The impact of harsh mining conditions on valves is often difficult to predict; therefore, valve manufacturers should discuss the working conditions of a mining operation with clients in detail to ensure that suitable valves are produced, says valves manufacturer GEMÜ MD Claudio Darpin.

The information gathered from these discussions can be used to find solutions, after which test runs with sample valves can be done.

“The goal is to improve the lifetime of the component, which will finally have a direct effect on total cost of ownership,” Darpin says.

He adds that using quality valves that are designed to match the process conditions also increases safety in the workplace for operators and the environment.

Safeguarding Against Systems Failure
Darpin tells Mining Weekly that abrasion and scaling affect mining processes the most, adding that “even though a valve is not considered as a ‘rocket science’ product, some little constructional details can make a huge difference when comparing high-quality valves with low-price commodity valves”.

Setting and adjusting the valve according to the working conditions is usually the first measure to be taken to prevent accelerated abrasion effects, says Darpin.

He adds that, if scaling occurs, GEMÜ suggests that test runs be done using valves that have been slightly modifiied, which the company refers to as special feature, or SF, valves.

Darpin says that, in one case, scaling forced a plant to change its valves every third month, with signifant costs involved. GEMÜ installed a sample valve that had been tested using the SF valves method. This resulted in the valve still running trouble-free almost two years after installation.

Darpin says process know-how and a lot of experience gained in various hydrometallurgical applications enable GEMÜ to create valves that can help clients to mitigate corrosion caused by hydrometallurgical processes and pyrometallurgical metal-wining methods.

In addition, he says the company has a sophisticated test laboratory at its headquarters in Germany where many different kinds of situations can be simulated.

“Quite often, we also do test runs with our customers under practical conditions. A common way is to propose sampling on site, and the objective is to provide clients with safe and cost-saving technology.”

Darpin says offering customised process solutions enables GEMÜ to differentiate itself from other valves manufacturers. “Our process specialists elaborate, together with our customers, on tailor-made solutions, which help customers to improve their processes and save on space, resources and costs.” He adds that customers which experience GEMÜ’s service quality often became active references for the company.

“We are a manufacturer offering a sound product range consisting of valves, actuators and instrumentation. Almost all our products are available in various metal or plastic executions. The company is a service-oriented partner, providing customers with premium service and benefits,” he concludes.