RAG dewatering

Shaft conversion measures and accompanying measures to monitor and ensure the pumping of mine water

Client

RAG Aktiengesellschaft

Location

Bochum and Essen, Germany

Execution period

2020

until approx. 2025

REDPATH DEILMANN has been commissioned to carry out shaft conversion measures and to monitor pump operation for dewatering.

Important locations

Robert Müser mine: shaft Arnold and shaft Gustav
Heinrich mine: shaft Heinrich 3, Holthuser Tal and blind shaft SO711

REDPATH DEILMANN continuously monitors pump operation at both sites. Daily maintenance in the pump chambers ensures safe dewatering. RAG's mine control room also monitors operations and coordinates standby operations as required. These are carried out immediately to ensure the continuity of pump operation.

In addition to dewatering, we monitor and document the weather data and fire protection equipment on a daily basis. Our tasks also include compliance with the BVOS specifications. All necessary maintenance work on the systems is recorded and carried out.

The aim of dewatering is to prevent sediments and minerals in the mine water from contaminating the groundwater, which is used for drinking water production.

Current status of the work

Robert Müser mine

shaft Arnold: Inspection and maintenance work

Daily inspection of pipelines (risers, air and water supply lines, downpipes) for leaks
Treatment of the lifted mine water with a hydrogen peroxide plant, subsequent discharge into the Harpen ponds

Riser 5 - Replacing corroded screws

Replacing the corroded pipe connection screws to ensure operational safety

Submersible pump maintenance

2024: All three submersible pumps are removed, repaired, serviced and reinstalled
Each pump requires several weeks of maintenance to ensure system availability

Pulley work on the Arnold shaft

Dismantling the west-east sheave
Installation of new bearings
After installation: Moving the sheave to the western position and depositing the hoisting rope

Refurbishment in shaft Gustav

Completion of the last renovation section below the suspension dam (24 meters long)
After completion: Dismantling of the hoist platform and the travel center
Future inspection of the renovated area through quarterly camera inspections

Heinrich mine

shaft Heinrich: Pump operation and maintenance

Draw-in fresh weather shaft (depth: 409 meters, drift network: approx. 3000 meters)
Continuous maintenance and support of the ten main pumps in the pump chamber
Ensuring trouble-free operation of the dewatering system

Weather and electrotechnical tests

More complex than at the Robert Müser site due to the extensive route network
Daily monitoring and documentation to ensure compliance with operating requirements

Submersible pumps in blind shaft SO711

Four submersible pumps in operation to lift water
Transportation of the lifted mine water via the pipeline network to shaft Heinrich 3
Forwarding to above ground and discharge into the Ruhr
Annual inspection and short-term repairs in the event of faults
Current flow rate: approx. 30 m³/min