Mining industry truly tests the durability of the pumps assigned for the daily operations. The pumps need to be in pristine condition because depending on the type of commodities being mined, the operations have to be fast or extended over long durations which requires sustained durability as the primary feature of the mining pumps. It is no wonder that most pumps start to exhibit certain issues with long term use. It is important that you stay aware of the most common obstacles for your pumps to consistently monitor their performance and function. This will help you repair and restore the pumps at the earliest possible sign of a threat. It will also bring down the overall costs of consistently replacing broken down pumps, particularly during critical stages of the mining operations.

Loose solids and slurry

Often suspended slurry make their way through the mining operations discharge into the various parts of the pump. These solids can have a detrimental effect on the pumps by clogging the pipes and lowering the water pressure that directly affects the performance of the pumps. In this case, a slime-like texture also develops on the pump’s surface. The best way to handle the situation is to periodically clean the pumps while also designing a proper sump area to filter out the slurry even before the water discharge reaches the pump.

Overheating of the pump

Extended periods of use can often overheat the motor of the pump. This can affect the control panel, specifically if the pump goes through a prolonged period of dry overheat. The solids from the slurry can also clog some areas of the pump causing it to overwork even when not used for a long time. So the same amount of regular work will still cause it to overheat and exhaust its parts. It is important that the pump is thoroughly cleaned, especially the parts inside, to avoid the build-up of solids within the cooling chambers. Also, keep checking the pump for overheating frequently during the usage period. Plan some cooling time for the pump within the operations schedule to keep it running in ship shape.

Corrosion of the pump parts

Mining in specific areas where the groundwater contains high levels of brine can often accelerate the corrosion of the pump parts. When opting for mining pumps hire, make sure to check whether they have been constructed with proper metallurgy to delay the corrosion process. Stainless steel is the most preferred material for pumps used for mining in electrode rich areas which have a high supply of magnesium or aluminium alloys in the soil.

Make sure to only hire pumps for mining from suppliers that have established their brand as the one to trust in the field. The care you take in choosing the mining pump suppliers will directly affect the quality of pumps you include in your operations. Apart from that, you also have to be careful with the maintenance of the pumps during the operations stage to keep them working efficiently throughout.