Jetting equipment options for mining operations Effective cleaning systems are a critical part of mining operations, and having the right equipment is invaluable for keeping sites functioning well and aligned with regulatory requirements.
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Some of the most useful options for cleaning functions on site are high-pressure washers, vacuuming systems and combination jetting and suction units. Sebastian Werner, MD of Werner Pumps, a leading manufacturer of high-pressure jetting equipment and industrial vacuum solutions in South Africa says that it’s important to meet cleaning and maintenance needs with the right equipment for the job. “Mines will require equipment best suited to their specific applications, whether it’s jetting or vacuuming, wet or dry material, and so on,” he adds. Vacuuming solutions Many of the by-products from mining processes need to be carefully managed. Vacuum cleaning equipment can help maintain systems on a mine and assist with the cleaning up of spills, industrial sumps and slurries, dry materials and industrial wastes. In tailing dams, for example, waste products from mining, whether they are liquid, solid or a slurry, that need to be kept from contaminating water sources or polluting the environment have to be monitored and maintained. “When the slurry of mining waste is piped into the dam, the solids settle to the bottom and the water is recycled to be used in the separation process again,” explains Werner. “But if the drainage system in that dam gets blocked, it can pose major safety risks.” Werner Pumps’ large vacuum
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trucks can be used for vacuuming industrial sumps and slurries and can help unclog pipes so that the dams’ draining systems can flow freely. High-pressure jetting equipment can also be used for jet-rodding, where the walls of the dam’s drainage system are scoured. This can also help in identifying damaged pipes. High-pressure cleaning Depending on the application, different pressure capacities are also important. Werner Pumps supplies smaller trailermounted high-pressure and ultra high-pressure jetting units, as well as larger truck-mounted units for industrialscale applications. “We initially designed the trailer units for domestic applications and smaller sewerage clearing operators and municipalities who were looking for a more cost-effective option than investing in a truck unit, but we’ve found that because they are so easy to transport, they are much lighter and they can get into tight spaces, they are ideal for other niche applications,” says Werner. “We have a customer who uses one of our trailers not only for tailings dam maintenance on the mines, but also for clearing out piping in the boreholes they drill too. The trailer-mounted unit continues to be one of our most versatile offerings.” These small jetting units can get to places where accessibility is a challenge on site at a mine, such as boiler tubes that need to be cleaned, which can solve a number of headaches for maintenance teams.