Abstract
This paper assesses the challenges facing the optimisation of potable water pumping operations in small scale gold mining environments in Ghana using the Daboase headworks as a case study. The paper reviews the level of water pollution and its negative impact on alternating current motors and other electrical fittings at the Daboase headwork. The method of data collection used for the paper were questionnaires, interviews, cluster sampling and systematic sampling. Four sampling operation components were used, namely: selection of sampling stations, selection of water quality parameters, sampling frequency, and data collection and analysis methods. The paper focuses on the substantial reduction in pump energy consumption, operational and maintenance cost and the optimisation of potable water pumping operation systems in conclusion. The study proposes an upgrade of electrical controls with new state of the art control panels and a multi-level pumping system. Finally, it recommends a modelled space vector pulse width modulation variable speed drive, which has a greater overall performance and higher efficiency, less switching losses and greater power factor, which minimises the cost of operation, maintenance and equipment breakdown as well as optimising productivity of the Daboase headworks.
Highlights
Small-scale alluvial gold mining is largely a poverty driven activity, typically practiced in the poorest and most remote rural areas of a country by a largely itinerant, poorly educated populace with few employment alternatives [1], until the current use of heavy machinery in the catchment area
Modern Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology stores machine parameters, which could save thousands of dollars in setup and changeover time can be displayed with alarm conditions making troubleshooting and service easier
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) The Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is an adjustable-speed drive that is used to control the speed of an AC motor
Summary
Small-scale alluvial gold mining is largely a poverty driven activity, typically practiced in the poorest and most remote rural areas of a country by a largely itinerant, poorly educated populace with few employment alternatives [1], until the current use of heavy machinery in the catchment area. In the case of gold prospecting in the Daboase area, open pits and waste impoundments are rampant. The River Pra, which serves as the main source of water treatment by the Ghana Water Company Limited to the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Area, is polluted by illegal alluvial gold mining activities. The negative impact of artisanal small-scale gold mining activities has affected the optimisation of potable water pumping operations at the Daboase water treatment plant in Ghana. This has resulted in the decline of raw water quality, increase in the operating cost of production and the concomitant pumping system problems such as pump cavitation and poor flow control. Substantial reductions in pump energy, maintenance and replacement costs are major concerns addressed in this research
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