INDUSTRY |
Mining & Mineral Processing
Environmental, Social, and Governance
ESG Objectives
The mining industry is recognizing ESG performance now more than ever. These criteria directly impact mining and mineral processing organization’s ability to conduct operations, acquire funding, and remain in good standing with the communities they impact.
Mineral Processing
At a high level, the input of the mining process is clean (ore), and the output is clean (separated minerals). It is the processing stage where harsh procedures and chemicals are required. Any leakage, emissions, or discharges at this stage equates to a loss of valuable material and exposes staff and the environment to danger.
One major area for immediate improvement, in terms of sustainability and efficiency, revolves around a common mining valve — the Push Through Knife Gate. This valve is fundamentally flawed for severe service applications as every closure of the valve releases discharge to the atmosphere.
These discharges grow in volume after each cycle as the valve continues to wear down. Unsurprisingly, the valve also has a short lifespan; the resulting manufacturing and shipping costs cannot be overlooked.
Case Study
CO2 Emission Comparison Between Knife Gate Valves
We compared a DSS Severe Service Knife Gate Valve (SSKGV) to a Push Through Knife Gate Valve. Both units were in the same mining application, positioned four kilometers from the operations facility. The Push Through Valve and DSS SSKGV required maintenance after 160 and 884 cycles respectively.
When analyzing the CO2 emissions from the manual transmissioned diesel service vehicle, it was found that servicing the Push Through Valve equated to over five times the carbon emissions, not to mention increased service costs and a much shorter service life of the valve.
Why CGIS?
Asking the right questions
Our valve experts know how vital it is to understand each application fully. As a result, we are always working hard to ensure we are asking the right questions to understand your specific situation.
- Mineral Processing
- Chloride Leaching
- Paste Backfill
- Tailings Distribution
- Smelting
Case Study
Proving the Lowest Cost of Ownership
Since their implementation into the tailings market, the design behind Severe Service Knife Gate Valves has been improved over time.
In this example, the overall valve cost has been reduced from ~$100,000 per year for the original valve (not an SSKGV) to $14,000 per year. The reason being? Extended valve life and dependability.
- Tonnage rate: 5000 mtph sand
- Density: 1.45–1.50 SG slurry
- Particle size: D50 = 160–200 micron
- Top size: 65mm
- Pressure: 25 to 40 bar
mtph = metric tonnes per hour
mtpd = metric tonnes per day
mtpy = metric tonnes per year
Velocity: +5 m/s (up to 8 m/s)
MINING & MINERAL PROCESSING
Resources
Featured Mining & Mineral Processing Valve Manufacturers
