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.
Developing solutions for SA’s wastewater challenges
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
KSB Pumps has a proud global legacy in the development of self-priming pump technology, which reflects decades of engineering innovation and application expertise. Building on this foundation, KSB’s AU series has extended the company’s self-priming expertise into screened wastewater handling, which meets the growing needs of municipal and industrial sectors worldwide.
Read more...Precision meets performance: The ELGD Axes Family from Festo Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Festo has introduced the ELGD axes family, engineered for the demands of future-focused industries. With cutting-edge guide technology, exceptional rigidity and high load capacity, these axes deliver more performance within the same installation footprint.
Read more...Helping to solve wastewater challenges
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
KSB Pumps and Valves is doubling its efforts to help government and municipalities find practical and technical solutions to the growing wastewater challenges gripping large parts of the country.
Read more...Festo’s customised automation solutions Festo South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
From smart pneumatics to advanced process automation, Festo offers precision-engineered technologies that enable industries to operate more efficiently, reliably and fast. The company manages the entire custom design process from concept to final commissioning, saving customers time and money while allowing them to focus on their core expertise.
Read more...Pneumatics makes a technological leap with the proportional valve terminal Festo South Africa
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Festo continually makes bold technological leaps to keep pace with global advancements. Controlled Pneumatics is redefining the boundaries of compressed air technology to meet the demands of today’s most advanced applications.
Read more...Duplex valve improves continuous production at Gauteng manufacturing facility
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
In a recent installation at a Gauteng-based manufacturer of household and personal care products, Allmech provided a tailored water treatment solution to ensure a consistent supply of soft water for steam generation, an essential element in the client’s 24/7 production cycle.
Read more...Ultra-durable stainless steel submersible pumps
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
KSB Pumps and Valves has launched a rugged stainless-steel submersible pump range designed for deep borehole use and other demanding freshwater and saline pumping applications.
Read more...Industrial valve solutions Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
BMG’s Fluid Technology division supplies and supports an extensive range of components for fluid technology systems. These include valves, hydraulic hoses and fittings, accumulators, cylinders, heat exchangers, hydraulic motors and hydraulic plumbing, as well as pumps and reservoir accessories.
Read more...New wastewater pump for local municipalities and industries
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
The latest wastewater pump from KSB Pumps and Valves is making waves in the industry due to a host of new features that provide users with an ultra-durable long service pump with fewer blockages and a lower maintenance requirement than traditional pumps.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version