A prominent player in high-pressure pumping equipment, Hawk Pumps, has embraced crafting tailored products to address unique challenges. The company is currently supplying a range of customised, innovative solutions to Africa and global clients – from a 1 000-bar, trailer-mounted pressure washer designed specifically for heavy-duty mining equipment cleaning, to a water-powered drill for mining applications.
Constant creativity
Troy Mokawem with 1 000-bar Dump Gun with rotating nozzles. Image credit: Hawk Pumps
The company recently designed and built a large 1 000-bar, trailer-mounted pressure washer dedicated to the cleaning of heavy-duty mining equipment used in opencast mines. The machine was purpose-built to the customer’s specific requirements. It is fitted with a dump gun and rotating nozzle.
“This is Hawk Pumps’ third 1 000-bar pressure washer that we’ve built this year, there seems to be a trend towards higher pressure,” says Troy Mokawem of Hawk Pumps. “I think it really underscores our capability to create tailor-made solutions that address unique industry requirements”.
“We’re seeing this technology grow in popularity across Africa,” says Troy. “We are shipping machines to Zambia, Eritrea, DRC and others.”
Municipal drain-cleaning machines
Since all the devastation from the floods a while ago, the need for stormwater drain-cleaning machines, both trailer-mounted and truck-mounted, has grown. When the drains become blocked, the water cannot be properly ducted away, resulting in mud slides and the undermining of buildings.
Various flows and pressures, according to the pipe diameter, are accommodated in a range of machine sizes. In addition, there is a wide range of accessories and specialty nozzles available to tackle almost any task.
New innovations in mining
Stope Water Jetter – mass production. Image credit: Hawk Pumps
The company’s specialised machines have become well recognised in the mining sector. Their innovative approach has led to the collaborative creation of a water jetting machine to move rocks.
By harnessing the power of pressured water, this technology eliminates the need for traditional scrapers and shovels. It offers both substantial cost savings and enhances efficiency and safety in mining operations. The water jetting technology facilitates the moving of rock after blasting at the face, as well as pushing dust and ore particles into chutes, resulting in an increased yield.
While innovation holds promise not just for South Africa but also for the entire African continent in deep mining operations, Hawk Pumps have also exported this technology to Australia where it was used in an open cast mine.
Water Drills
The company has also been involved in developing a water powered drill for mining applications. This ingenious solution boasts an impressive 98% efficiency rate, a significant leap from the 15-17% efficiency associated with traditional compressed air drills.
According to Hawk Pumps, the time required to create holes for explosives using an air drill – which typically takes between 10-12 minutes per hole – has been drastically reduced to a mere 60-90 seconds with this water drill.
“We are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and engineering excellence,” says Mokawem. “Our custom-made solutions cater to the unique challenges faced by various industries, from the smallest components to the largest machines. We take immense pride in contributing to the growth and success of industries that are the backbone of our economy.”
17lpm @ 1 000 bar Pressure Washer, trailer-mounted. Image credit: Hawk Pumps