THICKENERS
feed , dilution water and flocculant are added , provides enhanced mixing and energy dissipation . This maximises flocculant adsorption , eliminates the possibility of coarse / fines segregation and ensures all particles are aggregated together by the flocculant . Efficient operation is maintained in this upper zone over varying feed rates . The lower zone promotes gentle mixing for continued aggregate growth , with the option for secondary flocculant dosing . This zone also enables aggregates to uniformly discharge under low shear condition .
The first step was to conduct a survey using 3D laser scan , creating a digital layout where the data was uploaded to a cloud-based system . Using this data , Outotec ’ s team was able to analyse the equipment and create a detailed plan of the work required to complete the upgrade . “ This method of meticulous pre-planning reduces the installation period by approximately 30 %.”
“ Despite changes to the scope , we were able to complete the project , including the additional scope within the agreed period of 40 days , ensuring the safety , quality , and efficiency . Adaptability and flexibility were the key in achieving the objectives during the development phase , through steady interaction with our customer minimising risks and impact on our customer maintenance program . As our services team commenced with the project , they discovered additional methods to improve the optimisation of the thickeners which in turn extended the scope of the initial project . This was discussed with our customer who agreed and approved the additional scope with the condition of adhering to the initial time period originally committed which required an additional three days to execute .”
The team swiftly got underway with a strategy to include the additional scope within the agreed time period . “ The project was executed on time due to the integrated efforts of Outotec specialists , the execution team and support from the business line in Chile . The new strategy resulted in further optimisations of 15 % in the time period owing to critical planning .”
ANDRITZ unveils OptiFLO
ANDRITZ has developed OptiFLO , a new system for diluting thickener feed that uses the overflow liquid from the thickener to dilute incoming slurries or suspensions to the optimum solidliquid ratio . This new , patented system is designed for flow rates between 600 and 9,000 m 3 / h . “ The dilution system does not interfere with the thickener settling process and can also accommodate slurries with low pH values . And with different flow rate configurations available , each system can be adjusted flexibly to the individual customer ’ s needs .”
The high dilution flow rates that OptiFLO achieves translate into cost savings through lower power consumption . OptiFLO has also been optimised in terms of maintenance thanks to easily interchangeable parts that do not require the thickener to be shut down . In addition , the system can be integrated into the thickener automation processes .
In the most challenging applications , reliable clarification and thickening are critical to maintaining continuous production . “ That is why ANDRITZ has invested decades of expertise with thickening and clarification systems to develop OptiFLO , an efficient and cost-effective solid / liquid separation system with a crystal-clear overflow . The dilution process , where liquid is added to the incoming material and the solids concentration is reduced by adding more solvent , is a critical step . Dilution guarantees a perfect solidliquid ratio in the thickener feed , which in turn enhances the settling rate of particles in the suspension when flocculants are added .”
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