Spotlight Feature Articles ME Elecmetal Comminution March 16 | Page 11
COMMINUTION
ME Elecmetal suggests large double chorded
liners can replace
numerous smaller liners, speeding liner change
out and increasing mill availability, in this case
ball mill shell liners
Whr/tonne ore treated from the data
accumulated on the end users’ SCADA system.
This can be used to make the customer aware
when there is inefficiency inside the mill.
“This is an important factor when assessing
the mill liner life cycle and liner efficiency, as
changes in throughput will have an impact on the
replacement time frame. By recording the liner
life cycles it is easier to schedule shutdowns
thereby eliminating unplanned shutdowns
typically associated with unpredicted liner
failure,” Hearn says. “Another important
advantage when using Hawkeye is that stock
levels can be reduced and only emergency liners
need to be kept in stock. This is because the
system can predict on time ordering and delivery
of liners.”
Wear strategies/maximising efficiency
ME Elecmetal states that while sophisticated
modelling as well as operation and control
systems are at the forefront of work towards
maximising comminution efficiency, “there are
still basic things that can be done to minimise
downtime of equipment, ultimately adding
revenue to the bottom line.”
Primary gyratory crushing operations should
take advantage of mantle sequencing to
maximise crusher concave life. “Fine tuning
mantle designs and converting gyratory crusher
concaves from four row to two row designs,
results in more primary crushing availability.
Using different concave material and hardness
ranges, based on the wear patterns that develop
in crusher chambers, contributes to more even
concave wear, ultimately minimising scrap
throw-away. Mines should work with suppliers
to arrange scrap buy-back programs to help
offset the costs of replacement parts; as well as
considering alloy changes for other wear areas.”
Under crusher side liners, arm guards and
pinion guards will see wear life increased by
converting them to high hardness chrome-moly
white irons. “Operators can work with supplier