Metso strengthens its world-leading slurry pump capabilities with new 4-MW extra-large test rig

The investment expands Metso's product development, testing, and technology demonstration capabilities. The new 4-MW test rig is among the largest of its kind globally. It is now fully operational, and the first tests have already been successfully completed.

With the ability to test pumps at flows of up to 25 000 m³/h, the test rig enables full-scale performance verification under realistic operating conditions, including all Metso’s current slurry pump sizes up to MD900.

The test rig is also future-ready and designed to accommodate even larger pump sizes as Metso's product portfolio evolves. The capability helps customers optimise pump selection, improve reliability, and reduce operational risk.

For more than 100 years, Sala has been at the heart of slurry pump innovation and manufacturing. Today, the site combines pumps, hydrocyclones and valves, slurry testing, and digital condition monitoring capabilities, supporting customers from laboratory analysis to full-scale equipment validation.

In addition to the new extra-large test rig, the centre operates small, medium, and large pump test rigs, supporting product development, prototype testing, and customer-specific performance validation.

"Our customers rely on pumps operating in some of the toughest processing environments in the world. The new test rig allows us to fully test all current slurry pump sizes up to MD900 to develop complete pump performance curves and supports future product development. Combined with Sala's broader testing and technology capabilities, it helps customers improve reliability, reduce risk, and maximise operational performance," says Evert Lessing, Vice President, Pumps Engineering, Metso.

Continued investments strengthen Metso's global pumps capabilities As demand for sustainable and reliable pumping solutions grows, Metso is investing in manufacturing, testing, digital solutions, customer support and advanced slurry transport and hydrocyclone testing capabilities across key markets.

Following strong growth in Europe, Central Asia and Africa, these investments support customers globally and enable further expansion in strategic regions. As part of this development, Metso continues to invest in its Sala site in Sweden. The company is enhancing manufacturing, testing, and training facilities while modernising technologies.

A new 5,400 m² warehouse and delivery centre will increase the site's total building area from approximately 21 000 m² to more than 26,000 m². The expansion improves logistics efficiency, customer service, and workplace safety. It also reinforces Sala's position as one of Metso's global centres of excellence for pumps technology and manufacturing.

The new test rig in Sala complements Metso's network of pump testing, engineering and development facilities in Sweden, Peru, Australia and India. Together with Metso's engineering expertise, global manufacturing footprint and lifecycle services, this network enables product development, performance validation, and customer-specific testing across a wide range of applications and operating conditions.

A key differentiator for Metso is its extensive global network of service and repair centres. Combining local presence with deep process expertise, these centres provide rapid support throughout the equipment lifecycle, helping customers maximise performance, availability, and productivity in demanding applications.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/30092026/metso-strengthens-its-world-leading-slurry-pump-capabilities-with-new-4-mw-extra-large-test-rig/