The bulk of the phosphate we mine - about 90% - is used to produce
phosphate fertilizers. Another 5% is used to make animal feed
supplements. The remaining 5% goes into making a variety of products
from soft drinks to toothpaste to metal coatings.
Phosphate mining dates back to the first hard rock deposits found in 1883. Pick & shovel were the primary method of matrix extraction. In the 1920’s through today draglines are the prevalent method of mining removing about 15 acres/month on average.
Processing phosphate rock is the separation of phosphate from the mix of sand, clay and phosphate that makes up the “matrix” layer. This matrix layer is anywhere from 15-50 feet below the earth's surface in Florida's phosphate mining regions.
Early transport of the matrix was by way of conveyor. Now the use of pit matrix pumps and flex hose and pipe, Matrix can be hydraulically pumped in large volume to the processing area at a rate of about 20,000 gallons/hr with up to 50% solids.
In the early years, the phosphate mining industry separated the matrix mechanically with a wet screening process that washed the ore and captured the larger phosphate pebbles. Smaller phosphate particles were discarded as a waste product with the clay and sand. This began to change in the 1930s when a newly developed "flotation process" allowed the industry to recover the small, sand-sized, phosphate particles from the washer debris.
The "flotation process" uses a turbulent water system, chemicals and air bubbles to float the phosphate particles to the top of the water where they are skimmed off. This process revolutionized phosphate processing. It increased each company's production capacity and product grade, while lowering production costs.
Townley cut their teeth in this industry, replacing high wear steel parts with tough urethane, resilient rubber and specialized cast alloys. We are proud to be a leading supplier to this international industry.
http://www.fipr.state.fl.us/research-area-mining.htm http://www.baysoundings.com/sum02/behind.html http://www.phosphateflorida.com/...
NOTE: Click each product thumbnail to view a PDF spec sheet for that product.
UBD
Matrix Pump - With more than 150 in-service, these unique UBD
slurry pumps are in use from the pit to booster to tailings circuits.
Designed to solve wear problems associated with conventional impeller/volute
designs, these pumps have a patented recessed volute with matching impeller.
Coupled with a contoured suction port, these patented features reduce
recirculation and provide hydraulically clean solution-flow through the
impeller to the discharge. Available in alloy or urethane lined to match
your application.
Pump
Parts - Townley has an extensive inventory of parts and patterns
for most common slurry pumps in service. We can provide improved wear
with proper material selection. Cast alloys, replaceable urethane liners
or permanent urethane lined shells, impellers and suction plates.
Series
1000 Suction & Discharge Hose - Reduce vibration and provide
easy transition for older plants with fit problems. Available in straight,
reducer with outlets or taps. Eliminate OEM multiple pipe assemblies with
one P/N. Most any lengths, wear tubes material and I.D.
Super
Flex Hose - This versatile hose has found new use in coal plants,
especially in tailing and transfer lines as a strain relief for rigid
pipe and to ease runs over uneven terrain. Also can be found in suction
and discharge use where severe flexure is required. In the process plant,
this universal hose is used as a replacement for high wear rigid pipe
and areas where 3D movement is expected.
Expansion
Joints - Suction or discharge, straight, reducing or off-set.
We custom build to suit your application.
MSP
Submersible Slurry Pump - Cost effective
replacement for vertical cantilever style sump pumps. Available in 2”- 10” with 5-150 HP. Standard high-chrome
wetted parts. Easily moved with lifting bail and Townley
flex discharge hose. Perfect for coal tunnel, sumps and waste water run-off. Optional multiple sensor protection box to ensure pump life.
80
TP Knife Gate Valve - Townley’s most versatile bidirectional
valve features a unique bonded-in Towniprene urethane lined body and seat.
Coupled with a precision stainless steel gate & stem, this valve is
perfect for slurry diversion and isolation with assurance of easy actuation
when you need it. The unique flush bottom of the seal ensures no clogging
or trapping of debris to prevent positive sealing. Townley offers a complete
rebuild service back to factory specifications.. Available in 2”
to 96” I.D.
80SCA
- This self contained electric powered hydraulic valve is perfect for
remote or isolated areas of your plant where factory air and hydraulic
lines are not practical. AC or DC these units can be remotely actuated
with a "DeviceNet™" interface. Especially useful in settling
ponds or containment areas.
Series
150 - Heavy Duty Slurry - This heavy duty, high pressure fabricated
valve can be customized for your application with seats constructed of
wear and chemical resistant alloys or Towniprene urethane. Features an
easy open gate when under high pressure while handling slurries or coal
ash. Perfect for Bottom ash use where custom drilling or custom dimensioning
is required along with higher pressure service.
Hydrocyclones
(classifying or de-watering) - Townley High-performance cyclones
are designed and manufactured with a Towniprene urethane cone body and
bolted apex. Constructed with a urethane lined tangential feed chamber,
fluid pressure is converted into rotational momentum, providing centrifugal
classification or dewatering of solids from slurry. Featuring durable
one piece urethane cone body to retain shape and reduce wear ridges. Custom
fit to your application, 4” thru 48” cone body with all critical
parameters designed to suit application requirements.
Custom
overflows, apex splash guards, distribution headers and launderers are
available to meet your specifications
Urethane
Wear Parts - Maintenance friendly describes these simple products
found in many power plants. Especially useful for older plants to offset
misaligned fittings or couplings. Wedges can be used for slight turns
in pipe without the expense of fabricated pipe. Designed with a handle
to ensure precise alignment between flanges, this feature doubles as a
"finger saver." Townley can easily design custom sizes and formulations
for your application.
Towniprene
Flotation/Agitation Equipment - Lined great resistance to reagents
and abrasion found in encountered in the flotation process. Gloss finish
inhibits accumulation of concentrates improving efficiency. Parts in stock
for all common brands.
Miscellaneous
Lining - New or stripped and rebuilt, we can handle pulley lagging,
wheels, tubs, classifier shoes, logger teeth, agitators, propellers, chutes,
etc. we are prepared to line a broad variety of components with either
rubber or urethane based on your applications.
Lined
Pipe - Urethane or rubber, we can build new parts or strip and
rebuild you existing pipe. Good selection of materials to match your plant
specifications. Pipe, spools, Y’s, laterals, elbows or any combination.
Urethane Lined Pipe or Rubber Lined Pipe 
If you don’t see it here, just call our customer service at a facility near you and ask!
