What types of pumps are used in the mining industry?

When mining ore to extract useful minerals from the earth, pump systems are depended on to make sure that day-to-day operation runs efficiently. There are numerous types of pumps that are utilized in the mining industry. Close Coupled Centrifugal Pump

One common type of pump is a centrifugal slurry pump, which is suitable for pumping liquid containing solids. Slurry is a mixture of solids (specific gravity typically greater than 1) in a liquid carrier, usually water.

IMAGE 1: Overhung impeller, separately coupled, single stage, frame mounted, metal-lined pump (OH0) (Images courtesy of Hydraulic Institute)

The following are slurry characteristics:

Slurry pumps (Image 1) are typically used to transport slurries with specific gravities up to 5.3 and solids concentration between 2% and 50% by volume.

Slurries with solids of wood, paper, specialized chemical particulates, wastewater and other organic materials also exist but are not the focus of this article.

Due to the varying nature of the slurry and possible application, the construction will vary but they are generally designed to be robust. The parts in contact with the slurry are often replaceable and typically made of wear resistant alloys or elastomers. Slurry pumps are overhung impeller types and can be frame mounted, cantilevered wet pit or submersible types.

For more information on slurry pumps, refer to “American National Standards Institute/Hydraulic Institute (ANSI/HI) 12.1-12.6 Rotodynamic Centrifugal Slurry Pumps for Nomenclature, Definitions, Applications and Operation” at pumps.org.