Pump Fundamentals Blog

With a capacity of roughly 195,000 barrels per day, this young oil sands mine was commissioned between 2017 and 2018 with two GIW® LHD-50 pumps for th...

Typically, it is only discovered that a pump part has worn out during scheduled maintenance or when there is a catastrophic failure. Other than guessw...

In 2020, United States based company Mike Hooks, LLC was experiencing less than optimal performance from a pump on the cutter suction dredge E Stroud....

The 3064D casing, commonly used in GIW® 20 X 20 LHD-42 pumps, has been modified for better manufacturability. This change does not affect interchangea...

Previously, the Bill of Materials (BOM) structure treated the thrower (previously known as the flinger), the raw casting, and the associated fasteners...

KSB GIW, Inc. operates the largest white iron foundry in the world, as well as smaller foundries in Grovetown and Thomson, Georgia, USA. Foundries are...

The goal of the Quick Ship 2.0 Program is to have select GIW® LCC pumps ready for shipment within two weeks and have spare parts ready for shipment wi...

Much like the changing seasons, a Latin American mining site implements four scheduled maintenance outages to keep its operation running at peak perfo...

This complete pedestal redesign brings both improved structural integrity and greater ease of access for maintenance for all LSA–style pumps in the 2-...

This upgrade provides an improved platform for installing RTDs, vibration-monitoring equipment, and pitot-tube oil-sampling ports, and multiple oil si...

In a continuous effort to improve the wear life of KSB's mill duty and hydrotransport/tailings pumps, the L Series of MDX and TBC pumps has been devel...

Switching from a competitor pump to the GIW® TBC pump resulted in this oil sands customer receiving 250% improvement in wear performance. Even with th...

Phosphate is vital to industries as varied as technology, green energy, and fertilizer production, but phosphate mining and distribution is complicate...

From selecting the perfect pump for each application to providing solutions that improve efficiency and increase wear life, KSB is committed to assist...

Each year resolutions are made but are they effective? Are you able to practically apply them to your life or your work and successfully meet your goa...

The right data is vital to optimizing slurry pump performance, which makes it essential for those who work with pumps to understand the slurry pump pe...

With 2023 right around the corner, it’s time for our annual year in review. Do you know your Pump Fundamentals? Take another look at our most popular ...

Mining plays a critical part in the transition to renewable energy, and the two go hand-in-hand. Renewable energy relies on mined resources, specifica...

Internet of Things (IoT) technology is a hot topic with growing applications in the mining industry. IoT is a coordinated network of devices and techn...

KSB has a long, well-earned reputation for producing and maintaining cutting-edge centrifugal pumps, but global recognition for manufacturing excellen...

KSB Group has a long history of developing rugged, wear-resistant slurry and non-slurry pumps. With manufacturing facilities around the world, KSB is ...

National Manufacturing Day, celebrated on the first Friday of October, kicks off Manufacturing Month, which spans the entire month. This celebration o...

If you work in the Oil Sands, you’re no stranger to tough, remote conditions — and neither is your equipment. However, our harsh winters can be especi...

Phosphate represents a significant opportunity within the mining industry. As the fourth most mined mineral in the world, phosphate has earned its spo...

On-time delivery and optimal production require an efficient order management system. From initial order request to fulfillment, order management for ...

The demand for mined goods is higher now than ever before. And with this demand comes the need for more mining equipment, including slurry pumps. As a...

KSB Account Manager Desmond Wilson brings decades of experience, and a gift for strong customer relationships, to every facet of his work. His top pro...

KSB has long led the mining industry with its line of GIW® slurry pumps, which are designed to meet the application-specific needs of its customers. T...

KSB is proud to introduce the latest addition to the GIW pump family. The GIW® TDW pump series was developed to meet the unique requirements of tailin...

KSB has a long history of partnering with customers to offer the best solution for specific application needs. With many challenges universal througho...

GIW® MDX (Mill Duty eXtra Heavy) pumps are built to withstand the most extreme conditions. The key design features of MDX pumps work together to maxim...

Mining has been a part of Canada’s history since coal deposits were discovered by French settlers in the 16th century. In the 19th century, the discov...

KSB’s line of GIW® slurry pumps are designed to handle critical customer applications in hard rock mining. The GIW® Mill Duty Extra Heavy (MDX) produc...

Amy Lewis, MDX Product Manager, most recently for the new MDX-850 pump assembly, is a key member of KSB GIW, Inc.’s manufacturing facility in Grovetow...

What is Cavitation? Cavitation occurs when the absolute pressure at the eye of the impeller falls below the vapor pressure of the liquid being pumped....

Centrifugal pumps are fairly robust pieces of equipment and generally deliver the intended results when sized and installed properly. But sometimes, i...

Are you looking for a pump supplier that can deliver the “complete package”? Or perhaps, you need an industry expert that can help you optimize your c...

Brazil is the world's largest producer of niobium and iron ore. In fact, iron ore makes up 70% of Brazil's mineral exports. The country produces 30% o...

Is it time for your pump’s scheduled maintenance? Do you have the replacement parts on hand? How will you know what to order? It’s all in the bill of ...

KSB Group has been a trusted partner in Mexico’s mining sector for almost 70 years.

KSB has a long history of innovation — from proprietary alloys to custom pump solutions and new pump technology for new applications. Now, with the GI...

For nearly 30 years, KSB Indonesia has been a trusted regional partner for our customers — providing pumps, valves, related systems, and exceptional s...

With operations in more than 100 countries, KSB Mining’s global network encompasses sales and service centers for pump packages and technical consulta...

KSB GIW, Inc. is proud to feature Robert Visintainer – VP of Engineering, Research & Development.Mr. Visintainer is an integral part of our slurry...

KSB’s Statement of Social Responsibility “KSB stands for active commitment to corporate social responsibility. In all our business activities, we are ...

With operations in more than 100 countries, KSB Mining’s global network encompasses sales and service centers for pump packages and technical support ...

Which of the following pipes should be avoided in a settling slurry pipeline? Horizontal pipes Vertical pipes Inclined pipes The answer is . . . C!

Centrifugal pumps are fairly robust pieces of equipment and generally deliver the intended results when sized and installed properly. But sometimes, i...

KSB Group is serious about environmental sustainability and safety standards. Our suppliers and business partners are required to comply with internat...

You count on cartridge bearing assemblies (CBAs) to keep your pumps running smoothly, and if you treat them well, they’ll do just that. CBAs on GIW® p...

Account Manager Desmond Wilson is well known in the oil sands for his slurry pump expertise. With his rare passion for slurry transport, Mr. Wilson is...

Chile is the number one producer of copper in the world, yielding more than 5.7 million tonnes of copper in 2020 — according to NS Energy — with an es...

Recently, KSB GIW, Inc. commissioned a brand-new research and development (R&D) foundry to stay on the cutting edge of alloy innovation. Our world...

Mining and dredging operators are seeing an increase in production due to socioeconomic trends and increased demand for mined goods. While this increa...

Václav Matoušek is a respected professor who has been researching the topic of slurry transport for 30 years. He has written two theses on the topic a...

For 150 years, KSB has been creating, installing, repairing, and maintaining pumps and valves. We’ve been at the forefront of the mining industry in s...

COVID-19 has been an unprecedented disrupter of every industry, including those of us in mining. The industry as a whole has experienced supply chain ...

The KSB Group has built their legacy over 150 years as the leading supplier of pumps, valves, and related systems. With KSB offices and service center...

KSB GIW, Inc. is proud to recognize the incredible contributions of all of our team members. In honor of Women’s History Month, we sat down with Molli...

We’re committed to providing you with informative and accessible articles about all things slurry, from pump performance and real-world applications t...

We all know that pump maintenance can be complicated. Thankfully, there are ways to streamline the process and make pump repair easier. Here are five ...

If you’ve spent enough time around slurry pumps, you have probably learned how an impeller vane works, what it does, and when it should be retired fro...

The standard seal arrangement for KSB GIW, Inc. LSA pumps is the stuffing box. The water supply for this seal cools and lubricates the packing. The se...

A few years ago, engineers at a phosphate mine in Idaho faced a challenge that many others know all too well: premature failure of their pumps. The fi...

Training is essential to the continuous development of employees, helping them improve their skills and confidence on the job, which they can use to f...

At KSB GIW, Inc., we like to celebrate our employees, especially those who are retiring after decades of service. This year, we say a bittersweet good...

Today, downtime in any industry can mean a significant loss in production and revenue. Some original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts have long lead...

For nearly 130 years, GIW has produced and delivered the world’s best pumps to customers across a variety of industries and applications. Our oldest a...

If you need to introduce less water into your shaft seal — or you’re using non-potable water in your shaft seal water supply system — you’re likely re...

At KSB GIW, Inc., we are lucky to have some of the smartest, most dedicated employees in the industry. From the engineers who design our pumps to the ...

At KSB GIW, Inc. we’re always working to help our customers achieve their maximum production potential. We combine research and development (R&D) ...

Drawing on many years of designing slurry pumps for mining, KSB GIW, Inc. has custom-engineered slurry pumps that combine advanced materials, hydrauli...

Pumps experience a wide variety of pressures and loads during operation, and it is important for operators to know how and when they occur. "Vane pass...

To operate your pump at optimum efficiency, you may have to periodically adjust the flow rate in the slurry system. But in a slurry system, you can't ...

When it comes to choosing the right slurry pump, you must consider not only your specific application, but the classification of the slurry you are pu...

As a developer of first-class slurry solutions, KSB GIW, Inc. credits its success to the dedicated teams that serve across many departments and servic...

A: One of the most important things to know when you’re operating a pipeline is the flow rate, which is typically measured in cubic meters per hour (m...

For nearly 130 years of operation, we’ve earned a reputation for reliability and trust — and our talented technical services team is a big part of tha...

Operators in the mining industry are aware that centrifugal pump systems are subject to pressures and forces. To minimize stress and lower the risk of...

The process of assembling a pump system comes with many steps and plenty of room for error. That’s why operators must understand the requirements for ...

Every pump operator — from engineers with years of experience to those just starting their careers — understands the importance of continued learning....

A gasket is just a gasket, right? It’s just a ring that sits next to the impeller. So why do KSB GIW, Inc. gaskets have notchesin them?

After a recent training course, one of our participants sent us a compelling question. He noted that the training had emphasized the importance of the...

Every pumping operation comes with a unique set of challenges. Some of these challenges emerge as a result of the techniques or tools used to extract ...

KSB GIW, Inc. would not be the company it is today, consistently meeting the needs of our customers without the dedication of our talented employees. ...

In general, the practice of “pumping through” an idle pump should be avoided. Energy is wasted and the wetted parts of the pump will still wear out, i...

At KSB GIW, Inc., we are committed to going the extra mile when it comes to sharing our pumping expertise with customers and industry professionals. T...

This question is surprisingly common. Most people think of pipelines as running horizontally, but many KSB GIW, Inc. customers who pump ore need to mo...

Every good pump operator understands the importance of a functional and regularly maintained stuffing box. When working properly, the stuffing box sep...

Q: We're seeing the appearance of small cracks in our suction liner and impeller. The wear is unusual and seems premature. What's going on?

What question does KSB GIW, Inc. hear most often from customers? Hands down, it’s this one: "What does LSA stand for?" The LSA acronym's current meani...

Water hammer is just one of many phenomena that can turn a normal day of slurry pumping into a nightmare. Since the consequences of water hammer can b...

At KSB GIW, Inc., we help our customers tackle some of the most complex pumping challenges every day. Although many problems make themselves known dur...

To answer this question, we spoke with Reab Berry, former Head of Global Mining Training and Development for KSB GIW, Inc. “There’s a particle size th...

KSB GIW, Inc. pump parts come in all shapes and sizes. Not knowing how to move them properly can complicate processes such as installation and removal...

When it comes to your everyday pumping questions, the answers aren’t always easy to find. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of solutions to some ...

While KSB GIW, Inc.'s pumps help our customers succeed every day, some materials can break down over time — either from misuse or from contact with ab...

Q: Can I reduce pump wear if I install a larger pump? A: The simple answer is probably not. You can actually increase pump wear if your pump is too la...

Each day, KSB GIW, Inc., engineers work with our customers to solve problems associated with their pumps. One pump component we get a lot of questions...

The pump performance chart above is a graphical representation of performance for a particular pump. By using this chart, you can see the head, or pre...

On a GIW Industries, Inc., LSA or similar pump, a special gasket seals the joint between the suction liner and the pump casing. This gasket is a varia...

One pump operator recently came to KSB GIW, Inc., with a startling but not unique problem: Slurry was leaking from the back of his stuffing box. We re...

When it comes to extracting materials from a slurry, the method of extraction can have as many consequences as it does advantages. In some processes, ...

When it comes to efficient slurry pumping, understanding how the solids within a slurry behave is very important. Depending on the particle size, dist...

If you’re an experienced slurry pump operator, you’re aware of some of the reasons for high rates of pump wear — which can negatively affect pump perf...

If you own or have ever seen an older pump’s bearing assembly, you’re probably familiar with the old oil breather. If this is the case, you may be sur...

It may be comforting to know that if your slurry pump breaks down, KSB GIW, Inc. has your back. Our team of service techs can help you repair or repla...

On a day-to-day basis, slurry pump operators need to consider a range of critical factors, from particle size and flow rate to concentration and part ...

With so many product lines and acronyms, it can seem as though all of the pumps produced by KSB GIW, Inc. are a bit random. However, our products are ...

It seems like a hack exists for everything these days. From a quicker way to wash your car to unusual ways to remove wood scuffs, there’s a shortcut f...

It may sound like an odd pairing, but baby powder and your slurry pumps actually have a lot in common. Talcum powder acts as a dry lubricant and can a...

When selecting a technical service partner, it can be tempting to rush and choose the first company that turns up — or skip the partnership altogether...

Few spaces in the slurry pumping industry are as innovative and well-known as KSB GIW, Inc.’s Hydraulic Lab. This large-scale testing facility is equi...

Are you experiencing issues with your slurry pipeline? Your system may be delivering insufficient tonnage, or your flow rates may be lower than you’d ...

If you’re a slurry pump operator, problems like leakage, overheating, and system inefficiencies may keep you up at night. Such pumping system issues a...

In the long run, nothing is as crucial to slurry pump design as wear life. On any given day, countless particles and chemicals within slurry can wear ...

When it comes to slurry transportation, familiarity with pumps and their parts is par for the course. However, it’s also important to understand what ...

Are you dealing with an underperforming pump? Are you trying to decide which centrifugal slurry pump will best meet your growing facility’s needs? Whe...

High-performing centrifugal slurry pumps are vital to your operation’s success. The parts you supply those pumps with are even more important since th...

Pump performance curves help slurry pump owners and operators select their pumps and operate them optimally. How can pump owners calculate their slurr...

Since impellers are high-wearing slurry pump components, owners and operators need to maintain and remove impellers from their pump shafts when shaft ...

What’s in your slurry? When it comes to choosing the right slurry pump for your application, you have a few options to choose from. Learn more about s...

Like so many other machines, slurry pumps require regular maintenance to function optimally and reliably. Without proper care, pumps can suffer catast...

Choosing the proper KSB GIW,Inc. pump based on your needs is only the first step toward achieving enhanced operational efficiency. Finding and incorpo...

KSB GIW, Inc. pumps are integral to mining operations and proper pump maintenance is always a top priority. The key to maintaining any complex machine...

Equipment retention is a critical aspect in maintaining any piece of machinery. But knowing the right steps and the right tools you need to keep your ...

It’s a common-sense fact: Lubrication plays a vital role in the function and longevity of any pump. However, users often overlook the type of oil used...

One of the best ways to determine a pump’s capabilities is by looking at a pump performance curve. When read properly, this graph can tell you the exa...

Are you struggling with your centrifugal slurry pump? Maybe you’re dealing with serious pump damage, ranging from pump housing failure to impeller des...

Whether you’re moving tailings a long distance or working in a demanding mill circuit application, chances are good you’ll be relying on more than one...

Winter is coming; are your pumps ready? Here are the steps you should take to ensure your pumps are primed for even the harshest conditions.

If you’re struggling with the wear life of your pump’s parts, you may not be operating optimally. Use these tips to boost your efficiency and reduce m...

The development engineers at KSB have not only improved the operating reliability of the proven waste water hydraulic systems but also increased the p...

Anyone remember the old cars of the 1950’s and 1960’s? They all pretty much came equipped with an ammeter, an oil pressure gauge, a water temperature ...

Operating a wastewater facility is no easy task in today’s world. There are many challenges that owners / operators face, including sewage composition...

With modern combined cycle power/steam generation plants, the Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) is the major connection from the Combustion Turbine...

We work with many clients across the continent, and it has become very simple to see a trend in their types of questions and concerns. From these tren...

When specifying the impeller material for a non-clog sewage pump, how do you know whether to select cast iron or hard iron material? Usually, a hard i...

Part 2 of 6 Series - Chopping or Cutting: what is the best method in handling difficult waste water applications? While chopper or cutter pumps are of...

Part 1 of 6 Series - Complex problems for sewer systems worldwide caused by shifting trends in water use and a changing sewage composition.