Heap Leach Pad Dimensions
Length, width, lift height, and side slope angles — including any phased expansion plans for future lifts.
System Design Guide
How To Specify A Heap Leach Drip Irrigation System
A practical guide for mining engineers and project managers on how to specify emitterline, fittings, valves, and system components for a heap leach irrigation project.
- 35+
- Years engineering heap leach systems
- No Cost
- Engineering review for qualified projects
- Pump-to-Plug
- Complete hydraulic and BOM coverage
- 4 Steps
- From project data to detailed quote
Step 1
Gather Project Data
The first step is to compile all relevant data about your heap leach project. The more detailed the information, the more optimized your system design will be.
Ore Type & Crush Size
Mineralogy, agglomeration status, and crush gradation (e.g., agglomerated copper ore, 1/2 inch minus).
Target Application Rate
Solution application rate in L/h/m² or gal/h/ft², along with target leach cycle duration.
Lixiviant Chemistry
Acid concentration, pH, cyanide levels, oxidizers, and any aggressive constituents that affect material selection.
Water Source & Quality
TDS, suspended solids, hardness, iron, and other contaminants that drive filtration and emitter selection.
Site Layout & Elevations
Location of pump station, ponds, and heap pad — plus elevation deltas that drive pressure regulation strategy.
Max-Emitterline
Engineered for heap leach
Diameter · Flow rate · Spacing
Step 2
Select Emitterline Configuration
Based on your project data, our engineers will recommend the optimal emitterline diameter, flow rate, and spacing — balancing run length, application uniformity, and ore permeability.
Diameter (16 mm vs. 20 mm)
Sets the maximum single-run length while maintaining pressure. 20 mm allows for longer runs than 16 mm on the same pad geometry.
Flow Rate (1.5 to 8 LPH)
Matched to ore infiltration capacity and target application rate. Higher flow rates are used for more permeable ores.
Emitter Spacing
Distance between emitters along each line (18", 24", 36"). Closer spacing yields more uniform wetting — essential for less permeable ores.
Step 3
Specify Supporting Components
A complete system requires pipes, fittings, valves, and pressure regulators to control and distribute solution from pump to plug.
Our engineering team will produce a full bill of materials for your project, including mainline and submain pipes, pressure regulators to manage elevation changes, isolation valves for zone control, and all required fittings, connectors, and end plugs. You can browse these components in our product catalog.
Browse System Components
Step 4
Request an Engineering Review & Quote
Once your project data is gathered, send it to our team for a free engineering review, system design, and detailed quotation.
- 1
Submit Project Data
Share pad geometry, ore characteristics, application targets, water chemistry, and site layout. Use the consultation form or send to your Ore-Max contact.
- 2
Engineering Review
Our engineers evaluate your inputs, identify any data gaps, and follow up with targeted questions before starting the hydraulic model.
- 3
Hydraulic Model & BOM
We produce a complete hydraulic model with zone-by-zone pressure and flow, plus a detailed bill of materials covering every component from pump to end plug.
- 4
Detailed Quote & Timeline
You receive a comprehensive quote, delivery schedule, and installation guidance — ready to share with procurement and your contractor.
Related Resources
Continue learning about heap leach distribution design before requesting a quote.
Engineering & System Design
How Ore-Max engineers approach hydraulic layout, component selection, and field support.
Technical Data
Flow curves, pressure ratings, and performance data for Ore-Max emitter products.
Don't Drown the Oxygen
Why drip irrigation outperforms sprinklers for heap leach applications.
Ready to Start Your System Design?
Contact the Ore-Max team today to begin the process. We are ready to assist with projects of any size, anywhere in the world.