts. Weir's spare parts, fine-tuned to help reduce energy consumption and operational costs, meet world-class design and manufacturing standards.

The collaboration with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) ensured proper implementation and helped enhance the plant's skill base, contributing to improved equipment longevity and reliability. Weir's continuous investment in research and development ensures improved energy efficiency and longer-lasting spare parts.

John West emphasizes Weir's commitment to quality design and manufacture, ensuring customers benefit from improved energy efficiency and longer wear life parts. The WRT parts, extended to the Envirotech Alpha range of pumps, reduce power consumption by drawing lower amperage and delivering a higher head in the particular application.

The efficiency benefits of OEM parts are more significant in remote operations powered by diesel generators, where the high cost of energy can be substantially lowered by ensuring all equipment operates at peak efficiency. Power consumption directly correlates with carbon emissions, making the use of high-quality OEM parts environmentally valuable for mining companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

Energy accounts for nearly 60% of a pump's lifetime cost, making opting for a cheaper but less efficient pump lead to significantly higher operating expenses. Weir works closely with their customers to do formal assessments to reduce operating costs. Customers can achieve higher equipment efficiency and extended lifespan using genuine parts.

The capital cost of a pump and spare parts represents less than about 10% of its total cost of ownership (TCO) over its lifespan. The efficiency benefits of Weir's WRT parts, therefore, offer a long-term financial advantage to Impala Platinum and other mining companies seeking to optimize their operations.