+26%
Gold extraction increase
South American gold operation, Q1 2004
Why Choose the Max-Emitter?
The Max-Emitter: The Most Plug-Resistant Drip Emitter For Heap Leach
The Max-Emitter is a non pressure-compensating, self-cleaning drip emitter engineered specifically for the harsh chemical and particulate environment of heap leach mining.
Proven Results
Real results from mines that switched to the Max-Emitter
Reported by operators after converting to the Max-Emitter across gold, copper, and nitrate operations.
+25%
Copper extraction increase
U.S. copper operation, verified in repeat testing
−50%
Fresh water consumption
Chilean nitrate operation
Why it works
The Max-Emitter design, in three ideas
Built for operating environments where consistency, uptime, and reliability directly impact recovery performance.
330° inlet screen area
The Max-Emitter wraps screens almost all the way around the inlet. More screen area means less plugging and more production.
Max-Emitter
Typical flat emitter
Schematic front view of inlet screen area per emitter.
Turbulent flow path
The internal labyrinth keeps solution in turbulent motion. Particles never settle, so emitters don't plug at the rate flat designs do.
- 1330° inlet screens
- 2Turbulent labyrinth path
- 3Pressure-regulated outlet
Schematic view of the Max-Emitter flow path.
Wider spacing, less saturation
Because the Max-Emitter is less likely to plug, you can move from 12″ to 36″ spacing. That cuts the number of drip lines to one-third and reduces ore saturation.
12″ spacing
3× more lines — higher investment & saturation
36″ spacing
1/3 the lines — less saturation, better oxygen
Simplified top-down view of a pad patch.
How It Compares
Max-Emitter vs. conventional emitters
Less plugging, more consistent output, and longer service life under comparable operating profiles.
Keep pore space open for oxygen
Controlled wetting coats the ore while leaving connected air voids available for the leach reaction.
Presentation animation: leaching and capillary action
Simulated plugging over time
Max-Emitter
0/16
Screens plugged
0%
Typical flat emitter
0/16
Screens plugged
0%
Illustrative visualization. Actual results from independent tests and mine case studies.
Total length of flow path
Long-length flow path
A longer flow path means smaller flow variations under pressure changes — and a more consistent emitter output across the lateral.
Linear inches
Total screen area
Larger screen area
At a full 330°, the Max-Emitter offers the largest inlet screen area available. More screen area = less plugging and higher production.
Square inches
Total volume of flow path
Larger-volume flow path
A large flow-path volume prevents plugging by letting particulates pass through the emitter rather than catching at constrictions.
Cubic inches
Comparison table
The advantage shows up when all three measures are read together: path length, inlet screen area, and available flow volume.
| Emitter | Flow path | Screen area | Flow volume | Max-Emitter advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max-Emitter | 12.50 linear in | 0.406 in² | 0.069 in³ | Benchmark |
| NetaFim TurboNet | 2.54 linear in | 0.053 in² | 0.010 in³ | 4.9× path, 7.7× screen, 6.9× volume |
| Toro | 8.95 linear in | 0.008 in² | 0.028 in³ | 1.4× path, 50.8× screen, 2.5× volume |
| Plastro | 6.45 linear in | 0.045 in² | 0.025 in³ | 1.9× path, 9.0× screen, 2.8× volume |
Published specifications from each manufacturer, as reported on Ore-Max.com emitter comparison.
Technical data
Max-Emitter technical specifications
Core hydraulic and dimensional parameters used by engineering teams to validate emitterline fit, flow behavior, and system design constraints.
Diameter
16mm, 20mm
Flow Rate (LPH)
2, 4, 8
Notes
Configuration and pressure rating vary by tubing diameter, wall thickness, and emitter spacing.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 16mm, 20mm |
| Flow Rate (LPH) | 2, 4, 8 |
| Notes | Configuration and pressure rating vary by tubing diameter, wall thickness, and emitter spacing. |
Related Pages
Explore how the Max-Emitter fits into complete Ore-Max heap leach systems.
Learn More
Read our educational articles on drip irrigation technology and best practices in heap leach mining.
How Drip Irrigation Works in Heap Leach Mining
An overview of the fundamentals of drip irrigation technology and its application in modern mining operations.
Don't Drown The Oxygen Out of Your Leach Pad!
Learn how to manage solution application to maximize oxygen availability and improve extraction rates.
New Product
Max-Emitterline with Preinstalled Drip Collars
Factory-installed drip collars on Max-Emitterline tape for direct connection to micro-tubing without field assembly.
- Factory-preinstalled drip collars — no field assembly required
- Consistent collar spacing for uniform micro-tubing distribution
- Compatible with 4mm and 6mm micro-tubing
- Available in 16mm and 20mm tape diameters
- Non pressure-compensating emitters at 2, 4, and 8 LPH
Validate Max-Emitter Performance for Your Site
Share your operating conditions and Ore-Max will recommend the right emitter configuration and supporting components.