To clear solid build-up from the walls of this concentrate thickener tank, this valued Western Australian client knew to contact NPE for hydromining cannon hire.
Delivering with a ACPH High Pressure pump and three hydromining cannons, NPE executed a clean of the client’s concentrate thickener tank onsite. Removing an estimated 2100m3 of solids from the tank, NPE enabled the client to complete remedial works on the tank’s short and long arm rake blades.
To complete the task within the limited time frame, NPE supplied two highly specialised teams to operate the equipment continuously for the project.

The coordination of NPE personnel and equipment was fast. Teams mobilised to site on short notice in the height of COVID-19 restrictions and were able to work within the additional requirements this challenge created.
Reports from the crew were that the standard of the tank cleaning ‘exceeded the client’s expectations’. NPE were able to complete the works quicker than the time they were allocated to complete the job.
This fast-tracked other site projects and enabled subsequent tasks to commence earlier.
The tanks scheduled works were completed ahead of time during the iron ore site shutdown.

What is a hydromining cannon?

A hydromining cannon is specialist high pressure water equipment, used in this application to wash debris off tank and thickener walls.
Working with NPE experts, hydromining equipment can be utilised to wash away material build up in tanks, reservoirs, thickeners and other vessels, to allow for general cleaning, inspection or maintenance. To maximise safety, our process can be carried out without the need for personnel to enter the confined space.
By keeping personnel out of these spaces, NPE can minimise risk and associated confined space safety issues.
A typical mine site thickener can be cleaned within a 48 hour period –  making it the ideal solution for shutdowns.

For more information and other hydromining applications, see our Hydromining Cannon brochure.