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3D modelling software was used to
design the complicated cyclone cluster. |
High Capacity Low Cut Point All In One
The largest ever high capacity
cyclone cluster manufactured by Multotec has been
installed in northern China.
“The mine needed to dewater ultra fine material,
with an extremely valuable solids content, and
therefore required a very low cut point,” Jaco
Pretorius, general manager cyclones Multotec Process
Equipment, says.
“However, coupled to this was the need for high
capacity. In general with cyclones, when a low cut
point is required, the dimensional configuration of
the cyclone is small. But since small cyclones have
a low capacity, large numbers of these are required
to meet the modern day capacity requirements of
large plants.”
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In this particular instance, an innovative
design was developed by Multotec using a total of 350
cyclones, manufactured from specialised polymers, on four
modular clusters to ensure optimum longevity of the cyclone.
The application required a cut point as low as 17 micron to
optimise downstream processing. “In an industry where ultra
fine materials need to be recovered we are now in a position
to achieve this,” Pretorius says.
Metallurgical and technical specialists at Multotec worked
closely with the foreign project houses, the environmental
system developers and the mine in determining the most
appropriate solution for this application. Developmental
test work, in conjunction with Aachen University, verified
the data from the simulation programme which Multotec
operates.
Extensive in house research, development and engineering,
and test work, coupled with external research and
development with various research facilities was done into
materials of construction, configuration design, capacities
and actual mechanical configuration of the equipment. “The
use of 3D modeling software made it possible to design a
complicated cyclone cluster while the backup is extensive
with on site operator training being given to ensure the
efficient and reliable operation of the cyclone cluster,”
Ian Stockton, drawing office manager Multotec Process
Equipment, says.
The system is able to handle higher than normal PH
conditions, making it suitable for a variety of fine
separation applications across a spectrum of different
industries including energy, minerals and industrial.
“We ensured ease of maintenance during the design phase so
that sectors can be taken off line for maintenance purposes
while the system is still running,” Stockton says.
The cyclones are specifically engineered to suit
applications where material build up occurs and by using
innovative technology the result is a non-choke design which
prevents material build up during shutdown of sectors.
“The system can be configured to operate either manually or
fully automatically depending on the individual plant, its
operating practice as well as the cost consideration,” Ken
Tuckey, general manager business development at Multotec,
says. “The system can also be custom designed to suit multi
stage environmentally required systems for FGD (Flue Gas
Desulphurisation) at power stations.”
Keeping pace with technological development has been at the
forefront of Multotec’s operating philosophy and what sets
Multotec aside from others is its approach to business. “We
not only look at the equipment needs of the customer, but
rather consider the application at hand resulting in a fit
for purpose solution,” Tuckey concludes.
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