Klipfontein concentrator gets R17m refurbishment
July 2002
Level Measurement & Control
Metso Minerals has recently replaced and commissioned 20 flotation cells at Anglo Platinum's Klipfontein concentrator in the mine refurbishment programme. The order, valued in the region of R17m, was for four 30 m3 and 16 10 m3 tank cells. The units will be replacing and performing the duties of 200 1 m3 flotation cells.
Overview of the new flotation circuit at Anglo Platinum’s Klipfontein concentrator
The operation is equipped with froth image control systems and is the first platinum installation of this type for the company in southern Africa and one of very few in the world. The system screens the process of individual cells, continually monitoring the froth velocity and adjusting the airflow rate, for optimum mass pull.
"It is designed to assist plant personnel with achieving better recoveries and grades by making operating changes, keeping production and quality targets on line," says Mervyn Ruthnasamy, manager for Metso Minerals Cisa division, southern Africa.
"The images, processed on a computer, host a Metso Minerals Cisa's OCS optimising control system and offer continuous froth visualisation in the control room. Added benefits include a control strategy developed to act on the images received from the cameras," comments Ruthnasamy.
The froth in the flotation cells
The replacement programme includes the old scavenger, cleaner and crusher classifier overflow flotation sections and was built as a turnkey operation. The design features a larger cylindrical tank that improves air dispersion and promotes surface stability. All points on the tank periphery are equidistant from the rotor discharge, improving mixing efficiency and air distribution. Enhanced flotation performance is achieved by maximum particle-bubble contact within the mechanism and flotation tank. Effective solids suspension must be present during operation and re-suspension after shutdown.
This plant is the sixth Anglo Platinum plant where Metso Minerals' Svedala RCS flotation cells have been installed. The company has installed in the region of over 400 units worldwide and 300 of these are in South Africa.
For more information contact: Metso Minerals, tel: 011 961 4000.
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