MINE MAINTENANCE
The patent-pending QUICKCHANGE system introduces a breakthrough solution that redefines filter cloth maintenance for speed, safety and efficiency, McLanahan says
patent-pending QUICKCHANGE™ system, developed by McLanahan in collaboration with its sister company Diefenbach, introduces a breakthrough solution that redefines filter cloth maintenance for speed, safety and efficiency, the company says.
Designed for overhead beam filter presses, QUICKCHANGE enables operators to replace filter cloths at ground level without climbing onto or inside the press.
This eliminates the need for cranes or other lifting equipment, reducing both structural requirements and permitting challenges for filter press buildings, McLanahan says.
“ By allowing maintenance to be performed at eye level, the system mitigates risks associated with working at heights and confined spaces, addressing critical safety concerns in mining environments,” it added.
The innovation lies in its simplicity: filter cloths glide in and out of the plate using heavy-duty fasteners, enabling changeouts in less than one minute per cloth – a stark contrast to the industry standard of 10-20 minutes. For large tailings filter presses operating 24 / 7, this equates to 60-80 hours of downtime saved every quarter, delivering a 4 % increase in uptime, or up to 6 % for sites changing cloths every two months, according to the company.
Beyond speed and safety, QUICKCHANGE delivers measurable cost savings, McLanahan claims.
Unlike traditional systems that require replacing both sides of a cloth when one fails, operators can replace only the damaged side, reducing material waste and cutting cloth replacement costs by 30-50 %. A specially engineered feed shoe further extends cloth lifespan by protecting highwear areas around the feed hole, ensuring consistent filtration performance over time.
Additional benefits also include reduced damage to filter plates – a major source of downtime.
McLanahan concluded:“ Combining McLanahan’ s legacy of over 190 years in materials processing with Diefenbach’ s century-long expertise in liquid-solid separation, this technology sets a new benchmark for maintenance in mining operations worldwide.”