An Arizona mining company and an engineering pump system expert share a mutual understanding of what is needed to improve the electrowinning process that drives the copper mine's operations.

Our company, which engineers, fabricates and services mechanical systems that move fluids and gases, was selected by Nord Copper, which operates the Johnson Camp open pit copper mine and production facility in Dragoon, Ariz., to design and build an enhanced process pumping system for solvent extraction and electrowinning. The goal was to revamp and upgrade the process pumping system for a mine that is reopening because of improved copper prices.

Nord Copper, located 65 miles east of Tucson, Ariz., approached us in early 2007 seeking a way to enhance its process pumping system. Our team evaluated several pumping configurations and ultimately recommended the mine owner install 12 new 316SS process pumps and refurbished existing pumps to meet its production needs.

The pumps recommended were ANSI end suction centrifugal pumps, which can be found in many industrial, chemical and mining operations. ANSI pumps offer a wider range of hydraulic coverage and materials of construction and have a strong, proven track record; however, they lack self-priming capabilities.

The mine elected to purchase new ANSI pumps complete with 316SS self-priming chambers that wedesigned and built­ -in lieu of traditional self-priming pumps. This approach combines the benefits of standard ANSI pumps and incorporates self-priming capabilities, something not commercially available.

The skids were fabricated and constructed at facilities in Phoenix, Ariz., and Golden, Colo.. The largest skid weighed more than 5,000-lb and measured 3-ft wide by 10-ft long and 6-ft tall. The new system, which became operational in March 2008 using ANSI versus traditional self-priming pumps, should increase pumping efficiency by 15 to 20 percent.

 
System Components

 

  • Two 8x10-13 ITT Goulds model 3196 ANSI pumps with 125-hp USEM electric motors complete with 316SS baseplates and 316SS priming chambers
  • Two 8x10-16H ITT Goulds model 3196 ANSI pumps with 50-hp USEM electric motors complete with 316SS baseplates and 316SS priming chambers
  • Two each 8x10-15 ITT Goulds model 3196 ANSI pumps with 40-hp USEM electric motors complete with 316SS baseplates and 316SS priming chambers
  • Two 3x4-13 ITT Goulds model 3196 ANSI pumps with 30-hp USEM electric motors complete with baseplates
  • Two 4x6-10H ITT Goulds model 3196 ANSI pumps with 10-hp USEM electric motors complete with baseplates
  • Two each 8x10-16H ITT Goulds model 3196 ANSI pumps with 30-hp USEM electric motors complete with baseplates

Pumps & Systems, July 2008