The Challenge
The pump arrived at our workshop bearing the scars of its demanding service life. Heavy rust and corrosion covered the column and guards, bearings were caked in excess grease, and a large rock had wedged itself in the discharge. Despite these issues, the pump’s high-chrome impeller and casings hinted at its potential for rejuvenation.
Visual Inspection
Heavy rust and corrosion were observed on the column and guards, accompanied by excess grease deposits in the bearings. A large rock obstructing the discharge highlighted the need for thorough cleaning and assessment.
Condition Assessment
Key Component Observations:
- Column and Guards: Extensive corrosion requiring structural repairs and protective coatings.
- Lower Lip Seal Sleeve: Found to have been spinning on the shaft, necessitating replacement.
- Bottom Shaft End: Worn but deemed serviceable without immediate repair.
- Impeller and Casings: Constructed from high-chrome material and generally in acceptable condition.
- Bearings: Excess grease was noted and bearings were inspected for suitability.
- Drive Components: Drive pulleys and taper locks were in good condition, requiring no intervention.
Additional Findings:
- Belt guard and column required structural repairs.
- Grease overflow observed in the bearing housing.
Actions Undertaken
Repair Recommendations:
- Specialised Cleaning: Needle scaling and grit blasting were used to remove corrosion and prepare components for repair.
- Structural Repairs: Steel patches were applied to the column, restoring its integrity and extending its lifespan.
- Protective Coating: A 2-pack epoxy coating was applied to comply with updated regulations and protect against future damage.
- Component Replacement: Standard worn parts were listed and replaced as per the client’s specifications.
- Discharge Clearance: The rock obstructing the discharge was removed, ensuring the pump could operate at full capacity.
External Work:
The motor was removed at the client's request and sent to Arrow Electrical for inspection and repair.
Outcome
This project demonstrated the power of combining advanced cleaning techniques, strategic repairs, and regulatory-driven upgrades to breathe new life into aging equipment. Southern Pumping’s tailored approach ensured that the Warman 100RV slurry pump was ready to perform when needed, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.
This pump’s story is far from over—it’s set to write a new chapter of reliability and resilience in one of Australia’s most demanding industrial environments.