Solid & Particle Tolerance
Large ball valves pass coarse mineral and slurry particles without clogging.
Sector Application
Mining Industry
Diaphragm Pump
Robust pumping solutions for abrasive, corrosive fluids such as slurry, ore sludge and acid mine drainage.
Mining Sector
Reliable Transfer in Slurry and Mud
Slurry is a mixture of solid particles - sand, ore, clay, tailings - suspended in water or liquid. Three factors make it difficult to pump: as the solids increase, the mixture becomes heavier and requires more power, the hard and angular particles constantly abrade the pump surfaces, and when the pump stops, the solids settle to the bottom. In mining and quarrying applications, the pump has to cope with these three challenges simultaneously.
Air diaphragm (AODD) pumps are preferred in the mine site, especially for corrosive operations such as dewatering, sump emptying, medium density slurry transfer, flotation reagent dosing and acid mine drainage (AMD); since the rotating part is not in contact with the fluid, it can withstand abrasive and corrosive liquids, can run dry and can be transported. For very high tonnage main tailing lines, centrifugal slurry pumps with high-chrome or rubber liners are generally used.
Pumpport PA series metal casing diaphragm pumps safely transport solid containing fluids with cast aluminum and SS316L casing options and corrosive mine drainage with PP/PVDF casing options.
- Slurry = liquid + suspended solid; abrasion, density and settling difficulties
- Large ball valve - coarse mineral particle passage
- Can run dry - no damage when sump/sump empties
- PP/PVDF body + PTFE diaphragm for corrosive AMD
- Portable; no electricity required, air line only
- Field maintenance: tool-free, quick diaphragm and seal replacement
Advantages
Highlights for the Mining Industry
Dry Operation
When the sump or tank is empty, it continues to operate without damage; no constant monitoring of fullness is required.
Corrosion Resistance (AMD)
Withstands low pH with PP/PVDF body and PTFE diaphragm for acid mine drainage.
Field Maintenance
No special tooling required; quick diaphragm and seal replacement in field conditions.
Application Areas
Where is it used in the mine site?
Dewatering
Drains water containing sludge and coarse solids without clogging; runs dry when water runs out.
Slurry & Tailing Transfer
Suitable for medium density ore slurry and tailing transfer.
Reagent & Flotation Dosage
Controlled dosing of flotation reagent, acid-base and process chemicals.
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD)
PP/PVDF body + PTFE diaphragm for corrosive drainage water with low pH.
Sump / Pit Drain
Draining the accumulation at the bottom of the gallery and pit with a portable pump.
Slurry Challenges
Factors Making Shlam Difficult
| Factor | Impact | Reflection on Pump Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Solid content (% by weight) | Density, viscosity and wear increase | Upper flow rate class + higher air capacity |
| Particle size | Large particles stress valve and diaphragm | Large ball valve opening; sieve if required |
| Particle shape (angular/sharp) | Significantly accelerates wear | Abrasion resistant diaphragm (Santoprene/PTFE) |
| Low pH (acid mine drainage) | Corrosion of the metal body | PP/PVDF body + PTFE diaphragm |
| Slumping tendency (when the pump stops) | Line blockage and difficulty restarting | Sufficient line speed; position the pump close to the source |
Recommended Products
Pumps for Mining Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Things to Consider When Choosing a Mining Pump
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Slurry is a mixture of solid particles (sand, ore, clay, waste/tailing) suspended in water or liquid. Three factors make it difficult to pump: (1) the higher the solids content, the denser the mixture and the more power it requires; (2) hard and angular particles constantly abrade the pump surfaces; (3) solids settle to the bottom when the pump stops. Therefore, abrasion resistance, solids passage and dry running tolerance are decisive for slurry pumps.
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AODD pumps stand out in corrosive jobs such as dewatering, pit/sump emptying, medium density slurry transfer, flotation reagent and chemical dosing, acid mine drainage (AMD). Since the rotating part is not in contact with the fluid, it withstands abrasive and corrosive fluids, can run dry and can be transported. For very high tonnage, coarse and extremely abrasive main tailing lines, high-chrome or rubber-lined centrifugal slurry pumps are generally used.
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The higher the solids content (% by weight), the denser the slurry, the higher the required air pressure and consumption, and the faster the abrasion as the particles hit the surfaces more frequently. For densities above about 1.3 kg/L, it is necessary to select an upper flow rate class and size the air supply accordingly. It is also important to keep the line speed sufficient to prevent solids settling.
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Wear increases with solids content, particle size and particle angularity. To prolong life, choose a wear-resistant diaphragm (Santoprene or backed PTFE), large ball valve and appropriate line speed; position the pump as close to the fluid level as possible. For very coarse or sharp particles, limiting the particle size with a sieve significantly increases life.
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In acid mine drainage, where the pH is often below 3, the metal body corrodes, so PP or PVDF body with PTFE diaphragm/valve is preferred. PVDF + PTFE is the safest combination when high sulfate/salt and low pH are combined. It is necessary to verify the choice of material from the chemical compatibility table.
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Diaphragm pumps pump water containing sludge, sand and coarse solids without clogging, run dry when the water runs out (no damage when the sump empties) and are safe to use in wet and explosive (ATEX) environments as they only run on air lines and do not require electricity. These features make them practical for temporary dewatering and pit emptying.
Chemical Compatibility Chart
Check the chemical resistance of the pump casing and diaphragm material as A/B/C/D from the table.