Less breakdown with hydraulic pumps
WHILE it has been common for rig operators to haul generators around in order to run electric pumps, the practice was never very efficient.
Engine drive pumps could also be subject to “dusting” and a lack of maintenance.
Both issues could lead to breakdowns that would make them less suitable than a hydraulic drive version of the same product.
One company, Australian Pump Industries, has developed a range of hydraulic drive pumps that offers flows of up to 2500 litres per minute and heads as high as 50 metres (75 Psi).
Australian Exploration Engineering, based in Redcliffe, WA, is one of the happy customers, fitting the Aussie semi-trash version of these pumps to their 7500L Ezi Move mud tanks and self-contained trash pump frames.
The pumps were used by their clients to transfer drilling mud for diamond coring and were powered by the rig’s own hydraulic system.
With the Ezi Move mud tank, the trash pump filled the mixing portion of the tank where it was mixed until the correct consistency was achieved to suit the particular drilling conditions.
It would then be transferred by the pump into the drill tank from which the rig could draw on to be pumped down-hole, cooling the drill bit and removing rock cuttings.
The mud would then be recirculated through the system multiple times carrying rock cuttings, so it would be important to have a robust pump, such as the Aussie semi trash pump.
Hydraulic drive was a big benefit because it meant that no alternative sources of power were required, and that there were “engines to dust up”.
The Aussie GMP pumps are made from high-grade cast iron with big, open impellers suitable for pumping small solids in suspension, and they can self-prime through a vertical lift of six metres.
The pumps are exceptionally simple, and built with silicone carbide seals.
A stainless steel wear plate has also been incorporated in each pump.
Aussie Pump’s chief engineer, John Hales, said operators liked the front opening port.
“This means that the pump can be cleared of debris without having to undo pipework or hoses,” he said.
Aussie Pump has now developed a range of hydraulic drive wash down pumps for drill rigs as well.
These pumps are available in pressures of up to 5,000 psi and are fitted with reliable close coupled Cassapa motors.
The motors, made in Italy, are simple and reliable, just like the semi trash pumps they are attached to.
A double bearing housing provides a simple but reliable drive line.
Further information on the complete range of Aussie hydraulic drive pumps for drill rigs is available from Australian Pump Industries.