The XHD, which was introduced to the market in November, was chosen from eight finalists.

ITT Goulds Pumps global product manager Buddy Morris said the XHD was generating interest in the mining market.

The pump is designed to allow mines and related operations move heavy slurries with improved reliability at lower operating cost.

It can be maintained even while running, and requires less downtime for service procedures with parts that are more accessible and adjustable than in other slurry pumps.

The XHD pump’s short bearing housing is easily adaptable to nearly any existing foundation so operators can replace existing slurry pumps without the cost of refitting pipes, electrical lines and concrete base structures.

The pump also has a suction seal ring that can be adjusted even while the pump is running.

This ring compensates for wear and maintains optimum impeller clearance for peak performance.

It has a split stuffing box that improves accessibility for easier and faster packing maintenance.

There is dual impeller adjustment to make it easier for operators to perform impeller corrections.

The wet end cartridge is replaceable and, thanks to the tapered impeller shaft, it is easier for operators to change parts.

Conditioning monitoring has been considered. The XHD comes with ITT’s i-Alert condition monitor that measures vibration and temperature and alerts users via a blinking LED when it detects a potential problem.

The XHD pump is designed to work on heavy and very heavy slurries – as defined by the Hydraulic Institute.

The pump has six discharge sizes ranging from 80mm to 300mm and in four power frames.

Its flow range extends to 2950 cubic metres per hour and can discharge pressures to 85m.