FILTRATION & THICKENING
The new LiKOSET thickener in the ANDRITZ portfolio is built from high-quality duplex stainless steel
deliver consistent performance even in changing process conditions . What ’ s more , the productized and partially modular units are quick and safe to install and commission ,” explains Toni Kuisma , Product Manager for Dewatering Islands at Metso .
Metso Thickening Plant Units it says offer unique benefits including : n A wide and proven range of proprietary equipment with innate digitalisation for the whole plant , providing consistent performance in changing process conditions n Industry-leading Reactorwell™ feedwell technology to ensure efficient use of the clarification area n Better risk management through process performance guarantees n In-house testing and sizing n Expert support in the design of individual applications , based on extensive plant design know-how and numerous references for various applications , concentrate and tailings . Metso has one of the widest portfolios of thickening solutions on the market . The company ’ s extensive experience in process plant design combined with an installed base of around 3,000 thickener equipment installations around the world enables Metso to design and deliver complete optimised thickening plants catering to all types of applications and ores . The company ’ s comprehensive service portfolio extends from spares and wears to advanced life cycle services and is backed by a global network of industry-leading service expertise . The wide variety of upgrades enables the restoration of outdated existing technology for optimised thickener performance and the achievement of sustainability targets .
The Thickening Plant Units are Metso ’ s fifth complete plant unit launch for concentrator plants . The previous launches include Stirred Mill Plant Units , Horizontal Mill Plant Units , Filtration Plant Units , and Flotation Plant Units .
ANDRITZ rolls out LiKOSET
With the October 2022 market launch of the new LiKOSET thickener , international technology group ANDRITZ said it presented “ a perfect solution for efficient clarification of liquids and recovery of slurry .” Based on decades of experience in thickening and clarification systems , ANDRITZ offers the LiKOSET , a highly reliable and cost-effective thickener that can be used in a wide range of industries , especially for the sustainable processing of lithium and various minerals for the agricultural industry .
Lithium is an essential component of rechargeable batteries – for small devices such as smartphones , but also for electric cars . Particularly because of its use in electromobility , the alkali metal is currently developing into a raw material in great demand . Therefore , its efficient and particularly sustainable processing is of particular importance . The same is true for the agricultural industry , which uses potassium carbonate ( potash ) for securing food supply . In both industries , ANDRITZ can make an important contribution to sustainability with the LiKOSET .
This new thickener in the ANDRITZ portfolio is built from high-quality duplex stainless steel , thus making it suitable for corrosive and humid operating conditions . It has higher strength compared to other products on the market and is easy to maintain . Thanks to its modular design ( bolted or welded ) and preliminary configuration ( diameters from 9 to 30 m ), the LiKOSET thickener can be delivered in a short time ( within 16 weeks ) and installed rapidly . Optionally , LiKOSET thickeners can also be roofed to provide protection against environmental contamination and also safeguard other equipment .
The LiKOSET can also be combined with the control system Metris addIQ ACE from ANDRITZ to create a fully integrated automation solution that enables maximum operational efficiency .
FLSmidth thickeners for Ma ’ aden and KCGM
Following a longstanding relationship with Ma ’ aden , FLSmidth has been chosen to supply the key technologies and services for Ma ’ aden ’ s phosphate 3 phase 1 mine site in the Northern Province of Saudi Arabia . The order is valued at approximately DKK 530 million ( over $ 78 million ) and was booked in Q3 2023 . The equipment is expected to be fully integrated during 2025 .
FLSmidth has partnered with Ma ’ aden from the onset of the new phosphate mine operations starting with initial laboratory testing of samples retrieved from the ore body in 2019 through to the development of the flowsheet and pilot scale testing . The focus of the collaboration has all along been to ensure that the integrity of the flowsheet is maintained , while ensuring that the technology is well integrated into the overall plant design to deliver best possible performance from the process plant operations .
With this new order , FLSmidth will supply of all the key equipment associated with the phosphate beneficiation plant as well as technical support services through the design , construction , commissioning and ramp-up phases . The order includes both primary and secondary sizers , apron and HAB feeders , cone crushers , screens , cyclone clusters , ball mills , paste and high-rate thickeners , horizontal belt filter , slurry pumps knife-gate valves and flotation columns .
“ We are pleased to collaborate with Ma ’ aden on this expansion , as this order sets another strong standard for our MissionZero agenda . In particular the incorporation of our paste thickening and dewatering technology at this important mine site plays a key role in reducing emissions and water spend from the beneficiation process ,” comments Mikko Keto ,
FLSmidth has been chosen to supply the key technologies and services for Ma ’ aden ’ s phosphate 3 phase 1 mine including paste and high rate thickeners
16 International Mining | OCTOBER 2023