The Cost Benefits of Peristaltic Mining Pumps

The Cost Benefits of Peristaltic Mining Pumps

A major component of any mining operation is a dependable and durable pumping system. Within the various options for mining pumps there is a standout. Peristaltic pumps have been found to reduce costs through better energy efficiency and also help to alleviate environmental concerns. The basic principle behind the design of the peristaltic pipes is their ability to compress then relax a stretch of tubing or hose, allowing for a more even flow of the contents. A roller makes its way through the length of the tubing to create the effect, while simultaneously setting up a solid seal between the suction action and eventual discharge. The result is no slippage of materials. There are many more reasons why peristaltic pumps are among the most effective systems that can be deployed in the mine. Consider these factors:

Less Water Required

For an operation that is attempting to process as much as 70 tonnes of product per hour, the average slurry pump can require huge amounts of water. When the slurry system is replaced by the peristaltic pump, a company can cut back their water consumption by as much as 1,000 million litres per year. That’s around one-third less water usage than that of a slurry pump.

Less Power Needed

Using those same average production numbers as a baseline, a slurry pump requires around 45 kW per hour in energy. Bring in the peristaltic pump and that figure drops to 20 kW. That could translate into cutting some energy costs in half. In addition to the savings, using these pumps will also help mines that need to ration power, without causing major production delays.

Less Pollution Created

Cyanide is a common component used in the leaching process in a wide range of mining operations, especially in the extraction of gold. There is no getting around the fact that if released into the surrounding environment, cyanide can pose a major health risk. In a typical dosing solution, the cavity pumps used in the process often require seal replacements. That can lead to leakage and seepage. Since the peristaltic pumps are designed to operate without seals, this helps to mitigate your chance for leakage. The direct impact of this feature is positive for the environment and can allay any concerns of environmental groups.

Less Expensive To Operate

Continual slurry pump use results in an acidic build up. As a result, the impellers used in those kinds of pumps will break down more often. That means increased maintenance checks. When that happens, production is slowed down or shut off all together. None of this happens with peristaltic pump usage. In fact, the hoses on a peristaltic pump can often be replaced with minimal interruption to the operation. Without those expensive metal impellers, the operating cost per pump unit goes down dramatically.

When you add it all up, it’s clear to see what kind of choices need to be made for mining pumps. If your operation isn’t working with peristaltic pumps you need to ask why.