Vast improvements can be achieved on large mills with the addition of customised pulp lifters which facilitate better movement of milled materials towards the discharge end.
Specialist mine processing component manufacturer, Tega Industries, has invested heavily in discrete element modelling (DEM) and computation fluid dynamics (CFD) systems that enable it to assist mines to introduce customised components that dramatically improve performance and durability of their processing equipment.
Pulp lifters fulfil an important role on large mills where the veins are used to direct and transport processed slurries to the discharge end in a fast and efficient manner. However, not all pulp lifters are created equal and Tega Industries SA have introduced new technologies that makes it possible to conduct accurate studies and gather data on the movement of materials inside the mills. Pulp lifter can then be custom designed to address carryover and flow back of materials that traditionally reduces the efficiency of mills.
According to Tega Industries’ Vishal Gautam, the pump lifter sits at the discharge end of the mill after the grate that is used to separate classified (fine milled) materials from the larger particles. These classified materials are prone to compaction or blocking and pulp lifter are traditionally used to separate and funnel materials to the discharge.
“However, the pulp lifters themselves may not work as efficiently as they should and carry over materials into the next cycle. This has the effect of reducing throughput and limiting production. Likewise flow back of materials over the veins of an inefficient pulp lifter equally robs a good mill of a considerable amount of its potential output.
“Through our careful modelling processes and high tech manufacturing facilities in Vulcania in Gauteng, we are able to manufacture lifters that address any of these limiting factors and in addition will take into account wear factors and other issues that may improve the performance and overall lifespan of a mill,” says Vishal.
He adds that a number of factors are used to determine the type of lifter required such as grate designs, particle size distribution, mill diameters and RPM etc which ultimately defines the required geometry, height and number of veins on a lifter. Material, viscosity and other technical factors will also determine the shape of the lifter and materials that will be used to manufacture it.Once that has been determined the pulp lifter will ensure the mill operates at ultimate efficiency over the required lifespan of the mill.
“A mine’s output is directly determined by the throughput of its mills. By optimising and increasing the reliability of mills with the aid of specially designed pulp lifters, mines can make quick and easy improvements to their processes that will have a direct positive impact on earning and profitability.
“We have been working with mines throughout the continent for several decades and designed products such as speciality mill liners, pulp lifters and other customised products with affordable price tags that are designed and developed for local conditions and to enhance their operations,” concludes Vishal.