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NorthParkes: Grinding & Flotation Optimisation
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FAST FACTS
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CUSTOMER
Northparkes |
LOCATION
Parkes, NSW, Australia |
PROJECT
$120k Brownfield Grinding and Flotation Optimisation |
DATE
03-Jan-2005 |
PLANT DETAILS
Commenced opencut mining in 1994, and have undertaken underground block caving mining since 1997. The copper concentrate produced is shipped to smelters in Japan (67%), Australia (14%) and other countries (19%).
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CONTROL SYSTEM
Schneider PLC, Citect HMI
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Project Overview
Improve the stability of the grinding (SAG / Ball Mills) and flotation plant (conventional and Jameson cells), through improved instrumentation and control strategies.
MIPAC Scope
• Design, install and commission control loop in grinding and flotation plants
• Specify novel instrumentation solutions (Flash flotation density control)
• Training site personnel on practical loop-tuning techniques
Technical Highlights
• Design and commissioning of stable SAG mill power / load control
• Averaging-level control on all sumps
• Accurate hydrocyclone pressure control
• Flotation level control (including feedforward control)
• Successful transfer of process control skills to site personnel
Results
Improved plant performance through:
o Increased plant throughput
o Improved circuit stability
o Increased SAG Mill liner life
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