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What are the best practices for selecting and sizing pumps for mineral processing?

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Pumps are essential components of mineral processing plants, as they transport fluids and slurries containing valuable minerals, chemicals, and waste products. Choosing the right pump for each application can improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of the process, as well as reduce the operating and maintenance costs. In this article, you will learn some of the best practices for selecting and sizing pumps for mineral processing, based on the type, duty, and characteristics of the fluid or slurry.

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Michael McClintock, P.Eng.

Founder & Principal @ McClintock Group| Co-Founder EOC | Enhancing Mineral Projects, Advocating for Shareholders

1 Pump types

There are many types of pumps available for mineral processing, but they can be broadly classified into two categories: positive displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps. Positive displacement pumps work by forcing a fixed volume of fluid through a pipe or hose, creating a constant flow rate regardless of the pressure. Centrifugal pumps work by imparting kinetic energy to the fluid using a rotating impeller, creating a variable flow rate depending on the pressure. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the viscosity, density, solids content, abrasiveness, corrosiveness, and temperature of the fluid or slurry.

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2 Pump duty

Another factor to consider when selecting a pump is the duty, or the operating conditions and requirements of the pump. The duty can be defined by the flow rate, head, power, efficiency, and specific speed of the pump. The flow rate is the volume of fluid or slurry that the pump delivers per unit time, usually expressed in cubic meters per hour or liters per minute. The head is the pressure difference that the pump creates between the inlet and outlet, usually expressed in meters or feet. The power is the energy that the pump consumes to operate, usually expressed in kilowatts or horsepower. The efficiency is the ratio of the output power to the input power, usually expressed as a percentage. The specific speed is a dimensionless parameter that relates the flow rate, head, and rotational speed of the pump, and indicates the shape and performance of the impeller.

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Michael McClintock, P.Eng.

Founder & Principal @ McClintock Group| Co-Founder EOC | Enhancing Mineral Projects, Advocating for Shareholders
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Generally we size pumps based on a design factor of 20% that is applied to the nominal flow. The other important aspect is calculating the required head pressure. Appropriate friction losses need to be calculated based on the size and material of the pipping. It is also important to understand how the pump will be used and its operating range. The pump curve is important and depending whether the pressure will vary or flow rate needs to vary, you may choose to select a curve that is steeper to more flat. The other consideration is VFD, which gives the operator much greater control by varying the RPM rather than adjusting by changing the sheave. It all comes down to the application.

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3 Fluid or slurry characteristics

The final factor to consider when selecting and sizing a pump is the characteristics of the fluid or slurry that the pump handles. These include the viscosity, density, solids content, abrasiveness, corrosiveness, and temperature of the fluid or slurry. The viscosity is the measure of the resistance of the fluid or slurry to flow, usually expressed in centipoise or pascal-seconds. The density is the mass per unit volume of the fluid or slurry, usually expressed in kilograms per cubic meter or pounds per cubic foot. The solids content is the percentage of solid particles by weight or volume in the fluid or slurry, usually expressed as a percentage. The abrasiveness is the measure of the wear and tear caused by the solid particles on the pump components, usually expressed in terms of hardness or particle size. The corrosiveness is the measure of the chemical reaction of the fluid or slurry with the pump materials, usually expressed in terms of pH or chemical composition. The temperature is the measure of the thermal energy of the fluid or slurry, usually expressed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

By taking into account these three factors, you can select and size a pump that suits your mineral processing needs and goals. You can also consult with pump manufacturers, suppliers, or experts to get more guidance and recommendations. However, selecting and sizing a pump is only the first step. You also need to install, operate, and maintain the pump properly to ensure its optimal performance and longevity.

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Michael McClintock, P.Eng.

Founder & Principal @ McClintock Group| Co-Founder EOC | Enhancing Mineral Projects, Advocating for Shareholders
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Generally for slurries we design size piping for fluid velocity rates between 3 to 1 m/s. Slower than this the pipe can risk plugging, faster and there is excessive wear. When sizing pumps it is important to know the design criteria and range, both what the nominal and design flows will be. As well as the total pressure (head) that will be needed, as well as the friction loses. It is also important to look at the pump curves and find the optimal area on the curves to be operated at.

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Bob Burton

Part time retired
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so the list to the right is a good place to start. I would suggest everyone will have a pump to solve your problem. Ask fo examples of where the pump is installed and working in a similar application. Make phone call. I would strongly suggest you give maintence a voice in what your planning. they need to know about working space , lifting ability in area, etc ... training for both operator and mtce. people. People need to know what is pump suppost to be doing and do it work the same as the pumps we now have. So if you just do all the basic items listed (standard list from your sales person) and can't repair it fast and easy than to need to look at the cost for you. What do 1,2,3 hours of running form this pump cost?

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4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best practices for selecting and sizing pumps for mineral processing?

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1 Pump types

2 Pump duty

3 Fluid or slurry characteristics

4 Here’s what else to consider

Mining Engineering

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What are the best practices for selecting and sizing pumps for mineral processing?

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1 Pump types

2 Pump duty

3 Fluid or slurry characteristics

4 Here’s what else to consider

Mining Engineering

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