FILTRATION & THICKENING
an automatic plate and cloth washing system . The Real Washing system consists of a valve and piping system on the feed side of the filter press and vent valves on each plate . The feed pump sends clean water to wash out the residual sludge . The system washes the plates 20 at a time . The frequency of the washing cycle is set on the control panel .
CSN aside , other Matec mining sector clients covering tailings but also water treatment and concentrate installations have included AngloGold Ashanti , CNRL , Exxaro , ArcelorMittal , Glencore , Jindal Steel & Power , CML Metals , Vallourec , KAZ Minerals , Jarvis Coal , Kentucky Coal and Nexa Resources .
Ishigaki continues success in Turkey
While headquartered in Japan , Ishigaki , the maker of the LASTA MC filter press , has a global presence , including through partner MICRONICS in North and South America plus other dealers and direct sales elsewhere . One of its most successful markets is in Turkey through its office in Ankara . Earlier this year Acacia Maden commissioned a LASTA MC filter press at its Gokırmak Copper Project in Kastamonu Province . In industrial minerals also in Turkey , an Ishigaki filter press was also installed this year at the Bozüyük Plant of Esan Eczacibasi which processes clays .
With the LASTA MC , cake discharge is fully automatic and designed for 24-hour operation in a harsh environment . The design of the filter chamber and separation of the cloth from the plate actuates cake discharge ; any momentarily held cakes are dislodged by the cloth drop mechanism . Any residual sticking filter cakes are sensed by the cloth hanger bar resting on the vibrator tube . This condition actuates a vibration frequency designed to discharge all remaining cakes .
A unique feed device , attached to the filter cloth , provides excellent concentrate delivery into the chamber and a protective rubber layer is used to ensure a high number of cycles before filter cloths require changing . This protection allows many more options for filter cloth designs to be selected .
The LASTA MC filter press can be configured with either recessed filter plates or combination membrane / companion recessed filter plates . Membrane squeeze plates provide the option for squeezing at high pressure and can be used to shorten the cycle time and / or consolidate the filter cake for more effective air blow results . In the case of membrane plates , additional equipment is required to provide high pressure water for squeezing .
Metso invests in filtration globally
Metso has made some key investments in its filtration business this year . In February it said it will expand its filter assembly plant in Suzhou , China , to respond to global market demand . The plant expansion will not only double local capacity in China to deliver high-quality filters for mining and other industrial customers , it will also provide additional space for the assembly of flotation drive mechanisms and mill reline equipment .
The extended production facility is expected to open within a year and reach full capacity during H1 in 2024 . With the expansion , the number of personnel working at the plant is anticipated to increase to around 60 experts .
“ Filters are used in mining and industrial applications to separate solids from liquids . In Suzhou , we produce several of the different filter types we offer in our global portfolio . Originally , filter assembly in Suzhou began in 2009 , and it has been operating at the same location ever since ,” explains Tero Tiainen , Director , Filter Manufacturing at Metso .
“ In connection with the expansion , we will also update our procedures for simplified processing , modular manufacturing and lean management to enable fast deliveries to our customers . This , combined with our established engineering , sourcing and production expertise in Suzhou will provide our customers with enhanced service and product quality ,” says Chuncai Qiu , Suzhou Plant Manager .
This growth in China was borne out in March when Metso announced an order awarded an order to deliver concentrate dewatering filters for JISCO ’ s modernization project in Gansu province in China . JISCO , ie Jiuquan Iron and Steel , is the largest producer of carbon steel and stainless steel in northwest China . Metso ’ s scope of delivery consists of the engineering ,
The onsite team during installation of an Ishigaki LASTA MC filter press at Acacia Maden copper mine in Turkey earlier this year
manufacturing and supply of six VPA pressure filters , as well as advisory services for installation and commissioning .
“ The VPA filter has been developed for reliable high-volume processing in challenging concentrate filtration and tailings processing . It is a perfect fit for JISCO ’ s application . The VPA filters are one of the most sustainable filters available and are classified as Planet Positive products because of their water and energy efficiency ,” explains Xun Fang , General Manager of Minerals Sales in Greater China at Metso .
Metso ’ s filtration portfolio consists of 15 different filter types and a comprehensive service offering for various mining and industrial applications , with more than 5,000 installations globally . The Larox ® legacy is carried over in five filters in the portfolio . Over 80 % of the Metso filters are part of the company ’ s Planet Positive portfolio , thanks to their energy and water efficiency .
In May , Metso broke ground on its first polymer filter plate factory globally , in Irapuato , in the central region of Mexico , on May 26th . The filter plate factory will offer state-of-the-art production process efficiency , quality , and service capability to support customers ’ sustainability and operative targets .
Metso is delivering six iron ore concentrate dewatering VPA filters for JISCO ’ s modernisation project in Gansu province in China
12 International Mining | OCTOBER 2023