Managing the efficiency of the section pump discharge unit
N.P. Ovchinnikov1 , I.V. Zyryanov2
1 M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk, Russian Federation
2 Mirny Polytechnic Institute (branch) of M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Mirny, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4S / 2025 p. 54-57
Abstract: Underground mining of solid minerals inevitably involves water ingress into the mine workings, which requires the mandatory use of dewatering systems. Since the mid-2000s, single-flow section pumps of the NCS and NCSK series, which have enhanced wear resistance and the ability to pump water with harsh physical and chemical characteristics, have been widely used in the underground mine dewatering systems in the Russian Federation. However, operation of the NCSK series pumps at kimberlite mines in Western Yakutia when pumping highly abrasive and aggressive water has shown that their design time between overhauls is too long compared to their actual endurance. The least reliable element in the design of section pumps is the discharge unit (the balancing ring), which accounts for up to 90% of all failures when working with aggressive and abrasive media. The aim of the study is to develop a set of measures to improve the efficiency of discharge units of the pumps operated in difficult geological conditions. Based on the results of the research, a mathematical model has been developed to calculate the durability of balancing rings when the pump equipment is used to pump highly abrasive and aggressive water. Recommendations are given on the fault detection procedures for worn-out balancing rings and on justification of their operating strategy.
Keywords: de-watering, water ingress, pumping equipment, section pumps, de-watering unit, balancing ring
For citation: Ovchinnikov N.P., Zyryanov I.V. Managing the efficiency of the section pump discharge unit. Russian Mining Industry. 2025;(4S):55–58. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2025-4S-55-58
Article info
Received: 29.06.2025
Revised: 13.08.2025
Accepted: 18.08.2025
Information about the authors
Nikolay P. Ovchinnikov – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Director of the Institute of Mining, M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk, Russian Federation
Igor V. Zyryanov – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor Department of Mining Engineering, Mirny Polytechnic Institute (branch) of M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Mirny, Russian Federation
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