THE global mining industry has become more discerning about equipment selection for process plant applications, driven by the need to increase throughput and reduce downtime.
That’s according to Francois Fouche, Senior Screening Specialist at Multotec, who said the semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill trommel is one example that delivers on both fronts. With large volume capabilities and a robust and simple structure, it is considered a viable alternative to vibrating screens in SAG mill scalping applications.
He added that many designers and mill operators believe that the benefits of simplicity and the ability to handle throughputs in excess of 3 500 tons per hour of solids make trommels the preferred equipment for this application.
“A key component ensuring optimal performance of SAG mill trommels is the screen panel, which enables this equipment to classify large volumes of mill product,” said Fouche.
Multotec has developed a special range of rubber compounds that are used to manufacture the compression moulded rubber screen panels which are considered the highest wearing items in the trommel.
“We have achieved excellent results from our compression moulded screen panels with wear life extending over six months in 4 500 tons per hour SAG mill applications.”
Fouche said the company has nearly four decades of experience supplying locally manufactured trommel screens and today has the process capability to size SAG mill trommel screens with diameters up to 5.5 metres. It also designs its trommel screens to suit each customer’s unique requirements and offers process and mechanical guarantees.
“Considering the size and complexity of large SAG mill trommel frames, Multotec is able to apply the latest Finite Element Analysis techniques during the design phase to ensure we reduce fatigue stresses and ensure structural integrity.”
Given the arduous duty, Multotec covers all frame surfaces that are exposed to the milled product with a wear resistant material, typically rubber.
Fouche said the operational performance of a SAG mill trommel is another key consideration for Multotec. “As adequate retention time is required for the efficient removal of the fine fraction we need to reduce the high velocity of the slurry that exits SAG mills. We are able to achieve this with various configurations of weir bars. The design of a set of scrolls is an integral part of the design process as these regulate the flow of solids through the trommel screen.”
Multotec has supplied a number of trommel screens for 38 to 40-foot SAG mills that required 500 to 600 mm high weir bars to create sufficient retention time.
It can also supply a range of rubber shell plates and lifter bars to protect the SAG mill trunnion against wear.
