Mining companies reduce water usage with peristaltic pumps

Running an optimised and sustainable mining and mineral processing operation has never been so important with pressures on water availability, rising costs and environmental regulations becoming stricter.

Water conservation is vital in countries such as Australia, the driest inhabited continent in the world, and good water management reduces disruption to mining operations as well as damage to the environment.

Using reliable and efficient peristaltic pump technology from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS) for mining procedures can produce water savings of 71% in comparison with typical centrifugal pumps.

Bredel hose pumps from WMFTS can be considered water-saving devices in their capabilities, such as being able to handle undiluted tailings and thickener underflow with up to 80% solids. Since Bredel hose pumps do not have seals, it eliminates the requirement of water for flushing, to treat process wastewater and provide pump service water.

A reduction in water usage also delivers associated benefits through lower chemical usage and energy required for the treatment of process wastewater. Pumps must be capable of high operating pressures and flow rates to ensure a smooth liquid passage and deny the opportunity for the product to settle. Bredel hose pumps are self-priming to 9 metres, can run dry safely and can meter accurately to ±1%.Reducing water usage is better for the environment too, as less storage is needed for tailings and the number of basins can be minimised.

The wear-free performance of clog-free peristaltic pumps also means the need for routine maintenance and spare parts is reduced greatly.

For more information on how peristaltic pump technology can deliver significant water savings for mining and water treatment companies, go here: wmfts.com/en/mining/