Phosphate Mining
Located in Pocatello, Idaho, KLD Pumps supplies aftermarket pump parts for phosphate mining operations. These parts address the abrasive and corrosive conditions encountered in extracting phosphate rock from formations such as the Phosphoria Formation, which is processed into fertilizers. Operations involve handling slurries with 40-60% solids content and acidic fluids ranging from pH 2 to 10. Compatible with pumps like Goulds 3100, Bingham MSE, and Sulzer AHLSTAR, our components support durability and efficiency in open-pit mining and processing stages.
Phosphate mining requires pumps capable of managing abrasive slurries, corrosive groundwater, and sustained operations. KLD Pumps provides aftermarket parts informed by experience in the phosphoric acid sector. Materials such as CD4MCuN (containing 25% chromium and 5% nickel, with a PREN greater than 40) and Duplex Stainless Steel are used for their resistance to wear and corrosion. Parts are manufactured with ±0.001-inch tolerances and incorporate 3D scanning for 0.005-inch accuracy, supporting pump efficiencies up to 85% in these environments. These components fit into existing systems to assist with slurry transport, dewatering, ore processing, environmental management, and site reclamation. Discover our parts.
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Our aftermarket parts are applied in various phosphate mining processes to support operational needs:
- Slurry Transport: Impellers and wear rings made from high-chrome iron (hardness exceeding 600 BHN) or CD4MCuN handle slurries with 40-60% solids and particles under 2 mm. These are used in Goulds 3100 pumps, managing flows up to 2,000 gpm and heads up to 250 ft, contributing to reduced wear in transport lines.
- Dewatering: Shafts constructed from 4140 steel (with deflection under 0.002 in/ft) and bearings rated per ISO 281 (up to 12,000 lbf) facilitate groundwater removal in temperatures from 0-80°C, aiding in maintaining dry working areas in pits and underground settings.
- Ore Processing: Seals using SiC/SiC materials (compliant with API 682, leakage under 0.1 oz/hr) and casings in CD4MCuN (rated to 400 psig) manage acidic fluids with pH 2-10 and chloride levels up to 20,000 ppm, supporting beneficiation and digestion stages.
- Environmental Management: Corrosion-resistant parts assist in wastewater handling, helping operations align with standards from the Idaho DEQ and EPA, including reductions in wastewater volume.
- Reclamation Support: High-pressure components contribute to site restoration efforts, ensuring compliance with environmental guidelines during post-mining phases.
The aftermarket parts from KLD Pumps offer practical advantages in phosphate mining:
- Durability: Materials like high-chrome iron and CD4MCuN provide resistance to abrasion and corrosion, supporting longer service intervals in slurries and acidic conditions.
- Precision Fit: 3D scanning and tight manufacturing tolerances ensure components integrate effectively with existing pumps, minimizing installation issues.
- Efficiency: Designs contribute to pump efficiencies up to 85%, aiding in consistent flow rates and energy use during operations.
- Compliance Support: Corrosion-resistant features assist in managing effluents to meet regulatory requirements, including those for selenium and gypsum handling.
- Cost Management: Aftermarket options provide compatibility at potentially lower costs compared to OEM, with features that may reduce maintenance frequency.
Phosphate mining contributes to the economy of Southeastern Idaho through the extraction of rock from the Phosphoria Formation for fertilizer production. Challenges include managing high-gypsum slurries and addressing selenium contamination in wastewater. From our location in Pocatello, KLD Pumps supplies parts for slurry handling and dewatering applications, offering quotes within 24 hours and delivery to sites in Idaho, Utah, and Montana. This supports local operations in maintaining water efficiency and meeting standards from the Idaho DEQ and EPA.
KLD Pumps provides aftermarket parts compatible with pumps commonly used in phosphate mining:
- Goulds (Xylem): 3100 Series, supporting flows up to 2,000 gpm and heads up to 250 ft for slurry transport and dewatering tasks.
- Bingham (Sulzer): MSE/MSD models, handling 1,500-2,000 gpm and heads from 1,200-1,800 ft in high-pressure slurry systems.
- Sulzer: AHLSTAR series, managing up to 1,800 gpm and 300 ft heads for ore processing and wastewater applications.
Operations in phosphate mining have reported the following outcomes with our parts:
- Southeastern Idaho Operation: Achieved a 20% reduction in slurry pump downtime using CD4MCuN impellers, with a corresponding 12% improvement in throughput.
- Northern Utah Operation: Extended pump service life by 25% through 3D-scanned parts for Bingham MSE pumps, resulting in 20% cost savings.
- Montana Operation: Improved wastewater processing efficiency by 10%, aiding compliance with selenium limits.