Weir’s latest move to upgrade its Wear Reduction Technology (WRT®) components for WARMAN® and ENVIROTECH® pumps is more than just a product enhancement; it’s a strategic pivot that could reshape the mining sector’s approach to sustainability and operational efficiency. By focusing on improving the efficiency of equipment already in the field, Weir is setting a new standard for how mining companies can achieve their sustainability goals without massive capital investments.
Marnus Koorts, General Manager Original Equipment at Weir, underscores the significance of this strategy. “The best place to start was with our renowned WARMAN AH® pumps, which are used in many mines across the globe,” he says. The WRT upgrades, introduced to the African market in 2010, have already demonstrated substantial benefits. These upgrades deliver an energy saving of 3-5% to WARMAN AH pump owners and have extended the lifespan of these pumps by 30-50%. This translates to direct on-site cost savings and significantly reduced energy consumption, a critical factor given the large number of these pumps in operation worldwide.
The technical innovations behind these upgrades are noteworthy. The WRT component combination enhances hydraulic efficiency through optimised designs of the impeller and throatbush. The WRT impeller, for instance, features specially developed vanes that guide fluid more efficiently, reducing turbulence and minimising energy loss. “The design of the WRT impeller improves flow characteristics, compared to older designs with steeper vane angles,” Koorts explains. This improvement is not just about energy savings; it’s about creating a more sustainable and efficient mining operation.
One of the standout features of the WRT upgrades is their seamless integration into existing infrastructure. This means that customers can adopt these energy-efficient options without extra capital expenditure. “Being interchangeable with WARMAN pumps’ older technology, the WRT components allow customers to switch over without extra capital expenditure – by changing to WRT options when existing parts need to be replaced,” Koorts says. This approach has already allowed a majority of Weir’s customer base to adopt the latest energy-efficient options, particularly in Africa.
The impact of these upgrades is evident in the market’s enthusiastic uptake. In Africa, for instance, all new WARMAN AH pumps sold contain WRT technology, and a majority of existing WARMAN AH pumps have already been converted. This trend is set to continue with the ENVIROTECH range, where WRT technology has been extended. “For the past two years, we have been supplying our ENVIROTECH pumps with WRT as standard,” Koorts notes. “Today, more than half of all our ENVIROTECH pump spares sales are WRT designs.”
Weir’s commitment to Africa and its technologies is further underpinned by local investment in production capacity. This allows the company to cast and machine its pumps and components in South Africa, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, energy-efficient products. This local investment is not just about meeting demand; it’s about driving innovation and sustainability in the mining sector.
The implications of Weir’s WRT upgrades are far-reaching. They challenge the mining industry to think beyond new technologies and focus on optimising existing infrastructure. This approach could set a new benchmark for sustainability, proving that significant energy savings and operational efficiencies can be achieved without massive overhauls. As more mining companies adopt similar strategies, the sector could see a shift towards more sustainable and cost-effective operations. This is not just about reducing energy consumption; it’s about creating a more resilient and future-proof mining industry. The question now is, will other companies follow suit, or will they be left behind in the race towards sustainability?
