MINING SCREENS
Inside the new state of the art Schenck Process facility in Jandakot , Western Australia , part of a A $ 25 million office , workshop and warehouse complex
Screening for success
Paul Moore reviews developments across the vibrating screen market in mining , from new digital monitoring offerings and design innovations , to major installation news and best practice
All minerals have their own unique characteristics requiring a customised approach when it comes to critical high throughput mineral processing equipment . Corné Kleyn , Weir Minerals Global Product Manager – Vibrating Screens told IM that in relation to iron ore in particular , there are a number of challenges in relation to screening iron ore meaning it is an application that requires highly engineered equipment supported by a team of experts . “ It ’ s an abrasive material with a high density , so the screens have to be robust enough to support high deck loads . Moreover , the material typically has a lot of fines and , because it ’ s usually a wet process , the screens need to be designed and manufactured to prevent water ingress .”
In recent years , Kleyn says Weir Minerals has been expanding its capabilities in iron ore processing : “ We ’ ve developed new products ,
Weir Minerals has been expanding its capabilities in iron ore processing , including a range of Enduron ® screens that can be fully integrated with its Enduron ® high pressure grinding rolls ( HPGRs ) including a range of screens that can be fully integrated with our Enduron ® high pressure grinding rolls ( HPGR ). This evolution in our comminution capabilities , coupled with an abiding commitment to enable the sustainable
and efficient delivery of the natural resources essential to create a better future for the world , has seen Weir Minerals recently awarded a number of high profile contracts to provide crushing and screening equipment to iron ore operations .”
Kleyn says this growth – which strengthens Weir ’ s whole-of-mine offering – has been driven by a number of guiding principles . Firstly , Weir Minerals has developed its own in-house proprietary design criteria based on industry research and internationally recognised
standards and technical papers . “ We ’ ve had a particular focus on combatting gigacycle fatigue , which is a constant challenge in high-frequency , heavy-duty applications like iron ore screening . Our team of engineers understand how this research needs to be applied in the field ; they ’ re experts in assessing the stress exerted on these machines in demanding applications . And we ’ ve poured this knowledge and experience into developing a range of screens capable of withstanding high levels of fatigue , specifically with iron ore applications in mind .”
He adds that Weir Minerals ’ Enduron ® screens are engineered-to-order ,
“ meaning they fit perfectly and are fully equipped to perform in each specific application . However , we understand that there are also benefits to having standardised parts that are proven in the field , always in stock and are easily replaced . We feel that it strikes the right balance between minimising downtime when components need to be replaced or repaired , while refusing to compromise on our commitment to innovation and quality , which is embodied in our engineered-to-order offering .”
Kleyn says Weir Minerals has also invested considerable time and resources in developing best in class fabrication and manufacturing standards : “ We ’ ve conducted extensive research and testing to work through all the engineering and design elements , including things like the welded joints , consumables , the manufacturing processes , as well stress testing the base metal ’ s weldability and fatigue properties . Throughout this process we ’ ve had a simple , yet vital goal in mind : to have reliable parts that we can build a bespoke machine around .”
In iron ore applications , wear parts are constantly being tested . “ These challenges are further compounded by the environmental and climatic conditions they often operate in , whether it ’ s the scorching heat of Australia ’ s Pilbara region or the sub-zero temperatures of Siberia . In other words , only the highest quality , most robust wear parts can ensure reliable , ongoing performance . Weir Minerals ’ Linatex ® rubber is widely used throughout the industry to line the side plates , cross beams and spray bars – it ’ s considered the market-leading product . We have a distinct advantage over our competitors because Linatex is a Weir Minerals brand . Our level of rubber lining experience and product knowledge is unrivalled – we manufacture the product , we know how to apply it properly and we understand which rubber to use in particular applications and conditions .”
Finally , he highlights the company ’ s service network , Weir Minerals ’ range of screens being backed by an extensive global support network , with over 160 facilities from which it services customers . Teams are also available to visit customer sites , regardless of how remote the operation is .
thyssenkrupp ’ s goovi innovation goovi ® is the name of a newly developed multi vibrating screen from thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions . “ The name says it all : goovi ensures good vibrations in secondary and tertiary screening in the gravel and crushed stone , mining , mineral processing and recycling industries . A new patented drive technology in combination with an innovative control system provides a significant increase in operational flexibility , product quality and performance ,
International Mining | OCTOBER 2021