MATERIALS HANDLING
Mine type. Tis generally determines the best dewatering method but may be overruled by end user preferences. Location. Mines in remote locations may
have reduced access to adequate electrical power. Terefore, alternate technologies need to be considered. lncoming volume of water: lt is of critical importance to have an accurate estimate of the inflow from all possible sources. Mine depth. Whether an open pit or underground, the mine depth will determine whether single-lift drainage or a stage pumping system needs to be employed. Water properties. Tese will determine
the dewatering system, pump technologies and construction materials. Te type of pumps used depends on various factors, including water quality, chemical composition and solids content. Life of mine. lf the expected mine life is long, a more permanent system needs to be considered. ln a mine with a shorter life span, portable products or a less costly dewatering system can be used. Cost budget. Te budget available for the
dewatering system defines which methods can be considered
MINE DEWATERING Tere are two main types of mine dewatering, i.e. active and reactive (or passive). Active dewatering is a process used mainly around open-pit mines with the purpose of lowering the water table. Tis method reduces ingress and seepage of water into the mine areas, allowing safe and uninterrupted work. Te technologies used are multi-stage deep well pumping or well pointing. Reactive dewatering is used to remove water from working areas and is applicable to both open-pit and underground mines. Typical reactive applications in open-pit mines are pit dewatering, seepage water removal and flood water relief, while typical applications in underground mines are face dewatering, stage pumping, drainage of shaft bottom sump, ramp and
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Sulzer has thousands of mine installations around the world
stope pumping and main mine dewatering. Multiple pump technologies can be used in these applications, including submersible, vertical, end-suction, multistage or volumetric pumps. Te pump type and construction materials depend on various factors, such as water properties, the presence of abrasive solids, the concentration of solids and the location of the installation.
PROCESS DEWATERING Process dewatering generally refers to the separation of water from solids towards the later part of minerals processing. Slurry pumps are normally used for pumping the process water to various types of filters or into thickening and settlement tanks.
A high-capacity dewatering pump from Sulzer
Large quantities of water may be required in minerals processing. Te quality of the water is highly important and therefore some level of treatment is needed before it enters the process. A combination of vertical, horizontal and submersible pumps may be used in the treatment process. Te materials of
construction will depend on the water source, e.g. sea water, reclaimed water, etc. Te treated water is then added to the process at various stages.
INTAKE WATER Because intake water stations may transport water into the mine from various types of sources, the technology requirements will vary accordingly. Vertical turbines and horizontal end-suction pumps are most commonly used, depending on the pump station design and configuration.
RECLAIMED WATER Te scarcity and cost of water means that reclaiming and reuse are on the increase. Water is reclaimed from tailings ponds, lagoons and the downstream of minerals processing by vertical, horizontal and submersible pumps. lt is then treated prior to use.
Although water may be a nuisance, it is also essential for the mining process. Te management of this precious resource is of critical importance. Sulzer offers a comprehensive portfolio
of innovative pumps and agitators for mining applications, from lightweight and robust submersible dewatering pumps to wear-resistant high-lift centrifugal pumps for the removal of sludge, mud, silt and water in abrasive and corrosive environments.
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