The abrasive nature of petroleum coke means it easily separates into slurry when you try and pump it.

Most submersible pumps, being cast iron, cannot be used efficiently because without an integral agitator as solids clog the pumps.

Savage Gulf Services experienced this predicament until it was introduced to the KZN110H – a 15 horsepower, high head, hard metal agitator slurry pump, manufactured by BJM Pumps.

The KZN110H was installed at the Port Arthur terminal for a 60-day trial.

The trial was so successful – with no clogs or wearing trouble – that Savage Gulf Service bought the pump and 60 days later bought a second.

The KZN had been applied to many similar applications, such as lime slurries and mill scale coal run-off sumps.

The success of the KZN can be attributed to its optimum water resistance and maximum solids handling capability.

All wetted parts are constructed of abrasive resistant 28% chrome iron for maximum wear life.

An integral agitator fluidises settled solids into slurry, making them easier to pump with less chance of clogging.

Another key feature of the KZN is its top discharge design.

The mobile nature of utility pumps means that side charge connections can break off or be damaged when pulled into place.

The top discharge design eliminates this risk.

The KZN slurry pumps can pump a sump or pit down to within inches of the bottom.

A side discharge pump, without a cooling jacket, must stay submerged to avoid overheating, leaving as much as 1m of unpumped slurry.

The KZN slurry pump achieves maximum service life because of numerous design features.

The Class H insulation and built-in amperage protection restricts the chance of overheating.

It also has a stainless steel shaft and shaft sleeve for optimum wear and corrosion protection.

The pump volutes are cast from hardened ductile iron, which is twice as abrasive resistant as standard ductile iron.

Pumping reliability remains a critical aspect of the refining process, a factor much improved by the KZN110H.