Mining industry refers to the cluster of processes that are involved in the exploration / extraction / processing of geological material, minerals & fossil fuel. These processes often are dangerous, erosive & explosive in nature.
Rupture disc is used in the following applications :
1.Slurry application
Rupture disc is used to protect the slurry piping & containments that handle slurry process fluids with the following challenges.
- Slurry fluids are with high solid contents having erosive properties
- Dead flow area potentially aids solidification of slurry fluids
- Chemical combination of slurry fluids is with corrosive properties
- Operation requires high pressure and heavy cyclic operation
- Due to environmental issues, highest level of sealing is important
Solution offered
- Due to the critical nature of the operation, usually double disc assemblies are suggested. In this assembly, two discs are fitted in series. The first disc protects the second disc from the extremely harsh erosive & corrosive slurry fluids.
- Alternatively Rupture discs are used below the Safety relief valve
2.Leaching process
Hydrometallurgy leaching process uses solution to extract metals under high pressure / vacuum conditions. Solution offered
Solution offered
- Autoclaves, Pumps, valves & process control equipment that handles aqueous solution requires protection from high pressure
- The slurry pipelines are protected from high pressure caused plugging / process solidification
- Ore or dust storage tanks are protected by Explosion protection devices
- Graphite / non-metal are particularly useful in corrosive leaching process
3.Wastewater treatment
systems like storage tanks, pumps, valves and piping Mining wastewater treatment uses physical (sedimentation, filtration) , chemical (precipitation) or biological process to remove heavy metals, suspended solids & other polluting chemicals to enable water reuse or safe disposal.
Solution offered
- Pressure built-up in the pipelines that handle large volume of wastewater, high flow rate and pressure
- Pipes, fittings & equipment experience pressure surge due to sudden change in flow / pressure caused by pump shutoff / valve closure
- Increase in pressure due to exothermic reaction caused by the chemicals present in the wastewater
- Pressure imbalance and gas accumulation within the confined space due to chemical / biological treatment
Additional Application
4.Blasting operation
Blasting operation present several pressure-related hazards, including Air overpressure.
5.Extraction process
handles combination of solvents, acids and dilution agents to extract and purify minerals