Optimal utilization of dense medium cyclones

Abstract

In the current world mining climate the focus is on reducing cost and increase productivity. In many instances this productivity is associated with increased tonnages, “sweating the assets”, which in many instances result in equipment being pushed to above their design limits. Simultaneously cost are being reduced, costs like spares holding, consumable costs and cheaper equipment alternatives with the end objective to reduce operating cost. The question is with these initiatives taking place on the mines, what can be expected from the performance of the DMS cyclone? The paper will look at some factors that could be influenced by these initiatives, namely: the effect of near dense material, the effect of cyclone spigot wear and the effect of overloading the process by focussing on the medium to coal ratio and desliming screen capacity. The efficient utilization of energy is also touched on.