Overview
Peristaltic pumps play a critical role in mineral flotation processes, primarily for the precise delivery of various chemical reagents including collectors, frothers, depressants, and pH modifiers. Their unique pumping principle makes them ideal for reagent dosing in flotation operations, meeting stringent requirements for dosing accuracy, stability, and corrosion resistance in mining production.
Core Applications
- Precise Reagent Metering
- Achieves dosing accuracy of 0.5%-3%
- Programmable flow control for different flotation stages
- Typical application: Quantitative dosing of xanthates and dithiophosphates
- Corrosive Reagent Transfer
- Handles extreme pH reagents (pH<2 or pH>12)
- Resists strongly corrosive depressants like sodium sulfide and cyanides
- Case study: A copper mine using peristaltic pumps for 98% sulfuric acid dosing
- High-Viscosity Reagent Handling
- Capable of transferring reagents up to 5000cPs viscosity
- Valve-free design prevents clogging
- Application example: Stable transfer of fatty acid collectors
Technical Advantages
- Sealed Leak-proof Design
- Complete isolation between reagents and pump components
- Eliminates leakage, saving 15-30% in annual reagent costs
- Environmental benefit: Prevents site contamination
- Precise Flow Control
- Servo motor drive ensures ±1% flow accuracy
- PLC integration for DCS system coordination
- 18% reagent consumption reduction achieved in a lead-zinc mine application
- Wear and Corrosion Resistance
- Special FKM tubing with 2000-3000 hours service life
- 316L stainless steel housing for harsh mine environments
- Comparative test: Maintenance intervals extended 3× versus diaphragm pumps
- Low-Shear Transfer
- Preserves reagent molecular integrity
- Particularly suitable for polymer flocculant addition
- Gold mine case: 22% improvement in flocculation efficiency
Maintenance Essentials
- Regular tubing inspection (recommended every 500 hours)
- Maintain proper lubrication (lithium-based grease)
- Flush lines during shutdowns to prevent reagent crystallization
- Store spare tubing away from direct sunlight
Development Trends
- Smart integration: Online concentration monitoring with automatic adjustment
- Modular design: Quick-change components to minimize downtime
- Material innovation: Nanocomposite tubing for extended service life
- Energy efficiency: Adoption of IE4 high-efficiency motors
As mining progresses toward intelligent and green development, peristaltic pumps are becoming indispensable in modern flotation processes due to their precision, reliability, and environmental benefits. Practical results from a large iron ore mine demonstrate annual reagent cost savings exceeding 1.2 million RMB alongside significantly reduced environmental risks. With ongoing technological advancements, the application prospects for peristaltic pumps in the mining sector continue to expand.