Thickener underflow slurry
Three applications ranging from the very abrasive to mildly abrasive slurries from concentrator. Concentrate Slurry, Abrasive materials from three areas including very abrasive high grade nickel concentrate, mixture of copper and nickel and copper slurry with low nickel, flows up to 22 m3/h, up to 72% solids solids density of 4.29 - 4.97.
Pumps installed with expansion joints and flexible hose on suction to mitigate impulse losses on the pump, with an air dome (80 liter volume) and flexible hose on the discharge to mitigate pulsation effects on the pump and line.
Pumps are running with upwards of 4000 hours service on the hose. In the Metallurgist’s opinion the slurry is very abrasive and these pumps have replaced SRL (Soft Rubber Lined) centrifugal units that were continually being repaired as a result of the abrasiveness. They have saved well over 100 hours per year of downtime at the plant and exceeded their goal of 100% throughput.
Three Verderflex VF 80 Series hose pumps with Natural Rubber Hose, expansion joints to mitigate impulse loss on suction side and air dome on discharge of each pump. Three more standby units are currently being commissioned as part of independent concentrate pumping stations.