Pumps suit highwall mining

Sykes' range of Xtra high head pumps is suitable for highwall mining applications. With the depth of operations, water management is critical in highwall mining, making pump systems a priority. Any mismanagement of water could result in workings being flooded.

With tunnelling into the highwall being carried out at the bottom of an existing open cut mine, the performance requirements of the pump can be demanding. The static head is high with mining operations often taking place at a depth of around 120 m depending on location. The suction needs to be deep enough to cope with surge capacity and resulting high suction lifts.

Sykes pumps are auto-priming, making set-up and relocation simple. They are mounted on the bank providing easy access with only the suction hose in the sump. There is no need for construction or relocation of walkways or lifting frames, nor for large cranes to reach pumps mounted in the sumps where access can be highly restricted due to OHS.

The range requires little maintenance. Along with being auto-priming, it offers oil lubricated bearings and a Glycol lubricated and cooled mechanical seal which require minimal servicing.

Options include telemetry and re-fuelling systems which are necessary for highwall mining and are generally not available on hire pumpsets. The range is available with 80, 100 and 150 mm connections, discharge heads to 245 m and flows to 150 L/s.