Larox Pumps Benefit Silver Mine in Mexico

Three LPP-T65 were selected to a new mill as the underflow pump for a rakeless paste thickener as a part of the production development project by a leading silver producer in Mexico.

In early 2006, the customer determined that sufficient ore was being developed to justify the construction of a new mill with a capacity of 800 tpd. Construction of two 400 tpd circuits; one to handle oxide ore and the other to handle sulphide ore, was carried out during March and December 2006. Both circuits have now been commissioned and are in operation.

Larox Flowsys in the Process

The Larox pump was selected due to its ability to handle abrasive materials with higher solids concentration levels. The thickened tailing has a paste like consistence and contains coarse particles which rendered centrifugal, lobe, and progressive cavity pump as choose due to intense wear and repair costs.

The LPP-T hose being the single repair item required appealed to the customer’s requirement to increased availability and reduce maintenance part count and costs. In combination with the pumps, an operation station containing an inverter was provided by Larox Flowsys.

The use of the LPP-T pump in conjunction with the inverter provides a variable output flow aiding in the balance and stability of the thickening process. The net result is a consistent 75% solids concentration exceeding the original design expectation of 55 to 65%.