Peristaltic Pumps for Mining: Pumping Demanding Fluids

Peristaltic pumps have become an indispensable tool in mining, especially when it comes to handling demanding fluids such as slurries, slurries, chemicals and abrasive materials.

This article explores the various applications of these pumps in the mining sector, detailing how their unique design allows for efficient and accurate pumping in extreme conditions.

From accurate dosing of chemicals to safe transfer of corrosive fluids, peristaltic mining pumps offer key advantages such as high abrasion and corrosion resistance, self-priming, low maintenance, and unmatched versatility, making them an ideal solution for the challenges of modern mining.

Challenges in slurry management in mining

In the context of mining, the term "slurry" refers to a mixture of pulverised solids denser than water, suspended in a liquid, usually water. Unlike the aqueous slurry we see in other applications, slurry in mining processes can be highly viscous, abrasive, corrosive or a combination of these factors. It is crucial to handle and transport this slurry safely, as it can be toxic to users, surrounding facilities and the environment.

For this reason, it is essential to use pumps specifically designed for this purpose.

Why is sludge so difficult to pump?

Transporting sludge presents different challenges depending on the materials involved. The process is far from easy, mainly because, compared to maintaining the flow of water, liquid slurry is very difficult to pump and move, depending on its thickness. These substances often operate at high pressure with a high rate of abrasiveness, which generally causes wear and tear on the slurry pumping technologies used.

It is crucial to ensure that no blockages are generated in the pump and that the discharge hose on slurry pumps flows properly, so that we can perform the job of moving solids with a slurry pump more efficiently and avoid damage to the pump.

The most common challenges for a slurry pumping system in mining, depending on the conditions, are:

• Obstructions
• Rapid wear and tear
• Frequent failures
• Time without moving solids is time when production stops and costs increase.

Traditional centrifugal pumps, which are commonly used to pump water and other liquids, are not the most suitable option for pumping heavy and abrasive slurries. Instead, peristaltic pumps are designed to efficiently handle these demanding mixtures, ensuring greater durability and efficiency compared to other pumping technologies.

The use of a robust mining peristaltic is essential in this type of industry as they are able to handle a wide range of hard and corrosive materials without maintenance problems, which is vital to maintain flow rate, pressure and achieve optimum material throughput rates.

In particular, they are highly valued in mining for their ability to handle demanding fluids with high precision and reliability, minimising wear and the need for maintenance. It is important that pump operators understand both the equipment and the material they are pumping to ensure efficient operation and prolong pump life.

Why choose peristaltic pumps in mining? 

In the mining industry, efficient water management is crucial not only for environmental reasons, but also to optimise operating costs. Peristaltic mining pumps stand out as an ideal solution in this context, offering multiple advantages that make them a preferred choice for mining applications.

1. Water savings and cost reduction

   One of the main reasons for choosing peristaltic pumps in mining is their ability to save water. Unlike other pumps that require water to flush their components, peristaltic pumps do not have seals and therefore do not require water for this purpose. This not only reduces the amount of water used, but also eliminates the need to treat process wastewater or provide service water to the pumps, resulting in lower operating costs.

2. Handling of materials with high solids content

   Mining peristaltic pumps are specially designed to handle materials with a very high solids content, which are common in mining operations. Their design allows them to efficiently pump these materials without risk of clogging or premature wear, making them a robust and reliable choice in demanding mining environments.

3. Reduced operating time

   In mining, time is money. Peristaltic pumps can help reduce the time a mine needs to pump, add or remove water during operational processes. This translates directly into lower operating costs, as less time spent on these activities means a more efficient and cost-effective operation.

4. Adaptability in challenging work environments

   Mines located in areas with limited water availability, such as desert regions or at high altitudes, face additional water management challenges. Peristaltic pumps, as they do not require water to operate, are especially useful in these environments, helping mines to operate more sustainably and efficiently.

5. Environmental Responsibility

   There is increasing pressure on mining operations to reduce their environmental impact. The use of peristaltic pumps helps mining companies meet their environmental responsibilities by reducing water consumption and minimising wastewater generation. This is not only beneficial for the environment, but also improves the credibility and social acceptance of mining operations.

Peristaltic pumps offer significant advantages in mining, from reducing operating costs to meeting environmental responsibilities, making them a strategic choice for any mining operation looking to improve efficiency and sustainability.

How do you ensure a constant flow and accurate dosing of chemicals in your mining processes?

In the mining industry, stable process flow and efficient production are crucial to improve productivity and reduce costs. Mining peristaltic pumps, as critical fluid conveying equipment, play an important role in mining production.

During the mineral processing process, chemical reagents are often added for flotation, dewatering and other treatments. The precise metering and uniform conveying characteristics of peristaltic pumps make them an ideal choice for chemical addition.

By controlling the speed and running time of the pump, precise dosing of chemical reagents can be achieved, ensuring optimal chemical reactions during production.

Why is accurate dosing important in mining?

• Process optimisation: The right amount of chemicals ensures that processes are carried out efficiently, maximising mineral recovery and minimising costs.
• Protection of equipment: Proper dosing helps protect equipment from corrosion and wear, prolonging its service life.
• Compliance with environmental regulations: Many mining processes are subject to strict environmental regulations. Accurate chemical dosing is essential to meet these requirements.
• Worker safety: Incorrect dosing of chemicals can pose a risk to the health and safety of workers.

Mines require highly accurate pumps in their flotation area for chemical dosing, a crucial component of the mining process that demands uninterrupted precision, operating 24/7 in extreme conditions.

Accurate dosing is vital, not only because of the high cost of chemicals, but also because of the remote location of such facilities, which complicates quick access to supplies. Any chemical waste directly affects profitability, and spills can result in serious environmental consequences and substantial fines.

The Qdos peristaltic pumps offered by Watson-Marlow offer an ideal solution for the mining sector, providing accurate dosing and metering of chemicals in demanding environments. Their design eliminates the need for ancillary equipment, significantly reducing maintenance and operating costs, allowing for maximised uptime in critical processes. With consistent flow rates even in extreme conditions, Qdos pumps ensure reliable and efficient operation, minimising environmental impact and improving profitability in mining projects, all at a lower total cost of ownership than traditional diaphragm pumps.

What are the main considerations when integrating peristaltic pumps into a mine's pumping system?

Understand the implementation in its entirety

First, it is crucial to understand the application as a whole. This includes aspects such as the type of fluid, its chemical compatibility, abrasiveness, corrosiveness, and the size of the particles in suspension. The peristaltic pumps for mining are ideal for handling shear-sensitive fluids or fluids with a high content of suspended particles, as they can absorb and transport large particle diameters without clogging.

Maintenance and durability

Another important aspect is maintenance and durability. It is essential to consider the frequency of technical stoppages and the need for back-up equipment, especially in mines where accessibility can be a challenge.

In this respect, the mining peristaltic pumps offer significant advantages: they do not require stators, diaphragms, rotors or lobes, which are often expensive and difficult to access parts. If you work with Bredel peristaltic pumps, they always have spare parts in stock, which significantly reduces waiting times and costs associated with maintenance.

Accuracy and flow control

In terms of flow precision and control, the peristaltic pumps for mining excel in applications requiring constant and accurate flow, with an accuracy of up to 1%.

However, if the application does not require this precision, other pumps, such as diaphragm pumps, may be more economical considering the initial investment, however in terms of spare parts and maintenance they are more costly in terms of TCO. Provided they do not deal with fluids that gasify or cause pumping problems.

Adaptability to the mine's environmental conditions

Environmental conditions are also a key consideration. The peristaltic mining pumping equipment work well in extreme temperature environments, both hot and cold.

When it comes to humidity and the presence of dust, Bredel peristaltic pumps are designed to withstand adverse conditions, as demonstrated by the IP66 rating. In addition, in dusty environments, they offer accessories that protect the pump's display and controls, making them easier to use in difficult conditions.

Energy efficiency

Another consideration is energy efficiency. Peristaltic pumps reduce electricity consumption by not needing to oversize the system as in the case of other pumping technologies for the mining sector, as well as being able to handle highly concentrated products or those with a high solids content.

This not only improves production efficiency, but also optimises the treatment of water and sludge in sewage treatment.

Total cost of operation

Finally, it is essential to consider the total cost of operation over the lifetime of the peristaltic pump in mining. Although the initial investment may be higher than other mining pumping technologies, the cost of spare parts, maintenance and safety over time is considerably lower compared to other options.

This can be justified by documentation and total cost of operation comparisons, demonstrating the economic advantages of peristaltic pumps in the long term.

Conclusion

Peristaltic pumps represent an exceptional solution for modern mining, offering efficiency, durability and precision in handling demanding fluids such as slurries and chemicals.

Their ability to operate in extreme conditions, reduce operating costs and minimise environmental impact makes them an indispensable tool in any mining operation seeking to optimise its processes.

If you are looking to improve the efficiency and sustainability of your mining operations, don't hesitate to explore how Watson-Marlow's Bredel and Qdos peristaltic mining pumps can be the key to achieving your goals.

Contact us today to find out how they can transform your mining operations!