Air operated double diaphragm pumps in mining

Specific applications within the mining industry that use this type of pump

If you work in mining or with customers in the mining industry, you will be used to finding air operated double diaphragm pumps (AODD) in many of their processes. If this is the case for you, we invite you to read on…

In this article you will find:

The reasons for choosing pneumatic double-diaphragm pumps in mining.

Advantages offered by Samoa Industrial’s pneumatic double diaphragm pumps in mining applications.

Specific applications within the mining industry that use this type of pump.

The most common air operated double diaphragm pump models (in size and materials) in mining.

WHY CHOOSE AIR OPEREATED DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM PUMPS IN MINING?

Performance: these pumps offer high flow rates with up to 1,000 l/min (264 gal/min) with the ability of regulating the flow rate according to the customer’s needs.

Solids removal: these diaphragm pumps allow the passage of solids in suspension with up to 13 mm (1/2”) in diameter without increasing the temperature of the fluid they are pumping.

Simplicity: these pumps are easy to install and maintain due to their reduced number of parts compared to other types of pumps.

Safety and portability: they are ATEX-certified diaphragm pumps that can be mounted to a cart or even wall mounted if the customer prefers.

Durability: this type of pump is highly resistant and therefore has a long service life.

WHY CHOOSE SAMOA IN MINING?

Frictionless pivot air valve, replacing the conventional sliding spool valve, for more efficient air consumption and easier maintenance.

Reliable air motor as Samoa diaphragm pumps have a patented device (Smooth-Start-Shifter) that activates the pivot air valve and prevents any possible stoppages in the equipment operation. The pump start-up is reliable even at pressures of 1 bar (14.5 psi).

Bolted construction for better sealing and preventing leakage.

Universal pumps, fully interchangeable with pumps from other manufacturers.

Optimised manifold diameters that matches the size of the fluid chambers, means that the pumped fluid does not increase its velocity as it passes through. This increases the service life of the manifold and makes it possible to pump abrasive materials and materials with suspended particles.

IN WHICH MINING PROCESSES ARE AIR OPERATED DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM PUMPS (AODD) USED?

Mine front water evacuation, extraction of groundwater from the mine pit and transfer to the central pond.

High pressure filter press operations, to remove particles from mine water prior to transfer to the pit.

Fluid and wastewater evacuation.

Ore Leaching: Dispense and transfer cyanide or other leaching chemicals for heap leaching or electrowinning processes.

Suction removal of viscous fluids containing slurry, mud and sludges.

Chemical transfer and supply.

Tanks and containers loading and unloading.

Soil analysis.

On-site lubrication service for heavy equipment.

WHICH AIR OPERATED DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM (AODD) PUMP MODEL DO WE RECOMMEND IN SAMOA?

As in any other industry, the recommended pump model varies depending on a number of parameters:

Flow rate required by the customer and possible pressure losses in their installation (clearances, piping, fluid viscosity, etc.). The capacity chart of each pump serves as a first step in choosing the most suitable pump for each application.

Fluid to be pumped.

Application for which the pump is intended. The characteristics, such as output flow, of each pump size influence the application for which they are used.

However, the most common pump models in mining are the following:

2″ and 3″ pumps with aluminium body and Hytrel or Santoprene diaphragms. These pumps are suitable for wastewater treatment applications, sludge and slurry treatment and/or particle extraction from water. These materials are suitable for working with particles in suspension, given their high flexibility and resistance.

2″ pumps with polypropylene body and Teflon (PTFE) diaphragms. These diaphragm pumps are used in chemical transfer and supply processes. Teflon (PTFE) is chosen for the diaphragms due to its high chemical compatibility.

1″ and 2″ PVDF pumps with Teflon (PTFE) diaphragms for leaching processes1 using 98% sulphuric acid, where Polypropylene is no longer compatible.

1″ and 2″ stainless steel pumps with Teflon (PTFE) diaphragms for leaching processes1 using 65% nitric acid.