Chapter 23

DESIGN CRITERIA: THE FORMAL BASIS OF DESIGN

JOHN W. SCOTT

WRIGHT ENGINEERS LTD.

VANCOUVER, CANADA

INTRODUCTION
The design criteria for a particular
concentration and dewatering project
will provide t h e formal basis for design
of t h e process, equipment and facilities.
These criteria will specify t h e required
capacities and operating schedules for
t h e equipment, a s well a s t h e quantity
and quality of t h e feed t o be processed
and products obtained. The general
climatic and geographical conditions a t
t h e site, specific information on soil o r
rock conditions; and applicable design
standards and codes will also be
included.
The design criteria will generally be
based on an interpretation of testwork
carried out on the particular ore and
site, and will thus parallel in detail and
completeness this testwork. As the
project moves from t h e early conceptual
phases through t o final detailed design,
t h e design criteria will be developed and
become more detailed as information is
generated and made available f o r use.
The design criteria a r e critical t o t h e
design e f f o r t a s t h e formal specification
to t h e designer of what and how much is
t o be processed, what and how much is
t o b e produced, and where and under
what conditions.

The actual design criteria will be a

formal tabulation of t h e design basis
information developed f o r t h e project in
question. For a preliminary study, this
may consist of a single page of data; f o r
a feasibility study several pages and for
a detailed design up t o several hundred
pages and multiple volumes. Depending
on t h e complexity of t h e process and t h e
level of detail included, each project will
b e unique t o some degree.
The design process for a project
normally progresses from preliminary
conceptual phases through t o a final
detailed design. The criteria used for t h e
initial concepts a r e generally developed
from rough data and preliminary
testwork on t h e o r e in question.
Regardless, t h e plant throughput and
products a r e defined, thus giving a scope
and definition t o the study phase. In
some studies a range of throughputs may
be analyzed in order t o arrive a t t h e
most economically a t t r a c t i v e size for
t h e proposed operation. This optimum
size is then used as t h e design
throughput for t h e more detailed design
phases. Similarly as more testwork
results a r e available and t h e ore
characteristics and process become more
well defined a continuous updating of t h e
design
criteria
is
undertaken.

CONCENTRATION AND DEWATERING CIRCUITS

At the completion of t h e preliminary

design phase or basic engineering,
sufficient information will be available
t o prepare a formal design criteria
document which will form the basis for
detailed design work. It is important t h a t
a t each phase of the development of the
project when cost estimates or studies
a r e prepared, the design criteria used t o
form the basis of design and estimation
for this phase are carefully and fully
documented.
DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN CRITERIA
Conceptual Designs
At the outset of ' t h e conceptual
design phase for a concentration and
dewatering plant there will normally be
little information available. The first
task of the conceptual design group is t o
gather what information is available and
then develop t e s t programs t o provide
t h e essential d a t a t h a t is missing. During
this phase, the metallurgical response of
t h e ore is t h e most important a s it will
define the flowsheet and equipment
requirements.
The
ore
will
be
characterized mineralogically and a
bench scale test program will b e
developed and carried out on the
available samples (normally split drill
cores) t o provide basic information for
flowsheet development. If the ore is
widely variable, the flowsheet will b e
designed accordingly and a further more
detailed metallurgical t e s t program
planned.
The basic document produced will b e
a metallurgical and material balance t o
provide
flows
and
tonnages for
equipment sizing and selection. If
sufficient material is available, batch
thickening and filtering tests will be run
to
give
preliminary
unit
area
requirements, however these may be
adjusted by experience factors a t this
stage if abnormal a r e a s or sizes a r e
indicated. Further testing would be
planned and carried out for the next
s t a g e of project development.
The design criteria for t h e other

disciplines required a t this phase are

minimal, with t h e criteria used general
in nature and based on similar projects in
similar climatic areas t o give a
reasonable and sound basis t o t h e
preliminary estimate.
Feasibility Studies
A feasibility study is normally
undertaken a f t e r an order of magnitude
or preliminary estimate has indicated
t h a t t h e project (or expansion or
renovation) is financially attractive
enough t o merit further work. During t h e
preliminary study scoping t e s t s would
have
been
completed
on
the
metallurgical response of the ore and a
generally suitable flowsheet selected.
Any problem a r e a s requiring resolution
with further testwork would have been
identified and suitable laboratory and
pilot plant programs initiated. The pilot
work, in particular, would be aimed a t
verifying the flowsheet and also
providing a n opportunity for thickening,
filtration, drying and other ancillary
t e s t s on samples produced from more o r
less
continous
operation
on
representative bulk samples. The e f f e c t s
of recycle water streams on t h e
metallurgy will have been noted, with
provision made for water treatment or
possibly even a once-through system. For
physical separations, unwanted slimes
buildups, t h e need for settling ponds o r
unusual drying requirements, etc. will
have been noted. Unusually abrasive o r
slimy characteristics will have been
observed and noted. The small flows
typical in pilot plants exaggerate the
rheological problems encountered in
certain ores and these also will be
studied a t this phase; particulary for
extremely fine grinds and high pulp
densities -characteristics perhaps more
common in present day ores. The
feasibility study will have considered any
alternative processing schemes in depth
and rejected all except t h e most logical
and profitable via a series of technicaleconomic studies. Metallurgically, t h e
ore will have been studied thoroughly on
the basis of pilot plant t e s t s on

DESIGN CRITERIA: FORMAL BASIS OF DESIGN

representative
bulk
samples,
providing a valid design basis.

thus

The plant site will now have been

selected and t h e buildings and facilities
laid out. The s i t e will have been drilled
for
geotechnical
information
and
carefully surveyed to provide surface
contours and an e s t i m a t e of c u t and fill
quantities. An effort will have been
made to find local materials suitable for
compacted fill, and for concrete
aggregate in t h e case of r e m o t e
locations. The bearing strength of the
soil and underlying bedrock will be
tested and criteria for foundation design
prepared. Architecturally t h e climatic
conditions will b e carefully noted, and a
program to develop wind and snow
loadings under taken if necessary,
otherwise local/regional records will be
used. Prevailing winds and severe
climatic conditions will be considered t o
ensure t h e best orientation of buildings
and openings in t h e buildings, subject to
s i t e constraints.
Power supply will have been studied,
with power factor correction allowed
for. If there a r e high energy costs selfgenerated power or high efficiency
motors (with accompanying higher
capital costs) will be considered.
Water supply and tailings disposal
will have been carefully studied, with
hydrological and geotechnical studies
commissioned a s required.
At t h e end of t h e feasibility study,
the metallurgical response of t h e ore,
general
site
conditions,
climatic
constraints and power, water and waste
disposal systems will have
been
identified, studied and resolved.
Basic
Design

Engineering

and

Detailed

Following a positive feasibility study,

the next phase of a project involves
basic engineering followed by detailed
design. The basic engineering for a
project
involves developing the

feasibility study t o a point where t h e

major equipment has been tendered, a
supplier recommended and design
advanced to a point where detailed
engineering can commence. The end
product is t h e detailed design criteria
document, serving a s a specification t o
t h e detailing engineer and a basis for t h e
project budget estimate.
A t t h e commencement of the basic
engineering, a draft design criteria
document will be prepared, based on a
format
used
by
the
particular
engineering company doing t h e design
work. The preparation of this draft will
normally bring t o light a number of areas
where specific design criteria a r e
missing, s o t h a t relevant test work can
be carried out or t h e necessary
information obtained. As t h e engineering
progresses and major pieces of
equipment a r e committed t o purchase,
actual weights and dimensions of t h e
equipment in question will be available
for inclusion in t h e appropriate sections
of the criteria. At the s a m e time, t h e
flowsheets and general arrangement
drawings will be updated t o show the
recommended
equipment.
The
mechanical, structural and civil groups
will work very closely with each other
during this period t o ensure t h a t t h e
basic criteria a r e available for such
problem areas in the design a s large
rotating equipment o r severe vibration.
At the completion of t h e basic
engineering, t h e formal design criteria
will be issued t o serve a s t h e basic
document for detailed engineering
Use of Criteria during Design
The design criteria are used
throughout all stages of a design a s t h e
primary written source of information
for t h e engineers carrying out t h e design
work, and the source document for
further work.

Conceptual desiqn. In the initial

conceptual stage, the general criteria
with respect t o plant capacity, ore
characteristics
and
preliminary
metallurgical results are used t o develop
a flowsheet and preliminary plant layout.
The
metallurgical
and
mechanical
engineer will rely on the criteria t o
prepare the flowsheet and size and
select the major process equipment.
Based on this work and any site
constraints a plant layout w i l l be
developed to fo rm a basis for cost
estimation. The areas where the criteria
are poorly defined or missing w i l l be
covered by past experience at this stage,
and testwork or site investigations
planned
to
obtain
the
missing
information. The criteria used, including
the assumptions made w i l l be formalized
i n a short summary and included i n the
study report. (See Table 1).
TABLE 1.

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OUTLINE

OF
DESIGN
CRITERIA

1. GENERAL CRITERIA
2. METALLURGICAL BALANCE
3. OPERATING
SCHEDULE
THROUGHPUT
4. PROCESS CRITERIA
5. ASSUMPTIONS
6. RECOMMENDED TESTWORK

again be collected and included i n the

feasibility report as a separate 'IDesign
Criteria" section (See Table 2). Based on
the design criteria an d the selected
flowsheet, the mechanical equipment
w i l l have been specified and quotations
solicited from suppliers t o obtain
sufficiently accurate cost data for the
report. The plant layout w i l l have been
refined and developed t o provide a good
basis for c i v i l and structural takeoffs
and preliminary design work. The power
supply and electrical requirements w i l l
be defined by the equipment selection,
and yard and building lighting, heating
requirements, etc. The architectural
finishes w i l l be selected on the basis of
the duty, weather and plant areas. The
criteria used for this selection w i l l be
experience i n similar installations and
any
specific
chemical
resistance
required.
TABLE 2.

SECTION I

A series o f alternative flowsheets

may be developed a t this stage, w i t h the
technically and economically "best" one
selected for further development. Once
again, the criteria available w i l l be
checked with the selected flowsheet and
any deficiencies covered by further
testwork. A t this stage the plant site
w i l l have been carefully surveyed and
soils investigations carried out t o
provide site specific design criteria t o
the structural and civil engineering
groups. The information developed w i l l

1.- INTRODUCTION
2.3.-

AND

Detailed feasibility Study. For the

detailed feasibility study phase of a
project, the general operating and
metallurgical design criteria w i l l have
been refined and augmented by further
laboratory and pilot plant testing.

FEASIBILITY STUDY
OUTLINE OF DESIGN
CRITERIA

4.-

GENERAL CRITERIA
OPERATING
SCHEDULE
AND
CAPACITY
METALLURGICAL
BALANCE
PROCESS
DESCRIPTION
EQUIPMENT
DESCRIPTION
FLOTATION /
MAGNETICSEPN/
ETC.
THICKENING AND
FILTERING
DRYING
AND

SECTION I1

.
.

PACKING

3.- FACILITIES
DESCRIPTION
BUILDINGS
SERVICES
SITE AND ACCESS
REQUIRED
TESTWORK

.
4.-

.
.

DESIGN CRITERIA: FORMAL BASIS OF DESIGN

Detailed desiqn. Detailed engineering
w i l l be critically dependent on design
criteria, and i n fact the first phase of
detailed design or basic engineering is
carried out to provide a detailed design
criteria to be used as the basis for final
detailing.

TABLE 3.

INDEX FOR A DESIGN

CRITERIA

I.-General Criteria
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Scope o f Work

During the basic engineering the

equipment tendered on w i l l be selected,
and the flowsheet, equipment list and
general arrangement drawings up dated
t o their final form. The design criteria
developed for the detailed feasibility
study w i l l also be updated, and any
further information included as i t is
made available. A t this stage, actual
equipment loads w i l l be available so
structural and foundation design may be
advanced. Normally, the first detailed
process and instrumentation diagrams
are developed and w i l l form the basis for
piping design i n conjunction w i t h the
flowsheet. Final selection of such
equipment
as filters,
dryers and
thickeners w i l l enable a detailed water
balance t o be prepared, providing the
flows o f fresh and reclaim water as the
design criteria for the water system. The
heating and ventilation requiremerts w i l l
have been defined by the climatic
conditions and by any local codes and
ordinances. Similarly codes governing
noise levels and personnel protection w i l l
be incorporated into the criteria t o
ensure compliance.
As the basic engineering proceeds,
areas w i l l turn up which require further
specific tests for design to proceed.
These would be carried out and the
criteria updated i n those areas. The final
document produced a t this stage is
known by various names: design criteria,
design basis memorandum, etc. However
i t w i l l consist o f a formal document
including all design criteria used, a
description o f the process and the set o f
basic
engineering
drawings.
These
documents then form the basis for the
detailed
engineering
design.
A
generalized table o f contents for such a
document is given i n Table 3.

3.0Criteria Summary
4.0 Mechanical Design Criteria
4.1
4.2.
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7.

Conveyors
Chutes
Fabricated Items
Process Pumps
Piping
Linings
Codes and Standards

5.0 Electrical Design Criteria

5.1

General
Codes and Standards
5.3
PowerSupplySystem
5.4
Main Substation
5.5
System Voltages
5.6
Emergency Power
5.7
Metering
5.8
Distribution Switchgear
5.9
600 Volt Power
5.10
Motors
5.11 Power Factor Correction
5.12
Motor Controllers
5.13
Controls and Pilot Devices
5.14
Lightning
and
Surge
Protection
5.15 Grounding
5.16
Overhead Transmission
Line
5.17
Lightning and Receptacles
5.18
Wiring Methods
5.17
Wire and Cable
5.20
Conduit
5.21 Enclosures
5.22
Cable Tray
5.23
Special Equipment
5.24
Communications
6.0 Structural Design Criteria

5.2

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5

General
Design Loads
Unit Stresses andLimiting
Deflections
Load Factors
Load Combinations

7.0

Mechanical Services Criteria

7.2 Design
and
Drafting
Standards
7.3 Materials
7.4 Design Conditions
7.5 HVAC
7.6 Building System
7.7 Plumbing
7.8 Fire Protection

8.0

Air Pollution Control Criteria

8.1 Codes and Standards
8.2 Materials
8.3 Design

9.0

Architectural Design Criteria

9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6

General
Washrooms
Change Rooms
Lunch Rooms
Offices and Labs
Building Enclosures

10.0 Instrumentation Design Criteria

10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5

Purpose
References
General
Instruments
Control Panels

11.- Process Area Criteria

11.0 Operating Schedule and Capacity

11.1 General
11.2 Schedules and capacity
12.0 Process Metallurgy
12.1 Ore Characteristics
12.2 Metallurgical balance
12.3 Material balance
44.0 Water Supply
44.1 Operating Criteria
44.2 Process Description
44.3 Equipment
47.0 Tailing Disposal
47.1 Operating Criteria
47.2 Process Description
47.3 Equipment

51.0

Ancillary Buildings
51.1
51.2
51.3
51.4

Offices
Change House
Laboratory
Shop & Warehouse

92.0 Conditioning and Flotation

92.1 Operating Criteria
92.2 Process Description
92.3 Equipment
93.0 Reagents
93.1 Operating Data Summary
93.2 Reagent Preparation and
Equipment Description
93.3 Reagent Fume and Dust
Control
94.0 Hydrosizing & Tabling
94.1 Operating Criteria
94.2 Process Description
94.3 Equipment
95.0 Filtration and Drying
95.1 Operating Criteria
95.2 Process Description
95.3 Equipment
97.0 Concentrate Packing & Storage
97.1 Operating Criteria
97.2 Process Description
97.3 Equipment
REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN CRITERIA
The requirements for design criteria
for a specific concentration and
dewatering
circuit
are
naturally
dependent on the particular ore, the
flowsheet
chosen
and
the
site
constraints.
Normally,
t h e design
criteria will be developed in two
complementary sections; t h e first
generally including a description of the
ore, process, plant s i t e and geographical
location along with t h e general design
criteria developed by each engineering
discipline. The second section will
present design criteria for each a r e a of
t h e plant and process including an

operating d a t a summary and detailed

process and equipment descriptions. The
general
arrangement
drawings,
flowsheets and process and instrument
diagrams form a n integral part of t h e
design criteria documentation and a r e
included and referenced extensively for
clarity and convenience.
General
The general design criteria consist of
t h e basic project description plus t h e
general criteria for each engineering
discipline. The outline for a complete
design criteria manual a s required for
detailed design is provided by t h e index
referenced in Table 3.

function
of
the
maintenance
requirements of each individual piece of
equipment and also t h e operating
strategy of t h e plant. For instance, a
weekly maintenance shift may be
planned f o r certain areas due t o required
preventive maintenance on certain
critical items of equipment. These items
in t h e design criteria a r e normally
tabulated in a format a s shown in Table
4.
TABLE 4
SCHEDULE

TYPICAL

OPERATING
PLANT AREA

PERIOD

FLOTATION

The summary of basic design criteria

will include:
Description of the project
Scope of work
Location
Meteorlogical d a t a
Site and soils description
Utilities
Transportation
Applicable Laws and Codes.

Availability (%I)

94

Process Metallurgy
Operating Schedule and Capacity
The heart of any design is t h e
required
plant
capacity
and t h e
operating schedule. These define t h e s i z e
of t h e equipment and t h e operating duty.
The operating schedule is normally
twenty-four hours per day, t h r e e shifts
per day, 365 days per year for a typical
concentrator. In some cases t h e plant
may b e designed to operate fewer days
per week but continuous twenty-four
hour operation is usual. In some
dewatering sections filters may be
operated on a single shift basis, this will
be clearly set out in t h e design criteria
for t h e area. In addition t o t h e operatinqand
throughput,
some
schedule
estimation of t h e availability of t h e
plant is used f o r setting t h e actual
hourly throughput. This availability is a

The design criteria for process

metallurgy will include a description of
t h e o r e treated, the products t o be
made, t h e physical and chemical
characteristics of t h e ore which a f f e c t
the process, an estimated metallurgical
balance, reagent additions, nominal
aquipment residence times and product
specifications. The metallurgical criteria
f o r each a r e a of t h e plant o r unit process
a r e normally
summarized in an
Operating d a t a summary f o r these areas
and a r e utilized with a n accompanying
process and equipment description t o
provide a complete criteria for detailed
design.

CONCENTRATIONAND DEWATERING CIRCUITS

Typical design criteria requirements

for
the
normal
unit
operations
encountered
in
concentration
and
dewatering circuits a r e summarized in
the following tables. The testwork
required t o obtain t h e required design
criteria values is beyond t h e scope of
this paper, and is more than adequately
covered in the other chapters of this
book. The process metallurgist normally
requires sufficient testwork t o prepare
metallurgical and material balances for
a selected flowsheet and size and select
the major process equipment for t h e
flowsheet. The selected flowsheet and
equipment then provide derived design
criteria for laying out t h e plant and t h e
subsequent detailed design in all areas.

Thickening:

Unit a r e a requirements
(Laboratory o r pilot plant)
Flocculant
mixing
requirements
Flocculant r a t e s
Underflow densities
Overflow clarities
Slurry
rheology
(if
underflow
is
non
newtonian)

Basic Metallurqical Criteria

Filtering:

Unit a r e a requirements
Cloth permeability
Vacuum requirements
Form t i m e
Dry t i m e
Cake thickness
Slurry rheology
Filter Aid requirements
Cloth
washing
requirements
Air blow requirements
Altitude e f f e c t s

Ore mineralogy
Metallurgical balance
Material balance
Feed r a t e (and variations)
Particle Size Distributions (Feed and
Products)
Specific gravity (Feed and Products)
Supplementary Criteria
Froth
Flotation:

Gravity
Separation:

Magnetic
Separation:

Flotation r a t e d a t a
Air requirements
Conditioning time
Reagent additions
Heavy liquid separation
t e s t results
Laboratory and/or pilot
plant results for:
Jigging, Tabling, Spirals
or Cones.
Extended
Mineralogical
Analysis.
Classification
characteristics
Magnetic susceptibilities
Laboratory t e s t results
Magnetic field strength
required

Electrostatic
Separation:
Electrical properties
Laboratory t e s t results
Field strength
Dryness and temperature
requirements

Drying: Feed moisture

Product moisture
Dusting characteristics
Off gas volumes and dust
loadings
Operatings schedule
Heat capaclty of solids
Relative humidity
Engineering Disciplines
The engineering disciplines involved
in a concentrator design will include:
Metallurgical
Mechanical
Electrical
Civil / Structural
Mechanical Services
Architectural
Instrumentation and Control

The design criteria required by each

of these disciplines is outlined in t h e
typical index given in Table 3. As c a n be
seen e a c h discipline requires a general
compilation of design codes and
standards as well a s specific criteria for
t h e various a r e a s covered by the
discipline. The full details of t h e general
criteria would require more space than is
available in this book, however a typical
excerpt from the general design criteria
for each discipline is presented in
Appendix I. The references t o codes and
standards normally refer t o Canadian
Standards, f o r plants built in other
countries the applicable national, s t a t e
and local codes would apply.
For each discipline involved in t h e
detailed design there a r e a number of
basic criteria based on fundamental
design practice for t h a t discipline and
other points which a r e specifically
related t o concentrator design. These
have been developed through experience
and a r e particularly required when t h e
detailed design is being carried o u t by a
firm less involved in t h e mineral
industry, perhaps off-shore in a n under
developed country o r in a country with
few mineral resources.
Metallurgical.
The
metallurgical
criteria normally required for each of
the unit processes a r e listed in a
previous section. In addition t o t h e
process criteria, a n operating philosophy
for t h e plant is normally developed
which reflects t h e plant location and t h e
human resources available t o operate it.
This operating criteria should be
carefully thought out and written down
in order t o be of use t o t h e design t e a m
and for the training of operating
personnel.
Mechanical.
The
mechanical
engineering for a concentrator, once t h e
major equipment has been selected, is
mostly involved with material handling,
pumping and design f o r minimum spillage
and easy maintenance of t h e eqipment.

In this respect, t h e design criteria a r e

particularly specific t o concentrator,
with such points a s launder slopes, pipe
connection details, wear liners, conveyor
skirting and pump selection being
critically important. With t h e use of
finer grinds in some flotation plants, t h e
behavior of thickened slurries and other
pulp
s t r e a m s has
become
Less
predictable, therefore slurry viscosity
testwork for pump and piping selection
has become more common.
Electrical. The electrical design
criteria for a plant normally involve an
extremely wide scope possibly from s i t e
power generation t o wiring details.
Particular emphasis must be given t o
energy conservation through such
methods as power f a c t o r correction, high
efficiency motors and lights and correct
cable sizing.
Civil / Structural. The structural
design requires particular emphasis on
rotating equipment, vibration analysis,
and recognition of plug loads in such
vessels
as
flotation
tanks
and
conditioners.
In addition, careful
investigations of t h e underlying soil or
rock characteristics a r e required f o r
successful foundation design. C a r e
should be taken a t t h e earliest
opportunity t o obtain a s much
information a s possible over t h e entire
mill site, a s buildings may b e relocated
several times during t h e progress of the
design.
Mechanical Services. The services
required in a modern concentrator
complex for heating, ventilation, fire
protection, plumbing, sewer and water
supply, etc. c a n be a major design area.
It is essential t o develop t h e design
criteria for these a r e a s in accordance
with local codes and regulations and also
bearing in mind t h e number of workers in
t h e plant. Sanitary services must also
consider t h e provision of separate
facilities for men and women as well a s
for supervision and labour. This s e t of
criteria must be carefully discussed with
the operations personnel who a r e
involved a t t h e design stage.

CONCENTRATIONAND DEWATERING CIRCUITS

Architectural.
The
architectural
criteria generally reflect t h e style of
building exterior and interior finishes
desired for t h e plant. In addition, t h e
provision of specific criteria for heavy
use areas, particular chemical resistance
requirements,
and
climatic
considerations a r e
important.
The
development of criteria for offices,
washrooms,
drys
and
laboratories
requires a detailed description of t h e
proposed work force and operating
schedules for t h e various areas.
Instrumentation. The instrumentation
desiqn criteria a r e normally developed in
c o n j k c t i o n with the -process. and
mechanical engineering groups, and in
accordance with t h e proposed operating
criteria. The specific instruments chosen
for each application will reflect an
overall control philosophy for t h e plant
whether i t is computer based, distributed
control o r simply local start-stop
switches for simple circuits.
The
particular
design
criteria
referred t o in Appendix I refer t o a
tungsten concentrator incorporating both
flotation and gravity concentration. The
criteria developed for a large base
metals flotation concentrator or an iron
ore concentrator utilizing spirals or
magnetic separation would be similar in
nature but reflect t h e specific ore and
process under consideration.
Plant/Process Area
For each a r e a of the plant and stand
alone unit processes, such a s flotation,
the design criteria will specify the
operating criteria, a process description
and a detailed equipment description.

The operating criteria include the

operating schedule for the particular
area along with the availability
predicted for t h e equipment, and t h e
nominal
flowsheet
and
design
throughputs. The relationship between
nominal and design flows is often
misunderstood and should be clearly
explained and specified in t h e design
criteria, and if possible noted on t h e
flowsheets a s well.
In t h e initial operation of t h e plant
this may not be a major point, but a t t h e
stage where debottlenecking, production
limiting factors and possibly expansion
become a f a c t of life, there is a critical
need for such information t o be well
defined and available.

Onceagain,spacelimitationsprevent
including a complete design criteria for
all process a r e a s of
a typical
concentrator, however excerpts from a
s e t of process a r e a criteria developed
for a tungsten concentrator a r e given in
Appendix 11. The areas covered a r e
generally
applicable
to
most
concentration/dewatering plants but
naturally would be augmented and
modified specifically for t h e plant and
process being designed.
The equipment descriptions in this
particular design criteria are not
specific a s t o supplier, a s t h e equipment
has not yet been purchased. In a fully
detailed design criteria for a project in
detailed
engineering,
the
major
equipment would be committed t o and
would be described specifically. As this
equipment is purchased, t h e design
criteria document will be updated t o
reflect the particular machine t o be
installed.

DESIGN CRITERIA: FORMAL BASIS OF DESIGN

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The compilation and use of a formal
design criteria document is essential to
the engineering design of concentration
and
dewatering
circuits.
Careful
preparation of this document prior t o
commencing detailed design along with
continuous updating ensure a consistent
basis for design i n a l l areas and for a l l
disciplines involved i n the design.

LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX I Examplesof General Design
Data
APPENDIX I1Examples of Process Area
Criteria

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The assistance o f my colleagues at
Wright Engineers L t d particularly Brian
Montpellier,
Project
Manager
and
management permission to prepare this
paper are gratefully acknowledged.

EXAMPLES OF G E N E R A L E I I C DATA

CONCENTRATIONAND DEWATERING CIRCUITS

APPENDIX

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(iv) Concrete Structures

6.0 STRUCNWY DESIW CRITERIA

6.1.1

Wlildings and their structural &err ude of plain,

reinhced and prestressed c ~ c r e t eshall cmform to
CCYad23.3-Kn 'Code for the Design of C m t e
Structures fw Buildings:. For establishing 'design
load factas*. the tabulation in Section 6.4 of t h u
criteria shall be used. I t is based on the N.B.C. 1080
factors but expanded for special loads and effects
acting on rinins projects.

Lildirw Code Standards

All buildings and their structural melbffs shall be designed
to r s i s t safely and effectively all lmds and all effects of
loads and influences that may reasonably be expected, and
shall in all cases satisfy the r w u i r m t s af Section 4.1 of
the National Building Code of Canada 1960 and standards set
fwth by eight Engineets Limited.

(vl Steel Structures

(a) hildinss and their structural &ers made of
structural steel shall confag to C% Standards

Except as set f a t h in Article 4.1.1.4 Subsectim 2.6.2. of

the National kildinq Code of Canada 1WO the followin shall
apply:

516-1969 'Steel Structures fw hildings".

( b ) Buildinss and their structural &ws mde of

light gauge steel &all cmfam to CSA Standards
5136-1074 "Cold Formed Steel Structural tlelrbas".

Fmdations, excavations, soil and rock retaining

structures shall confar to Subsection 4.2.4 of the
National Building Code. h t w i a l s to be used in
fmdatiuns (Subsection 4.2.3)

kildings and their structural d w s .a& of wood

shall m f w a to CSA Standard Can. 3-DEHW 'Code for
Engineering Design in Ycodm.

Standards
Before structural design or detailing conrences m any
sectian of the woject, reference shall be made to
Kisht Enginems Limited desi.gn and d-afting standards
to ensure that a l l item c m l y with these standards.
6.2

Desiqn Loads

( i i i ) hmv Structures
Buildings and their structural u*bers made of plain and
reinfmed masonry shall c m f a r to CSR Standard
~ - 5 3 0 ( - H 7 8 'ksmry Design and Cmskwtim for
Buildingsn.

bcund snar load 2.9 Mlsq U. Snar load coefficients to be

deterained frm coaentary H of the wppleeent to the NBC.

7.0 tEMW SERVICES CRITERIA

7.1

7.3 kterials

k i a Codes and Standards

kterials used in the MHU: pluobing and fire protection s y s t w rill

ccwly with the applicable standards referenced in the National
Building Code of Canada and other avplicable c&.
Haterial not
covered by these standards a materials f w special conditions will
cmply to such other standards as are approved f a the particular
ap~lication.

All desiv shall be in accordance with the following codes and

regulations:

- The Ltional Wlildinq Code of Canada - latest edition

- The Canadian Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
Code

- latest editim

- Cli~ticInformation for Building Design

WCLC E w i p m t will be selected for heavy duty industrial service.

in Canada
latest edit ion
- The Federal Ministry of Energy, nines and Petroleua
Reswces, ninwal Resarrces 8ranchr invirormental
Reulations - latest edition
- Underuritwls Reconmendations
- The lbtional Fire Code of Canada 1977 - latest edition
Ontario Plumbing Code -latest edition
- Pressure Vessels and Piping Regulations as issued by the
Euvanaent of the N.W.T.
- Canadian Standard Association
kplicable local Codes.

Comercia1 duty w u i p m t will be restricted to use in ancillary

bui ldings.
Ventilation d u c t w k will c w l y to the applicable SIYWJA pressure
velocity classification except that in process buildings and
elswhere exposed to possible M e the a i n i m Pressure
classification will be 2' ffi.

7.4 ksiqn Conditims

The heating systeas will be k i g n e d f a an outdoor winter

teweratute of -5 deg C except &en the systems are to be designed
to prevent freezing only, in which case an o u t d m t w w a t u r e of
-20 deq C will be used.

HWlC systens shall be designed and constructed in accordance with

established engineering principles using the publications of the
following associations:

The ventilating and air conditioning systeK will be desiped for

cutdwr s w cmditims of 35 deg C.C.D.B. and 31 deg C.W.B.

- The bride and Data Boaks of the lkrican Society of

Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Enqinews
(W).

Indmr temperature and relative humidity will be as noted f a each

area.

- Sect lletal and Air Conditioning Contractor's

National
Assaiatim Inc. (SMM) Duct Constructim Standards.

7.2

7.5

Desiw and Draf tins Standards

Drafting Ball confwm to Yight Engineers Limited Drafting
Standards and Syabols. Drawings shall be prepared using the

Guide

f m the Canadian Mining and htallur.qica1 Industries, by the nining

Association of Canada. &i@t Engineers Limited's Design Standards
shall be used throughout unless otherwise specifically noted.

Heatinq, Ventilatinq a d Air Conditioning

8.0 AIR POULIIIW (ItNlm DESIGI( CRITERIA

8.1 Codes and Standards

Pollution control shall be provided to k e s the

concentrafian of contaminants belor acceptable
threshold limits nithin occupied work areas.
kight Ensines Liaited's design and draftins
stanbrds +all-be used throughout un!eis
otheruise ~ e c i i i c a l l ynoted.
All vork shall be carried out in accordance with
the Clean Air Actl and all othw acplicable Lmal.
and Natianal Standards and Codes. The systems
shall be designed and constructed in accordance
with stablished enqinewing principles usins the
foilwinq p~ublicationsas an accwtable standard:
industrial Veiitilation by the kerican Conference
of 5overnrental Industrial Svgienistr.
Shest Hetal and Air Ibditioning Cmtractor7s
Ltimal Association Inc. (SMCCW h c t
Construction Standards.
Plant and

P~OCESS
Ventilalion

by Y.C.L.

Heaeon.

Design Guidelines for Oust Ccntrol at Nine Shafts

and Surface Gperatians by the b t i m a l kthority.

Fume ductwak and equipment shall be constructed

of corrosion-resistant material applicable to the
fumes being handled. Oust hmds. enclosures and
Qctmk shall be constructed of galvanized a
black steel to Might Ensinws Linited Qsign
standards.

Equipment shall be selected for heavy Ctv

industrial service. Fans gmwally shall be Class
I1 constructim and dust c o l l ~ t a shall
s
Ce
constructed of relced steel plate.

8.3.1 Fume Crntrol

In working areas threshold liraits for
abmphwic contaminants shall not exceed
the values published in the llp~eitdixto
"Industrial Vmtilatim*.
(111 horizmtal duct runs shall be slaped
fat. proper lfainage and flushing. Drop-out
boxes shall be incaporated at the top of
verticzl risers !rm vessles, hhere
neceswy. Air ba!ancing shall be achieved
bv d w w s and tram air inlet s t ~ h sMere
necessary. Ductmk shall be flanged at
strategic locatims for ease of
installatim rr diwntlins *here
neceswy. Fuoe collectors, Jlere
rquired, shall be selected to maintain
fuw emission at u below levels
established by the Governrent in the Clean
Air Act and kctic Hining Eaissiclns fict.
In genera11 all f w control stacks shall
exhaust wtdwrs above rwf level.

x w s

VI

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DESIGN CRITERIA: FORMAL BASIS O F DESIGN

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92.2.2
92.0 Sulphide Cmditiminq and Flotation
92.1 Cueratins Criteria

9.1.1

Primary Flotation

- Solids F!ow
- %lids S.6.
- h l p Censity
- Tic2
42.1.1

33 mtph
3.4
322 Solids nlw
5 min.

The upgrade circuit has 2 batch flotatiai systems, cne

for ccarse concentrate (4 cells) and one for fine
concentrat= (2 cells). Cells are al! 54 cu. ft. barse
batch flotation i s sized at 4.8 tmn~slbatchfor 50
minutes. Fine batch flotation i s 2.64 tonneslbatch h?
40 rinutes.Throuawav flotatim concentrate will
overflu to a decision tank beiwe being vmed to the
tailings thickener to ensure the sch~elitecmtent is
acceptably lm.

S~ccindarvF!otation (U~qpqradePlant)

- Eolids Flow
tlbatchi

b l i d s nlw

??.:.I

kcid C~ndltionwTanks

Batch !4.3

- Salids S.G.
- F~lpDensitv

5.4
==QL.

- Tine

IS

ninlstase

92.2.1

Upqrack Flotatim

Primarv Flotation

Depmding on the Sulphide content of the ore zone being

mined, rod mill screen underflow will go directlv to
lar intensity net mayetic separatim or be by-passed
ta sulphide flotation. Pulp will be conditioned in
sulphuric acid and flotation reagents to bring the pH
to 4, and floated for 5 minutes in a bank of 8 50 cu.
ft. cells (Denver DR 24 or yuivaleit) to produce a
thrcw away sulphik cmentrate. Cell tailing will be
neutralised with l i w and passed over LIHS befwe
deslimins, hydrosizinq h tabling.

Trc a:.!
.: 2.11 hi?h riid stcei rthber
line2 conditicrlin~tank receivins slirrry
from the rod nil1 scr'ew. t!uhsnical
asitation is prcvided by a sos~.ntkd
i.wellw nounted on an overhead frane.
The agitators are driven by ar. eleitric
aotm thr~uqha V-belt &ive and rilht
an?le seat. box. Flsw thrwsh i s by
gravity..
The tanks contains vertical b a f f l ~to
ninioize urirling and 0.5 in minim
freeboard to prevent splashing over the
sides. The tanks have X I ovwf low pipe
to channel eergmcy overflor product to
the floor drain and suq.

92.3.2

Lime Cmditimer Tanks

consist of
The lire cmdi timing -1s
two 1.5 a did. x 2 a high tanks. The
tanks are cmstructed of rubber lined
mild steel. V-drives and right angles
yearbaxes m t e d an werhead frsmes
power the suspended impellers.
Flow t h r q h each staqe i s by gravity.
The tanks cmtain vertical anti-cwirl
bafiles and have a sininurn of 0.5 e
Ir~ebcard.

Froth collection l a u n k are Prwirkd at

each bank of cells. Construction and
slope of laundrss canforn to WEL Standard
56-540.
92.4 Reaqent Preparatian

Reasent Ccnsuwt im

02.3.3 Flotation Cells

CWPW Sul~hate
Sulphuric k i d
Frothw
Xanthate
Lime

l3e numbers and sizes oi the flotatian

cells are tabulated be1ou:at Ripary circuit
b) Coarse Upgrade
C) Fine lbgrade

8 % 50 cu f t .
4 x 50 cu ft.
2 r 50 cu ft.

The cells are fabricated f r w aild steel

plate and areas subject to abrasion are
covered with rubber. 1111 cells are acid
proof. Cells are single or duuble
overflow froth discharge type, supplied
with feed, junction and discharge bcxes.
Fulp W t h level is adjusted by neir bars
a t junction and discharge boxes.
The spindle bearing housing and drive
notor i s tank minted. Drive i s via, vee
beits and sheaves, and sized with a 1.15
ssr-vice factor.

92.4.2

kqlt
kqlt
&It
kq/t
kglt

Reasent R e ~ a r a t i a iand Eaui~lnentOescri~tion

Nost reagents have a two tank rix/stwe svstm. All

vessels are PVC where practical.
92.4.2.2

bppw Sulphate

This reagent i s received in bags. I t is

dissolved in an agitated nix tank and
stored in an agitated hcldinq tank.
42.4.2.4 Sul~huricAcid
WI1k rulphuric acid frtu a stacaqe tank
is pumped to a dilutionlholdin~tank in
the s i l l .