Application of Peristaltic (Hose) Pumps in Mining Industries
This article, written by Ms. Mehri Hejri, Commercial Manager of Pars Hesgar Paj Company, briefly explains the working principle of peristaltic (hose) pumps, which are a type of positive displacement pump. It then discusses the key advantages of using peristaltic pumps in mining processes. Finally, it presents several mining and mineral processing plants that have successfully replaced their conventional pumps with peristaltic hose pumps to reduce production downtime, eliminate common maintenance problems, and improve process reliability.
The basic operating principle of a hose pump is based on the cyclic compression and relaxation of a flexible hose. As the rotor turns, the rollers compress the hose, pushing the fluid forward. When the roller moves away, the hose returns to its original shape, drawing in more fluid. Since the pumped medium only contacts the inner surface of the hose, this design ensures no contamination or contact with other pump components, which is one of the most important advantages of this pump type.
Depending on the industry, peristaltic pumps offer various benefits. In the mining industry, the main advantages include:
- Ability to handle slurries containing solid particles
- Suitable for high-viscosity and highly concentrated materials
- Capable of pumping chemical, hydrocarbon, and derivative fluids
- Can generate discharge pressures up to 16 bar, suitable for applications such as filter press feeding and long-distance slurry transfer
- Strong suction capability up to -0.8 bar (equivalent to 8 meters of water column)
- Accurate flow control independent of discharge pressure—no need for flow meters or control valves
- Gentle pumping action ideal for shear-sensitive fluids
- No mechanical seals or check valves required
- Self-priming capability
- Reversible operation, enabling easy clearing of suction blockages
- Low maintenance costs, as the hose and lubricant are the only wear parts—hose replacement usually takes less than 30 minutes without removing the pump from the line
- High resistance to abrasion due to slow, smooth fluid motion
- High volumetric efficiency resulting from complete hose compression and zero slippage
- Rugged construction and portable design options
- Low noise operation
- Suitable for explosive or hazardous environments
Over the past two decades, peristaltic hose pumps have become increasingly popular in global mining applications. For example, one of the largest mining companies in Arizona, operating gold and copper mines, has replaced its abrasion-resistant cast iron centrifugal pumps with size 100 peristaltic hose pumps for tailings transfer operations.
Pars Hesgar Paj is a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial peristaltic pumps in Iran, offering a complete range of pump models and sizes designed to meet the diverse needs of mining and industrial applications.
