Gold standard: Aquamonix integrates flow monitoring for major gold producer
About the project
One of the world’s leading gold producers, with operations in the Western Australian goldfields, is integrating an upgraded flow monitoring solution from Aquamonix across multiple sites. The gold mining operation required a flow monitoring solution that would not only meet the demanding operating conditions of large-scale gold processing but also provide consistency and reliability across multiple sites. Flow monitoring is critical to gold extraction and gold processing, where water and slurry fluid transport protocol which will operate under tough conditions.
Inaccuracies or failures can cause production delays, increase maintenance costs, and create operational optimisation and safety risks. After carefully reviewing the requirements, Aquamonix supplied its Emflux 2060 series electromagnetic flowmeters, engineered with materials suitable for challenging slurry and water applications.
The Emflux range of Australian-made flowmeters combines proprietary technology with full-bore construction with no moving parts, delivering high accuracy and minimal pressure loss, even in dusty, desolate, remote environments.
Aquamonix has installed a flow monitoring solution for a major Australian gold mining operation
Aquamonix Emflux 2060 flowmeters were installed across multiple sites
Streamlined purchasing process
To further support operational efficiency, Aquamonix worked closely with the site electrical and implementation planning team as well as the cataloguing department to develop a specification approved framework, enabling site personnel to identify the correct meter by knowing just two key factors – size and application.
“We wanted to make things as simple and efficient
as possible for the customer,” said Trent Nimmo,
Project and Technical Sales – Mining and
Infrastructure, Aquamonix.
“We worked closely with key onsite personnel to
gather relevant data, including 12 years of
material selection and suitability in the mining and
oil and gas sectors. We collated data on salinity,
temperature, pressure, and total suspended solids
(TSS),” he added.
“The result was that if any onsite staff provided the size and application, we could discern right away whether we are using polyurethane lining with Hastelloy C276 electrodes or 6mm rubber lining with stainless steel 316/316L electrodes, for example.”
“We collaborated in unison to achieve a common goal, to understand the unique site challenges, and develop a practical, fit-for-purpose solution. By simplifying the procurement process, we enabled the gold miner to achieve greater reliability and operational efficiency, in a way that’s easily scalable.”
Aquamonix Emflux 2060 series electromagnetic flowmeters, pictured, deliver high accuracy and minimal pressure loss, even in harsh environments
Removing guesswork
Typically, the types of installations being used by this gold miner require three component considerations – the flow meter, Transmitter, and the length of cable between the install location and transmitter. By collating and running statistical analysis of indexed data already on hand, Aquamonix identified an opportunity to further streamline this process.
“Rather than asking them for the cable length they required each time, we made the decision to always supply the maximum length possible, which is 30m,” explains Trent, who has more than 15 years of in-field experience.
“This was done for two main reasons. Firstly, if the length is not sufficient, adding cable to existing cable is a lengthy process that can create a vulnerable point if not done correctly. Secondly, if the full 30m is not required, it can simply be cut onsite to the desired length. It removed all doubt and potential water ingress failure points.”
Future endeavours
The collaboration has now set a new standard across the gold miner’s global assets, reinforcing Aquamonix’s role as a trusted partner in flow monitoring solutions for the red dirt and brownfields sectors.
