Flowrox hose pump boosts efficiency in African copper mine
Valmet's Flowrox™ peristaltic pump proved to be a game-changer for the African copper mine facing costly downtime and maintenance challenges. By improving operational reliability and reducing maintenance needs, the mine achieved significant gains in efficiency and profitability. This article highlights our commitment to providing high-performance solutions that create measurable value for our customers.
Valmet's Flowrox™ peristaltic pump proved to be a game-changer for the African copper mine facing costly downtime and maintenance challenges. By improving operational reliability and reducing maintenance needs, the mine achieved significant gains in efficiency and profitability. This article highlights our commitment to providing high-performance solutions that create measurable value for our customers.
Customer challenge
An African copper mine was experiencing significant production downtime due to frequent hose replacements in their existing peristaltic slurry pumps. These interruptions not only disrupted daily operations but also led to substantial financial losses from reduced throughput and increased maintenance labor.
Flowrox hose pumps are capable to pump 24/7 without overheating at high continuous flow rates due to the roller design that minimizes friction and heat.
Optimized pumping solution for demanding slurry
Valmet stepped in with a game-changing solution. Our pumping experts analyzed the mine’s requirements and proposed a trial of the Flowrox 360-degree, DN100 peristaltic hose pump. Engineered for demanding slurry applications, this pump is designed to operate continuously without overheating, eliminating the need for a standby pump and drastically reducing maintenance time and complexity.The previous competitor’s pump was a DN150, whereas the Flowrox pump is a DN100 while delivering a higher flow rate. This improvement not only enhances energy efficiency but also reduces overall system costs. The smaller pump size lowers equipment expenses and allows smaller-diameter piping in new installations, creating additional savings on materials and installation.
Successful trial and superior performance
After a thorough evaluation by our pumping experts, the mine committed to a 60-day trial of the Flowrox hose pump. The results spoke for themselves: the pump delivered exceptional efficiency and reliability, operating flawlessly around the clock. This not only minimized unplanned downtime but also clearly demonstrated the value of investing in robust and high performance technology.
Demonstrated efficiency and reduced operating costs
The results were impressive. The Flowrox slurry pump not only met but exceeded expectations. It offered a hose lifetime of 1000 hours, reduced hose replacement time to just 1 - 2 hours, and required 77% less lubricant. These improvements led to enhanced productivity, lower operating costs, and greater confidence in long-term performance.
For more information, contact Henlo Blignaut, henlo.blignaut@valmet.com, Sales Manager, Mining and Metals in South Africa (SSA) at Valmet Flow Control business line.
Henlo Blignaut
Sales Manager, Mining and Metals in South Africa, Valmet Flow Control Oy
Summary of the content
Our Flowrox™ hose pump significantly improved efficiency and reduced costs for an African copper mine struggling with frequent downtime and high maintenance from its previous pumps. During a 60-day trial, the pump demonstrated exceptional reliability, handling slurries with up to 80% solids, extending hose life to 1,000 hours, cutting lubricant use by 77%, and reducing maintenance time to just 1–2 hours (hose replacement). These improvements boosted productivity, minimized unplanned downtime, and provided long-term operational confidence.
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