Pumps for copper ore

The underground mine in Küre in the northern part of the Turkish province of Kastamonu uses 134 of the pumps. There are 182 electrical submersible pumps of the Tsurumi KTZ series in operation in this 980m deep mine forming the backbone of the dewatering system.

Whilst the workers and equipment are moved via lifts, the pumps' task is much more difficult, but this is precisely why Tsurumi designed this series. The delivery program lists 13 different versions of this universal aggregate made of resistant grey iron. They can move between 430 and 2440L/min at a maximum pumping height of 48.5m. 

The most common pump used in the mine is the KTZ35.5 (47 installed): this is a medium-performance pump with a motor output of 5.5kW, allowing it to pump a maximum of 32m and up to 1100L/min. Due to its dry weight of 76kg, it is possible for several people to move it together. 

The dewatering process is also supported by 37 of the smaller KTZ32.2 pumps and 27 aggregates of the sister series KTZE which has a level controller. These pumps control themselves automatically. The controller, which has no moving parts, opens and closes the pump depending on the pre-selected water level. This discontinuous process saves electrical energy and prolongs its service life. 

The mine has been equipped with 26 of Tsurumis' much more powerful LH series to move water through higher distances; this selected configuration can pump water up to 132 m. 

The operator Eti Bakir A.S. has offices on site and is very satisfied with the choices he made. According to Eti Bakir, the pumps have operated without a problem, despite the difficult conditions at the site.

Tsurumis' local dealer Bilgi Mühendislik Ticaret A.S. in Istanbul supplies the pumps and trains the equipment maintenance crew at the mine. Bilgi reported that it was important to the customer that the service life of this Japanese equipment is long and that maintenance procedures are simple. Tsurumi pumps are built using a service-friendly modular system with lots of identical parts throughout the entire delivery program which simplifies the supply of spare parts and binds less capital. This means that lots of customers are able to carry out work themselves on site, according to Bilgi. 

Technical details such as the patented forced lubrication, separately cast electrical conductor to prevent water penetration and the use of ultra-hard materials, for instance silicone carbide, are just some examples of the reliability of the design. The dealer believes that this is one of the decisive reasons for many operators whose companies run around the clock.

Just in case, Bilgi has set up a 24h standby service.