allows the pump to be set accurately for optimum operation. “It takes people out of harm’s way and makes the adjustment much quicker and simpler.” Pretorius continues that SLYsight complemented RAMSL with its sensor- based monitoring technology which is designed to provide wear data on the inside of the slurry pump where various sensors monitor wear and other critical parameters at different points within the pump. The data can then be monitored to check the wear condition and monitor changes over time. This gives the operators a clear indication of the internal condition of the pump rather than waiting for regular inspections as is usually the case. Keith Hedges, KSB Pumps and Valves sales manager for valves, says the largescale MDX display was complemented with the equally impressive KSB DN600 knife gate valve with pneumatic cylinder and a DN400 pinch valve which weighs approximately 500 kg and 300 kg respectively. In slurry applications KSB’s valve solutions provide precise and reliable flow controls to prevent damage and wear to expensive pipeline infrastructure and for reliable operation in tough slurry conditions. “These are big valves and Electra Mining is a show where it pays to show what we can do and the scale of our equipment for diverse mining applications. We wanted to make an impact and have something impressive on the stand which is why we chose the gate knife valve and pinch valves that were most likely to get visitors talking,” says Hedges. In addition to equipment and displays KSB Pumps and Valves had a strong technical team on the stand to discuss applications and potential solutions. GIW specialists Travis Basinger and Jason Blue from the GIW in the USA were also on hand to demonstrate the MDX and share their knowledge with mining professionals. They were joined by KSB specialists from South Africa and representatives from the company’s wider sub-Saharan African operations including personnel from East and Central Africa. The company also highlighted its broader service and condition-monitoring capabilities and visitors were encouraged to bring their operational challenges to the stand and engage directly with the technical specialists. n
GIW specialists Travis Basinger and Jason Blue with Jacques Pretorius (middle) of KSB Pumps and Valves
KSB’s Keith Hedges with the impressive KSB DN600 knife gate valve.
than a maintenance team having to undertake lengthy manual adjustments. Visitors were able to see the liner being moved towards the rotating impeller before the system brings the liner into contact with it and back it off to establish the required nose gap. The adjustment can be made in small increments which
slurries continuously attacking internal components, so wear is inevitable. The challenge is to understand it, manage it and intervene before it develops into an unplanned failure,” says Pretorius. He explains that KSB’s RAMSL technology provides an automated way of managing this critical clearance rather
November 2026 | www.modernminingmagazine.co.za MODERN MINING 31
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