JUSTIFICATION FOR THE USE OF MOBILE SLURRY PUMPING UNITS IN THE MINING AND TECHNICAL CONDITIONS OF A POTASH MINE

Abstract

The article addresses the problem of insufficient discharge head during hydraulic backfilling of mined-out areas in potash mines, caused by pressure instability in the shaft slurry pipeline. During mine operation, as the stope face advances, the rheological properties of the backfill mixture change, the inner surface of pipelines wears out, and slurry density fluctuates. Consequently, the actual pressure in the system may repeatedly deviate from the design values, requiring rapid relocation of pumping equipment to a new connection point. A detailed analysis of the labor intensity of the traditional technology for dismantling, transporting, and reinstalling a stationary pumping unit –  including pipeline reinstallation and foundation works – is provided. It is established that more than 85% of downtime is attributed to assembly and disassembly operations rather than to the actual movement of the equipment. Based on an analysis of domestic and international experience in operating mobile pumping systems, the concept of using a mobile slurry pumping unit (MSPU) on a skid-mounted chassis with a slurry pump is substantiated. The proposed technical solution completely eliminates the operations of dismantling the pump from its foundation and performing welding and assembly works during relocation, replacing them with towing the unit to a pre-prepared connection point. It is shown that equipment relocation time is reduced from 37 – 66 to 3 – 6 hours. The mass and dimensional parameters of the MSPU are presented, confirming the possibility of its transportation through typical mine workings of potash mines. The implementation of the MSPU increases the flexibility of backfilling operations, reduces operating costs, and minimizes the risks of damage to the pumping unit during multiple relocations.