From Global Collaboration to Market Innovation: The Story Behind the New GIW® VMD Vertical Slurry Pump
In mining and mineral processing operations, sump liquid levels rarely remain constant as the inflow of slurry and process water fluctuates. Vertical slurry pumps serving these sumps must continue to perform reliably as liquid levels rise and fall.
KSB developed the new GIW® VMD vertical slurry pump to provide a flexible and durable solution in these demanding environments. Designed for wastewater and medium-abrasion slurry service, the GIW® VMD is especially suited to hard rock mining applications such as wash-down sumps, slurry processing, water transfer, and tailings disposal.
The GIW® VMD offers two key advantages: a double-suction “snore” feature that allows the pump to automatically respond to fluctuating sump levels, and a modular design that enables customers to configure and reconfigure the pump for unique site requirements and changing operating conditions. Together, these benefits provide a rugged, adaptable vertical pump that can increase productivity, extend wear life, and reduce total cost of ownership.
Global Expertise Meets Slurry Experience
KSB utilized resources from across the organization in developing the GIW® VMD. While KSB Tech in India oversaw the design and engineering, KSB GIW in the United States provided guidance based on decades of slurry pumping experience and a deep understanding of the mining market.
This partnership illustrates the advantages of KSB’s global reach. By drawing on its diverse technical expertise and supply chain capabilities, KSB can offer customers a broader range of solutions supported by both slurry and non-slurry experience.
An Innovative Approach to Changing Sump Levels
Fluctuating sump levels create a challenge for vertical pumps. As a sump empties, conventional vertical pumps can experience abrupt transitions and may need to be shut down before losing prime and restarted once liquid levels recover.
The GIW® VMD addresses that challenge with a double-suction wet end that allows the pump to continue operating as sump levels change. When the liquid level is high, the GIW® VMD draws through both its upper and lower suction areas. As the liquid level falls and exposes the upper suction, the pump begins drawing in air, producing its characteristic “snoring” sound. The lower suction continues drawing liquid at a slower rate, allowing the sump level to recover. Once the liquid rises above the upper suction again, the pump automatically resumes normal pumping.
This cycle provides continuous operation with smooth transitions between high, low, and near-empty sump conditions, helping to reduce interruptions and downtime in environments where inflow is inconsistent. For customers, that means more reliable performance and fewer disruptions to the slurry-handling process.
A Modular Pump for Dynamic Operating Conditions
Mining and mineral processing sump configurations vary widely from site to site, and requirements at a given site may also change over time.
The GIW® VMD’s modular construction gives users the flexibility to configure their pump around those specific needs. Its wet end, mechanical end, and cantilever components are interchangeable to accommodate different duties and sump depths. Rather than replacing the entire pump as sites evolve, customers can reconfigure individual components to meet changing demands, helping reduce downtime and extend the useful life of the pump.
This modularity also offers practical maintenance benefits. The GIW® VMD’s interchangeable components simplify spare-parts replacement and enable faster maintenance, which shortens the service cycle and helps return the pump to operation sooner. Extended service intervals mean fewer maintenance events overall, reducing total cost of ownership.
Developed and Validated for Slurry Duties
In hard rock mining applications, dependable solids handling and wear resistance are critical. The GIW® VMD is designed for more than wastewater, with key features that support excellent performance in medium-abrasion slurry service:
- A semi-open impeller allows larger solids to pass through the pump, reducing clogging.
- A keyed impeller system ensures a secure connection for reliable operation.
- KSB GIW’s proprietary Gasite® high-chrome white iron provides the high wear resistance needed for abrasive slurry duties.
Before launching the GIW® VMD, KSB conducted a comprehensive validation program. In summer 2025, engineers built a GIW® VMD M-100 prototype and put it through hydro, spin, submergence, critical-speed and hydraulic-performance testing. With validation complete and the first orders now being dispatched, the GIW® VMD brings a rigorously evaluated pumping solution to market.
Built for Today, Designed to Evolve
The GIW® VMD will continue evolving to meet the needs of mining and mineral processing operations.
A rubber-lined GIW® VMD option is slated for upcoming release, expanding the pump’s versatility for fine-particle service conditions. Future phases may also broaden the range with wet ends up to 300 millimeters, cantilever lengths beyond 2,100 millimeters, specialized impellers, and advanced material options for corrosive slurry duties.
By combining global engineering collaboration with modular construction and slurry-focused features, the GIW® VMD gives customers a rugged, cost-effective vertical slurry pump built to deliver enhanced performance and lower total cost of ownership today while adapting to the demands of tomorrow.
