FILTRATION & THICKENING
FLS AFP2500 digitised and optimised
The AFP2500 filter press is also marked by datadriven control and decision making for optimised proactive maintenance . For example , FLS ' s Intelliplate turbidity-detecting plate alarm system can detect when and in which chamber mechanical failure of the media has happened so that the issue can be isolated and addressed . Additionally , the AFP2500 ' s moisture sensor can provide a reading every ten to thirty minutes , depending on the material being filtered , to determine the cake moisture being produced . This provides for near realtime responsiveness to any filter performance issues , and stands in contrast to the pre-digital approach , which saw a once-a-shift sample being taken that would then need to be sent to the lab for analysis before anything could be actioned .
engineering firms like to deal with the one stop shop type mineral processing equipment giants , whereas others choose Diemme as they feel it is best in class for filtration specifically . “ We are working on our marketing vision - Engineering filtration for the Future - it means that we are keeping sold-liquid separation as our core business . But this doesn ’ t mean that we are not open to cooperation and collaboration with others that deal with other parts of the flowsheet .”
Considering the latest on Diemme ’ s AIDA filter press digitalisation offering , which allows customers to get real time data on the performance of their unit as well as recommendations from Diemme , three units are already connected , one of which is the Toquepala unit . The other two are in Australia and in Italy respectively . In addition , most of the large filter presses being delivered for mining applications today are being sent ‘ AIDA-ready ’ meaning they already have the sensors and software in place to enable AIDA when the customer decides to start using it . Within 2024 , Diemme is planning to have a total of eight units connected to AIDA . And it will ramp up fast from there - by end 2025 a total of up to 30 units will be connected . These will include units in Chile , India , Brazil and Colombia . In this mix are both AIDA-ready units and others delivered previously which will be retrofitted with the technology .
Pezzi also updated IM on its progress with increasing its customer proximity presence in key mining markets . “ Internally we have reinforced significantly our customer service approach and customer service team . This includes a ticketing system for queries to increase the promptness of our responses . We inaugurated our new facility near Belo Horizonte in Brazil a year ago and we are now close to opening additional facilities in India and Australia as well as consolidating our network in North America . The nature of the facilities varies , for example in Australia it will include a test lab and a parts warehouse .
Finally , a note on the significantly expanded
HQ factory in Lugo , Italy . This is completed and is a major upgrade for Diemme in capability - the old facility is now functioning as a parts warehouse only . The new factory has been working for several months and is full of filter presses being manufactured , assembled and prepared for shipment . Pezzi : “ Its not just about more capacity , it represents a new era for us in terms of production process efficiency - we have a plant manager in place specifically working on that . This includes monitoring past and current production process data to try and understand where improvements can be made . This includes the use of MES software .”
FLSmidth AFP2500s heading to Hermosa
FLSmidth says it is to deliver concentrate and tailings filters to South32 ’ s Hermosa critical minerals project in the US . This new FLSmidth order will contribute to an increased supply of critical minerals such as zinc and manganese supporting the continued electrification of society .
The mine operation is designed to minimise its environmental impact , and the equipment that FLSmidth will deliver plays a critical role in supporting this . FLSmidth has received an order to deliver five AFP2500 concentrate and tailings filters to Hermosa which is located in the Patagonia Mountains of southern Arizona , US .
The FLS AFP2500 offers easier media changeout , a new cloth shaking mechanism , cast parts , flexible plate designs , longer media life and more efficient cloth wash systems
A key requirement for South32 is to utilise the most efficient process technologies with the lowest environmental impact . The project ’ s design is expected to result in ~ 75 % less water consumption compared to other mines in the region , and FLSmidth ’ s filter tailings technology will be a key enabler of this .
“ A key element in enabling sustainable mining is among other to reduce water consumption . Consequently , South32 ’ s ambition of developing a mine operation with a low environmental impact , including a significantly reduced water consumption , is fully aligned with our MissionZero ambitions . Tailings filtration is one of the core competencies of FLSmidth , and therefore we are obviously pleased to support the development of this important project ,” comments Chris Reinbold , Products Business Line President at FLSmidth .
With a maximum filter feed pressure of 15 Bar , the AFP2500 achieves maximum cake density and minimum cake moisture without the use of membranes when dewatering many concentrate and tailings slurries .
The AFP2500 is offered in a full array of recess chamber and membrane plate cake thicknesses . In the event of PSD or ore body change , all AFP2500 filters are manufactured with the required porting and PLC programming to perform the membrane squeeze step of a filtration cycle . A membrane squeeze retrofit kit is also an option , and includes the intermediate squeeze plates , squeeze compressor and valves and instruments required to transform filters into a membrane filter press .
Leveraging the latest FLS in-house technology , the AFP2500 it says offers the greatest filtration area and highest production capacity available , compared to filters with similar plate sizes . Extra length provided by the closing mechanism allows for more plates , reducing the total number of filters required for high-production applications .
The AFP2500 was designed from the ground up to optimise strength and minimise weight , while incorporating mining-grade components . Featuring the latest highly wear-resistant materials and designs , the AFP2500 FLS says is built to last for the life of the mine and beyond .
Lower product moisture for dry stacking also means greater overall water recovery . The entire AFP product line is optimised to produce the driest cakes possible , maximising water recovery ( up to 95 %) and lowering environmental impact .
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26 International Mining | OCTOBER 2024