Case Study

Concentrate Dryer Paddle Mixer Tub

Industry
Nickel Processing Plant

Site
Leinster, WA

Application
Concentrate Dryer Paddle Mixer Tub

Problem Description
Hard faced feeder paddles tips replaced every four (4) weeks due to wear. Concentrator shutdown required to replace paddle tips.
12mm Stainless Steel tub liner replaced every twelve (12) months due to wear at a cost of $ 100 K. Replacement of tub liner very time consuming and difficult.

Imatech Solution
New paddle tips molded with ARC MX1.
Tub liner repaired and upgraded with ARC 897.

The Results
The Paddle Mixer operates 24/7/365 with the exception of approximately 20 hours downtime per week. The Tub was realigned by Imatech on the 20th August 2007 during the LNO Metallurgy shutdown.
The process feeds the tub 90 TPH of 90% solids – Nickel Concentrate. The tub replacement was carried out annually at a cost of $ 100,000 – now relined every 3 years for $ 25,000

The paddle tips have a change out life of between 32 and 52 weeks (previously 4 weeks)