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2 - Equipment P2383-T30-C004-B
2 - Equipment P2383-T30-C004-B
Thickener
Description of Equipment
Doc. No. P2383-T30-C004, English 2017
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Outotec Oyj
Internet: www.outotec.com
B J Long 04/07/2017 S Gillam 04/07/2017 S Gillam 04/07/2017 Update of front cover to include Equipment Name, Equipment Number, Purchase
Order Number, Date of Order, Vendor Reference Number & Vendor Contact details.
A J Long 07/03/2017 S Gillam 07/03/2017 S Gillam 07/03/2017 Client Review
Rev Name Date Name Date Name Date Revision Text
Prepared Checked Released
Status: Original Size:
Document Title:
IOMS MANUAL
Language: EN
Contents
Contents ............................................................................................................................. 3
1 Product identification
This manual refers to the Ø16m high rate thickener equipment number 712-TH-9001.
2 Process Description
In minerals processing, the mineral ores are ground to liberate the valuable minerals.
Separation processes are used to produce a high grade mineral concentrate. After the
separation process, the thickener is used to remove as much water as possible from the
concentrate or the tailings. The water can then be re-used.
1. Feed 6. Overflow
2. Feedpipe 7. Underflow
3. Flocculant 8. Deflection plate
4. Driveshaft 9. Rake arms
5. Feedwell
Concentrate thickeners are often prone to froth problems due to the solids loading,
presence of reagents and air from the flotation circuit and the hydrophobic nature of the
concentrate minerals.
2.5 Flocculants
The most critical part of a thickener operation is flocculation. Flocculants are added to
the slurry to increase the rate of sedimentation. Flocculants provide faster settling rates,
better clarity and homogeneous solids collection.
Flocculants are long chain polymers (hydrocarbons) with charged groups attached -
very large molecules with molecular weights in the millions.
The chains uncoil due to charged site repulsion and hydration effects around the charge
sites. The charge groups on the flocculant polymer chain interact with the surface
charge on the solids particles.
The large molecules can reach out a long way and can interact with multiple particles
simultaneously holding them, drawing them together.
+ + + +
+ + + +
Polymeric
Flocculant
Molecule C. Flocculant D. Particles
bridging flocculated
With no flocculant, the solids settle slowly. Adding, for example, 10 g/t flocculant
increases the settling rate and increases the settled bed density. A 20 g/t flocculant
settles faster and gives a higher settled density. More flocculant generally increases the
underflow density and improves the clarity of the overflow. Too much flocculant,
however, can lead to overflocculation and inclusion of excess water within the floccs,
reducing the underflow density.
2.5.1 Coagulants
Coagulants are used when the majority of solids flocculate and settle well but the
background liquor is murky due to the presence of colloidal particles - very fine and well
dispersed.
Coagulants that are used vary among applications. One low cost option is to use
inorganic salts, the most common being Fe3+, Al3+ and Ca2+.
3 Main components
3.1.2 Tank
The tank is constructed from Carbon Steel. The conical tank floor and walls are
delivered in sections of plate and are welded together on site.
3.1.3 Bridge
Spanning the tank is a bridge. The bridge is supported by a beam construction and
allows access to the equipment and instruments over the thickener. The bridge also
supports the weight of the rake mechanism and other equipment.
The feedwell is sized to allow for de-aeration of the incoming feed pulp. Feed is injected
into the pulp bed at an angle controlled by the deflector cone. The design allows for
even distribution of feed across entire floor.
The box is placed so the thickener operator can easily see into the box and adjust the
flow split. Concentrated flocculant solution and dilution water are injected together from
spray bars giving the initial dispersion. A series of baffles then mix the solution down to
the required level of dilution.
The variable speed drive has an electric motor directly coupled via bellhousing and
flexible drive coupling to a variable displacement axial piston pump. The final rake
output speed or tip speed is fully adjustable from zero up to the maximum pump output
flow, via the onboard pump flow control screw.
A fixed volume gear pump for the rake lift is through driven from the rake drive piston
pump.
The reservoir is mounted to the base frame with integral drip tray and sun shade cover.
System filtration is via a 10 micron return filter, the reservoir has a 3 micron air breather.
An air blast cooler cools the return oil from the circuit.
Solenoid control valves are mounted on a manifold. The manifold also incorporates the
system pressure relief valves, flow and check valves.
Thickener gearboxes take a low torque or high rpm input and convert it to a high torque
or low rpm output.
The rakes can be manually raised and lowered using buttons. The lifting action occurs
through the use of hydraulic rams powered by a pump on the powerpack. Raising speed
is fixed based on the setting of the flow control valve in the rakelift hydraulic circuit. The
lowering speed, whilst fixed at the same speed as the raise rate, is interrupted with
adjustable pauses to control the rate of lowering.
When torque increases to 50% of maximum, the rake lift is activated. The lift continues
to raise the drive head until either:
When torque decreases below 40%, the rake lift is lowered. This operates for two
seconds every two minutes, so gradual lowering occurs, and cycling is prevented.
The set points and deadbands associated with high torque alarm, high torque trip and
100% drive capacity are set at the factory and should only be adjusted by an Outotec
representative, or after consulting the Outotec Service and After Sales Division.
The relay panel for the Thickener includes the following items:
Power isolator
Emergency stop button
Rake torque display 0-100% (digital)
Lamp test push button
General power outlet
Rake drive controls
Rake lift controls
Hydraulic powerpack controls
Bed mass display 0-100% (digital)
Rake height display 0-100% (digital)
Bed level display 0-100% (digital)
3.5 Instruments
This alarm does not stop the rake drive in instances of low oil level, it is an alarm only.
The bed level sensor generates a 4-20 mA signal, which represents 0 to 100% bed
level. This signal can be used for flocculant dosing control.
This instrument generates a 4-20 mA signal, which represents 0 to 100% rake height.
4 Technical data
Process Description
Liquor SG 1.000
Underflow SG 1.931
4.3 Tank
Tank Description
Lining Paint
Tank Diameter 16 m
4.4 Mechanism
Mechanism Description
5 Product modifications
Modifications, repairs, and/or changes to the equipment are not allowed without
Outotec’s prior written permission and may only be carried out by appropriately qualified
personnel subject to prior authorization by Outotec.
In case of any modifications, repairs or changes made to the equipment without the
prior written authorization by Outotec, Outotec shall not be liable under any theory of
law for any direct or indirect cost, loss, or damage, including but not limited to damage
to any property or person, loss of use, loss of production, or loss of profits or anticipated
profits, loss by reason of shut-down or non-operation, increased expenses of operation,
increased use of raw materials, energy or labor, liability arising out of or in connection
with pollution or contamination, or the cost of repair to or replacement of any equipment,
facilities or goods and/or third party services related thereto. Any warranty, guarantee or
indemnity provided to or in relation to the equipment by Outotec shall no longer apply to
the equipment in the event of such unauthorized modification, repair or change.