Dredging pump solves tailings pond congestion issue
Problem
A mining company was spending a huge amount of money on excavator bucket repair and replacement while trying to dredge its tailings pond at a Brazilian mine. Additionally, they could only dredge around the edges of the pond with the excavator.
Solution
The mine decided to install a Dragflow dredging pump, with two augers suspended from a barge pumping up to 70 percent solids.
Result
The pump keeps the pond clear at a lower overall cost than the previous solution. 604/921-7112; www.dragflow.us.
Pump uses seawater to make mining operation practical in dry environment
Problem
A large copper and gold mining operation in a desert location needed to transport huge amounts of water for processing ore to one of the driest place on the planet in South America. The Pacific Ocean was the closest source of water, 90 miles away.
Solution
The company purchased 16 ITT Goulds Pumps model 3600 units, installing four each at four booster stations. The mine has since added a fifth 3600 pump to each station, helping maintain system flow while allowing maintenance to be performed on one pump at a time. A ProSmart continuous monitoring system allows operators to track each pump's performance from any place in the world.
Result
The system pumps 16 million gallons of water per day to support expanding mine operations. About 1.2 million gallons run through desalination systems daily, for use in clean water applications. Raw seawater is used directly in the mineral crushing and concentration process. For copper, it is used to move and rinse ore as it is crushed into smaller pieces. A flotation system uses the water to separate valuable minerals from worthless material. 315/568-2811; www.gouldspumps.com.
Pump system meets needs of Marcellus Shale drill site
Problem
A remote Marcellus Shale drill site was required to provide a leak detection and pump system for its lined water retention ponds.
Solution
Lee Supply Company, a longtime supplier of pump systems for the solid waste industry, proposed a system using Sloperiser technology.
Result
The company provided an automated system including EPG Companies wheeled sump drainers with sub-level sensors and an EPG custom control panel with a control system that activated an LP-operated generator. The generator was needed due to the remote location of the drill site and the lack of electrical power. 800/353-3747; www.leesupply.com.
Cavity pump leads to frac mine water treatment success
Problem
Freshwater supplies were limited at a Marcellus Shale gas field in Mt. Pleasant, Pa., and with an increase in environmental and transportation controls, Reserved Environmental Services, LLC had to incorporate water treatment and reuse into its business model.
Solution
The company permitted and converted an abandoned facility to chemically treat wastewater for metals and remove other pollutants within large clarifier tanks. The seepex BN 35-12 progressive cavity pump moves the clarifier underflow or sludge to a dewatering system. The pump's rotors and all other wetted parts are made of "duplex" stainless steel for chemical and abrasive solids resistance. Hastelloy mechanical seals withstand higher corrosion levels and the rotors are "ductile" chromium coated to withstand increased abrasion.
Result
The pumps produce the same pressure as four-stage pumps, but are smaller and less expensive. The pumps are outfitted to use a standard hydraulic motor, so downtime is minimal. The pumps have been trouble-free since the facility opened in 2010. 937/864-7150; www.seepex.net.
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