Highlights

The custom fabrication of a 1m2 pilot-scale filter plant inclusive of instrumentation and controls to track key process data via on-board PLC-HMI.
Data logging was implemented to automate the process and to generate trend analysis over time.
Data logging was implemented to automate the process and to generate trend analysis over time.

Challenge

The nature of this industrial process limited the inclusion of typical reagents utilized to manage precipitate generation in the ceramic membranes. We developed an alternative cleaning methodology that utilized citric acid, which could be utilized with no issues of final product cross-contamination.

Solution

Upon collecting a wide variety of process data and filtration results, we developed a well-curated understanding of how typical mill and ore-type variability impacted the process. By collating these trends across duration of time, we were able to develop an envelope for operating costs that could accurately predict NPC/NPV and IRR of the capital investment.

Benefit

By understanding longer term variability to performance, we were able to refine detailed engineering decisions regarding mechanical and instrumentation equipment selection. A significant outcome of this project was to develop consistent measuring techniques of cake thickness via laser, as well as interlocking of concentrate moisture assay results (optical microwave) to mass balances developed from flow meters.