Mining Industry Pumping Solutions

Rotho peristaltic pumps handle slurries with solids concentrations up to 80% by weight - far exceeding the capabilities of centrifugal pumps, which typically struggle above 40% solids. The secret is simple: there is no impeller to wear. The abrasive slurry only contacts the interior of the reinforced hose element, and that hose is the only component that ever needs replacement.

In conventional centrifugal slurry pumps, abrasive mineral particles erode the impeller, volute, and mechanical seals simultaneously. Each component has a different wear rate, making maintenance planning unpredictable. With a Rotho peristaltic pump, the single-wear-part design means maintenance is straightforward: monitor hose condition, replace when needed, and return to operation. No impeller balancing, no seal alignment, no volute replacement.

Self-priming capability eliminates the need for flooded suction in sump applications. The pump generates its own vacuum to lift slurry from below the pump centerline - critical in mining sumps where liquid levels fluctuate unpredictably. If the sump runs dry, the pump is not damaged. Dry-run capability means the pump continues to operate safely until slurry flow resumes, eliminating the burned-out seals and overheated bearings that plague centrifugal pumps in intermittent sump duty.

The fully enclosed hose path contains the slurry completely, preventing the fugitive emissions and drips that create housekeeping and environmental compliance issues around conventional pump installations.

The Rotho L Series and LD Series are purpose-built for heavy mining duty. The L Series delivers flow rates up to 12,680 GPH at pressures up to 232 PSI, handling the demands of concentrate transfer, filter press feed, and medium-volume tailings applications. For the largest mining operations, the LD Series doubles the displacement per revolution, achieving flow rates up to 47,750 GPH at 290 PSI - enough capacity for primary tailings lines and high-volume slurry transport.

Pipeline distances of several hundred meters are achievable with the high-pressure capability of the L and LD Series pumps. For longer distances, multiple pumps can be staged in series to boost system pressure without the complexity of booster stations required by centrifugal pump installations.

All large-series Rotho pumps are compatible with the Keco Drive VFD system, providing infinitely variable speed control from 0-100% of rated flow. This allows operators to match pump output to process demand, reducing energy consumption during periods of lower throughput. The 4-20mA signal input enables integration with mine SCADA systems for fully automated slurry management.

Hoses for mining applications feature up to six layers of nylon reinforcement within the elastomer body. This multi-layer construction provides the burst pressure rating and abrasion resistance needed for continuous heavy-duty mining service. Multiple elastomer compounds are available to match the specific chemical environment of each mining operation.