Optimization by computer - Optimization of Mineral Processing Plants
with Simulation Software “NIAflow”

Summary: Years can pass from the first feasibility study through the project phase to the start-up of a mineral processing plant. During this time the originally defined technical and commercial framework could have changed significantly. It can be difficult to meet all defined parameters when putting a plant into operation. But even in the case of a successful startup the market can have changed. For the optimization of entire processing plants a simulation of the plant using software products like NIAflow® is advisable. During this simulation the process of the plant is modelled and evaluated in the software. Every piece of equipment is represented by an object in NIAflow®, the material flow through these objects is visualized and calculated.

1 Introduction

Years can pass from the first feasibility study through the project phase to the start-up of a mineral processing plant. During this time the originally defined technical and commercial framework could have changed significantly. It can be difficult to meet all defined parameters when putting a plant into operation. But even in the case of a successful startup the market can have changed. The defined products may not be in demand as before and the return of investment may be in danger. In general, any processing plant needs to be adjusted or optimized to varying situations.

Typic...

Related articles:

Issue 07-08/2010

New model

Analysis and simulation of hydrocyclone performance with an advanced model of the Tromp curve

1 Introduction Growing demands for product quality in the minerals industry are of greater importance than ever and a growing challenge for all producers. The first step in mineral processing is...

more
Issue 07-08/2009 Technical solutions

Dynamic overview

Use of the SolidSim flowsheet simulation system for holistic modeling of lignite beneficiation

1 Introduction Rhineland lignite is mined by means of open-cast operations in the region approximately bounded by the cities of Aachen, Cologne and Mönchengladbach. The ROM lignite produced from...

more
Issue 03/2011

Optimized separation

Modelling and application to emission control and value-added product recovery

1 Introduction Cyclones are gas-solid separation devices used in a wide variety of industries, mainly for the recovery of raw or pro­cess materials, as collectors for compliance with particulate...

more
Issue 07-08/2010

On trial

Systematic study of hydro vacuum cyclones

1 Starting Situation In tunnelling, the geology, advance rate and diameter of the boring machine dictate the requirements for the downstream separation plant. This is based on a modular design and...

more
Issue 07-08/2019 Selective

Advances in screening technology in the mining sector

1? Introduction In the mining sector various classification methods are in use. The two most important processes for the separation of specific particle sizes are the hydrocyclone and screen...

more