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Completed Projects : 6" Boreline performance at one of Worlds Largest Platinum Mines

This was no mean request. One of the largest Platinum mines in the world had to dewater an area of their mine which was flooded.

They had to remove water at a rate of about 3000GPM (670m³/hr or 190l/s) and wanted to install submersible pumps to do the work. Above the shafts is the usual mine head-gear with standard lifting equipment. There were height restrictions so installing rigid pipe was possible but difficult, cumbersome and time consuming.

The idea of using Boreline Flexible Drop Pipe with a submersible pump was the only manner in which all these and other problems could be overcome.

Due to its nature, a submersible pump attached to Boreline can be installed horizontally which means that overhead access is not necessary as with rigid sections.

Boreline is also totally corrosion resistant which means it will not be affected when subjected to the aggressive water conditions so often found in the mine environment. Mine water has been known to break-down steel pipe in less than 12 months but with the 10 Year Warranty offered by the manufacturers of Boreline, this mine knew they had an added Long Term Benefit by using this Boreline Flexible Drop Pipe.

	The Pump and Motor are shown before installation It was decided to use 2 pumps and to lower these into two different shafts with the pumps set at 740ft (225m). Due to the volume of water to be pumped and depth of setting, each pump was equipped with a 296HP (225kW) motor.
	The Boreline and power cables on the ground leading away from the shaft The pump was lowered onto the motor and fastened. This was then lifted and lowered into an Inducer Sleeve. (The reason for the sleeve is to force water to always pass the motor thereby keeping it cool). The Boreline is laid along the ground away from the mineshaft. Next to this are the power cables and a chain. It was agreed to rather use 4 single power cables, as it is easier to work with them than one very large one. A chain was also laid along the ground and it was decided to lower this as well to support the weight of the power cables along the length of the hose.
	The pump is secured to the Boreline with the Boreline Coupling
	Pump being lowered The other end of the Boreline is attached to a vehicle which then begins to lower the pump, pipe and cable.
	Over the Rolling Wheel The Boreline, power cable and chain are lowered over a rolling wheel.
	Two vehicles used for installation Due to the immense weight of the pump, motor, power cable and chain, all being set down to 740ft (225m) a second vehicle had to be used to ensure the first one does not fail.
	Base Plate lowered into position Finally the base plate is attached to the coupling at the other end of the hose and this is then lowered into position.

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