The pumps, which include 12 of the latest Qdos no-valve metering pumps, are used for flotation duties. 

When the site was re-opened in 2013, British Fluorspar was keen to source pumps with 21st century technology: efficient, reliable, precise, low maintenance, clean and user-friendly. An external consultancy advised the company to consider peristaltic.

Watson-Marlow recommended: 12 Qdos 30 universal pumps offering flow rates from 0.1 to 500ml/min at 7 bar; eight 520UN/REL process pumps providing flow rates to 3550ml/min; and a single 620UN/RE with flow rate from 0.004 to 18L/min. With the latter, a probe is used to control the dosing in line with pH fluctuations. All pumps offer IP66 protection and NEMA 4X classification – a far cry from the equipment used previously where the system relied on a bucket and wheel feeder/proportioner which was both was erratic and inaccurate.

The Qdos 30 pumps accurately dose chemicals without the need for any valves or ancillary equipment, keeping costs to a minimum. Total cost of ownership is reported to be less than that of a typical solenoid or stepper-driven diaphragm pump.