⎪ Maintenance and asset management ⎪
the pulp and paper sector and the critical water and wastewater sectors. We are also able to develop industry- specific customised service contracts at any level of service to help pump users manage their assets better,” says Stephen Bale. He advises that before deciding to replace pumping assets, clients should consult KSB’s SupremeServ team. “We can often refurbish and upgrade existing pumping systems more cost-effectively, which can result in signifi - cantly extended life and ongoing cost savings. This approach is operationally smart, cost- effective and environmentally responsible. It also improves asset availability, making this service well-suited to our ageing water infrastructure.” Görgens notes that new pumps may not fit existing infrastructure, potentially requiring a new plant. By comparison, KSB SupremeServ’s team can upgrade the capac- ity of existing pumps on the same footprint, extending the life of a water or wastewater plant at a fraction of the cost of a new plant. The SupremeServ Jet Park Workshop Operations Manager, David Mathonsi, says the Jet Park Workshop is about to be extend- ed due to additional work volumes coming in. “This speaks to the quality of the repair and refurbishing support we offer our customers, which all stems from the technical skills of our shopfloor and supporting staff.” The current plant comprises 4 400 m 2 of under-roof space, eight fully equipped work centres for refurbishing the KSB pump range, and three dedicated work centres for refur- bishing boiler-water recirculating pumps used during boiler start-up or shutdown. These are large KSB pumps that operate at high pressure and temperature. The SupremeServ workshop is also set up to refurbish the flue-gas desulphurisation pumps for a large power plant. “These pumps have 900 mm suction and discharge piping, which draw about 1.2 MW of power. They spray an abrasive limestone slurry into the flue-gas stream to remove sulphur dioxide (SO2). We also refurbish other critical pumps like API pumps for the chemical industry, replacing the mechanical seals and restoring pumps to their as-new specifications.” Mathonsi explains that SupremeServ’s own machine shop, with additional support from the KSB Pump and Valves manufacturing plant in Activia Park, can also manufacture replacement and re-engineered components for pumps and valves, including impellers and impeller wear rings, case wear rings, throat bushes, liners, and more. “To further improve our lead times, we are turning to automation through new Field Service Management (FSM) software. This system will completely replace paperwork,
KSB’s Jet Park Workshop comprises 4 400 m 2 of under-roof space, eight fully equipped work centres for refurbishing the KSB pump range, and three dedicated work centres for refurbishing boiler- water recirculating pumps used during boiler start-up or shutdown.
projects as far afield as Sri Lanka and Vietnam. To meet service contract commitments, KSB’s SupremeServ Field Services crews are strategically positioned across the country, supported by seven branch workshops, en- abling rapid response even after hours. “We pride ourselves on delivering a highly profes- sional and technically sound service. Our wide range of capabilities ensures clients receive the kind of support they need, when they need it, wherever they need it,” says Mey. Another essential part of KSB’s SupremeServ offering is System Optimisation Services (SOS). “Our studies show that over 90% of in-service pumps operate outside their intended design point, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and reduced equipment life. Through our data-driven analysis, we are now able to identify and implement targeted efficiency improvements and perform struc - tured root cause analyses of pump failures to deliver measurable gains in performance, energy savings and operational reliability for our clients, worldwide.” In conclusion, Görgens
accelerate recording and communication of progress and ensure accountability for every job that comes into the workshop,” he proudly tells MCA . SupremeServ Field Services Johan Mey, the newly appointed SupremeServ Field Service Manager, manages a team of 16 Field Service Specialists as well as technical, administrative and management staff. “We take great pride in having the first female Field Service Specialist within KSB globally, a milestone that reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion within this traditionally male-dominated field,” he tells MCA . The team’s qualifications and experience enable them to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of field services, including electri - cal installations, assembly and connection of electrical panels for pump systems, and de- tailed fault-finding and diagnostics. “We also perform pump data capturing and analysis; base and motor installations in accordance with OEM specifications and best engineering practices; as well as in-situ repairs of pumps and valves. Every pump service is supported by a detailed post-completion report that includes our findings, recommendations and performance data to support continuous improvement,” Mey adds. The team repeatedly serves a broad spec- trum of industries, including clients ranging from individual farmers with irrigation chal- lenges to operators of supercritical pumps at South African power stations, chemical plants, mines and water utilities, among others. “Our work also extends to municipalities and in- dustrial clients across the region and beyond South Africa’s borders into sub–Saharan Africa. Our specialists have even supported
adds that SupremeServ is on a growth path and ready to meet existing and future us- ers’ long-term maintenance needs. “We are increasingly aiming at assisting our cus- tomers and users to develop long-term maintenance con- tracts where we take the responsibility for servicing
Scan the QR code to watch a video outlining SupremeServ’s reverse- engineering capabilities.
and maintaining systems at their facilities. This can help them overcome expenditure constraints and ensure essential maintenance is completed when needed,” he says. https://www.ksb.com/en-za
January-February 2025 • MechChem Africa ¦ 29
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker