Festo, has helped improve the platinum recovery rate from flotation cells at a mine in North West Province. The mine uses the cells to extract platinum from the crude ore by agitating a mixture of ore, water and frothing and collecting reagents. The mineral particles rise to form froth on the surface and the waste material settles to the bottom. The froth is skimmed off and the water and chemicals are distilled or otherwise removed to leave the clean concentrate.
When the fluid levels within the flotation cell are not accurately controlled, the mineral-rich foam does not form or the concentrations are not optimal. The original design had all actuators controlled via external positioners with feedback through a series of linkages. This system was inherently weak and needed regular maintenance and recalibration – a time-consuming process that was happening too often. In addition to this, the system needed to operate in a potentially corrosive environment with exposure to sulphuric acid.
The Festo engineered solution
Based on experience gained with Festo installations at mines around the world, Festo sales engineer, Koot Viljoen, offered the Festo DFPI cylinder: “The design of the DFPI is compact so the positioner and valves are situated inside the actuator barrel and are therefore protected from the environment.”
The specific model DFPI that Festo supplied also has an integrated position controller and a self-initialisation feature. The DFPI’s integrated position controller checks the position of the piston rod within the available stroke range in a self-regulating closed loop system. The actuator therefore requires no calibration and is effectively maintenance free. Control of the DFPI actuator is through the positioner via a 4-20 mA analog signal, either from a master PLC/IPC, or manually on-site via an external set-point generator. The integrated positioner and the removal of the linkages ensure accurate control of the flotation cell levels, allowing for improved platinum recovery.
The Festo DFPI has a factory-defined safety position that is assumed if the operating voltage or the analog set-point value fails. In this case, a fail to extend action closes the Dart control valve in the flotation cell to minimise loss of valuable material.
The resulting improvement in control accuracy from the Festo solution has meant better platinum recovery and improved reliability. The self-calibrating and easy installation provided a speedy commissioning phase for the customer, minimising impact on productivity.
Ball valves and actuators optimise HVAC performance Schneider Electric South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Schneider Electric offers the full range of innovative SpaceLogic and EasyLogic ball valves and actuators. These cutting-edge products are designed to optimise HVAC system performance, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings.
Read more...Alfa Laval expands hygienic valve portfolio
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Alfa Laval is expanding its hygienic valve portfolio by introducing the Unique SSV pressure relief valve and the Leakage Detection butterfly valve, alongside new smaller sizes of the Unique Mixproof CIP and Unique Mixproof process valves.
Read more...Preparing pump systems for adverse weather conditions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
As the severity of storms in South Africa increases, so has the rush of sediment-laden water become a major issue and a significant challenge for irrigation. When sediment levels rise to just 10 grams per litre or more, the risk of pump wear and dam silting increases dramatically.
Read more...Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment Festo South Africa
News
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
Read more...Servo motor for demanding and dynamic applications Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The EMMT-AS servo motor is ideal for demanding and dynamic applications, and is known for its excellent controllability and path accuracy for precise positioning tasks.
Read more...High-flow solenoid valve Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has introduced the new ASCO Series 327C solenoid valve, which features a direct-acting, high-flow design that provides superior flow-to-power ratio. It permits high flows at minimum power levels, making it ideal for use in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing facilities.
Read more...Festo celebrates its centenary Festo South Africa
News
Creating added customer value through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company’s anniversary is being celebrated with employees, customers and partners worldwide throughout the year.
Read more...Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
printer friendly version