Pump Performance on High Water Based Fluid

Performance data for pumps operating on high water based fluids under both laboratory and mining conditions are presented. Of the various factors affecting pump life, the effect of fluid contamination is shown to be particularly critical. Preliminary results indicate that replacement of conventional oil-in-water emulsions by chemical solutions and/or microemulsions could be one of several ways in which the lives of pumps operating in the mining environment might be significantly extended.