Pioneer solves burning issue for Celtic Energy

An open cast coal mining company in the UK is renting five pumps from Pioneer to keep operations running smoothly and reduce energy consumption.

Celtic Energy, based in Wales, operates three mines which together produce more than one million tonnes of coal a year.

Apart from supplying the pumps, Pioneer has also worked with Celtic to reduce the fuel burn of its dewatering by 10%.

Mark Heames, mine manager at Celtic Energy, said: “These pumps are ideal for our operations. Pioneer Pump has helped us to reduce our fuel consumption as well as to enhance our operations.

He added: “We are also pleased with the aftersales service.”

The Pioneer products - two clear liquid pumps and three solids handling pumps - are used for dewatering the mines. They pump excess water into a treatment area for processing before it goes to one of six dedicated discharge areas.

On average, the pumps clear up to 10000 m³ at each site. After the water is pumped 120 metres vertically to lift it from the mine, it is transported horizontally for around 500 metres.

Pioneer’s 150CX high pressure clear liquid pump provides a maximum flow of 900 m³ per hour with a maximum head of 202 metres. The pump features an automatic stop/start function with floats, and is designed to reduce operating costs and energy consumption.

The 100SH, 100SM and 150SL solids handling pumps are able to pass solids of 76mm, and feature Pioneer enclosed solids handling impellers to deliver outstanding lift for maximum efficiency and a lower fuel burn.