Durable Mining Pumps for Demanding Industrial Applications

Wilden Mining

• Are Wilden AODD pumps safe for underground mining and explosive environments?

  Yes. Wilden AODD pumps with ATEX rating are ideal for use in underground mining where explosive gases may be present. These pumps are pneumatically driven and require no electricity. They can also be ATEX rated when grounded, eliminating the risk of sparks and ensuring safe operation in explosive environments.

• Do Wilden AODD pumps require ATEX certification for mining applications?

  AODD pumps need ATEX certification when operating in explosive environments. ATEX certification is achieved by grounding a fully conductive pump.

• What AODD pump materials are best for abrasive mining fluids and ore slurries?

  Cast iron pumps are the most abrasion-resistant metal option for AODD pumps. Polypropylene and PVDF both offer good abrasion resistance for plastic pumps, with PVDF being more abrasion-resistant than polypropylene. For diaphragms, the thermoplastic elastomers, Wil-Flex®, Bunalast™, Saniflex™ and polyurethane are abrasion resistant. The Chem-Fuse™ Integral Piston Diaphragm (IPD) design provides additional abrasion resistance by covering the outer piston in the diaphragm material, removing outer piston abrasion.

• Can Wilden AODD pumps run dry for mining dewatering operations?

  Yes. Wilden AODD pumps used in dewatering operations can run dry without mechanical failure. Running these AODD pumps dry does cause the pump to cycle quickly and increases wear on the diaphragms more than during normal operation, so it is best practice to limit running the pump dry when it is not necessary.

• How portable are Wilden AODD diaphragm pumps for field use in mining?

  Wilden AODD pumps are highly portable. The absence of an electric motor makes the pumps lightweight with a compact frame. These AODD pumps are commonly transported on carts, trucks or even carried around mines.