Pilot-scale mining projects are a crucial stage in the transition from laboratory research to industrial production in mine development, placing extremely high demands on the wear resistance, reliability,
and protective performance of conveying equipment. Peristaltic pumps, with their unique seal-less structure, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance, demonstrate significant advantages in conveying
high-solids-content slurries and corrosive media.
This article, based on practical engineering applications, introduces the application characteristics and operational effects of high-protection peristaltic pumps in mining pilot-scale projects,
and analyzes their performance, economy, and environmental adaptability, providing a reference for the selection of pilot-scale equipment in mines.
1. Introduction In mineral processing pilot-scale operations, it is often necessary to convey high-concentration, highly abrasive, or highly corrosive media, such as slurries,
acid and alkali solutions, and reagent solutions. Traditional centrifugal pumps and diaphragm pumps are prone to rapid wear, severe leakage, and frequent maintenance
under such conditions, affecting the stability of continuous pilot-scale operation. Peristaltic pumps achieve fluid transport by squeezing a flexible tube, with the medium
only in contact with the inner wall of the tube, avoiding pump body corrosion and seal failure. Targeting the dusty, humid, and corrosive environments of mining areas,
the **high-protection-level peristaltic pumps (e.g., IP66/IP67)** developed possess stronger environmental adaptability and are gradually becoming important conveying
equipment in mining pilot projects.
2. Structure and Performance Characteristics of High-Protection Peristaltic Pumps
2.1 Working Principle: Peristaltic pumps utilize rollers to periodically squeeze the hose, creating positive and negative pressure zones within the pump tube, thereby
achieving unidirectional fluid flow. This structure eliminates the need for valves and sealing components, featuring strong self-priming capability, dry running capability,
and no backflow, making it particularly suitable for conveying liquids containing solids or gases.
2.2 High Protection Design: High protection level: Adopting a fully sealed dustproof and waterproof shell, the protection level can reach IP66 or higher, enabling long-term
stable operation in humid and dusty environments, whether outdoors or underground. Corrosion-resistant materials: The hose can be made of materials such as natural
rubber (NR), EPDM, Hypalon, and PTFE lining to adapt to acidic, alkaline, or abrasive media. Integrated motor and control: Built-in variable frequency speed control system
enables precise flow control and remote monitoring. Easy Maintenance: Only periodic hose replacement is required; no lubrication or sealing maintenance is needed, resulting in minimal downtime.
3. Application Scenarios and Performance Advantages
3.1 High-Concentration Slurry Transportation: In pilot-scale processes of copper, gold, and lead-zinc mines, peristaltic pumps can stably transport slurries with a solid content of up to 70%. Compared
to centrifugal pumps, their shear-free characteristics effectively prevent particle breakage and foam generation, maintaining stable slurry properties.
3.2 Precise Reagent Dosing: Peristaltic pumps feature high-precision flow control (error ≤ ±1%), enabling precise metering and dosing of flotation agents, flocculants, and acid-base neutralizers,
ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of experimental data.
3.3 Tailings and Wastewater Treatment: In tailings slurry transportation and acidic wastewater treatment, the high-protection design effectively resists dust, water vapor, and corrosive gases,
ensuring long-term equipment operation. Hose replacement cycles typically exceed 2000 hours, significantly reducing maintenance costs.
3.4 Engineering Case Study: A copper mine pilot project used IP66 high-protection peristaltic pumps (flow rate 0.5–18 L/min) for the slurry circulation system. The equipment operated continuously
for three months without leakage or blockage. The hose replacement cycle exceeded design expectations by 30%. The overall system energy consumption was reduced by approximately 15% compared
to traditional centrifugal pumps, and maintenance costs were reduced by approximately 35%.
4. Economic and Environmental Benefits: Low maintenance costs: Simple structure, no seals, easy hose replacement, and long maintenance cycle. High operational reliability: Protective structure reduces
electrical faults caused by dust and moisture. Excellent environmental performance: Fully enclosed conveying prevents leakage and contamination from harmful media spills.
Strong adaptability: Supports frequency conversion regulation and remote control, and can be seamlessly integrated with automated pilot systems.
5. Conclusion: High-protection peristaltic pumps, with their simple structure, wear and corrosion resistance, reliable sealing, and convenient maintenance,
demonstrate excellent comprehensive performance in mining pilot projects. They exhibit good stability and economy in slurry conveying, reagent addition, and wastewater treatment.
In the future, combined with intelligent control and IoT technology, high-protection peristaltic pumps will be more widely used in the mining and metallurgical industries, providing efficient,
safe and environmentally friendly fluid transportation solutions for mine pilot and production.
