No Maintenance Program – Major Omission Attention Mine Managers – If maintenance does not have a program parallel to the one described in this article, don’t expect them to be able to deliver consistently reliable production equipment. Here is how to correct that situation. See an important notice at the end of the article.

See how the PHOENIX Belt Filter Press dewaters slurry of pre-thickened solids from a pumpable, liquid state to a solid, belt conveyable and stackable dry cake.

See how the PHOENIX Belt Filter Press dewaters slurry of pre-thickened solids from a pumpable, liquid state to a solid, belt conveyable and stackable dry cake.

This video by PHOENIX Process Equipment shows the steps in dewatering slurry into a dry cake discharge with a Recessed Chamber and Membrane Filter Press.

PHOENIX provides process solutions to reduce slurry pond area with a rake-less Ultra High-Rate Thickener that provides mixing, flocculation and internal dilution followed by clarification and positive sludge collection and removal in a single tank. Complete elimination of slurry ponds can be obtained by adding a Belt Filter Press or Recessed Chamber Filter Press to dewater the thickened slurry.

Need a solution to reduce your slurry pond area? Clarifies the water while thickening the slurry from a wash plant to 40-45% solids to reduce the volume going to the slurry pond. For complete elimination of the slurry pond, a PHOENIX Belt Filter Press or Recessed Chamber Filter Press may be added to dewater the thickened slurry either initially or at a later date.

The cut size can be varied over a broad size range, while density sorting of light weight contaminants from sand or silica sand from heavy minerals is feasible. The HYDROSORT™ consistently produces high quality, spec sand from variable quality raw material.

Capture, de-slime and dewater granular solids including construction aggregate, specialty sands, mine tailings, dredger slurry and more.

Numerous problems can develop when there are no criteria for determining which new maintenance work should be planned. Typical: confusion, wasted time, equipment problems get worse while supervisor and planner haggle, planners and supervisors at cross purposes, arguments. Sending all work to the planner only delays reaction while planner arranges a work order for simple jobs that do not require planning. Supervisors knows actual equipment condition - - planner often does not. Planner wastes time acting as a work order clerk. Valuable planning time wasted while planner prepares simple WO document handled better by supervisor. Supervisor waits for work order from planner while watching equipment problem turn into a potential emergency. Problem often made worse because work order system has no simple format to handle simple jobs. Supervisor may feel work order system too complex to use and resorts to simple (yellow pad) procedure that fails to record what happened or collect work related information.

Dewatering equipment and processing solutions for Aggregate Processing from PHOENIX Process Equipment.

The Aerodyne Vacu-Valve is an economical alternative to rotary valves. Its unique design allows it to provide an airlock with no moving parts on dust collectors that are operating with a slight vacuum. Material that is fine, free flowing and will not bridge drains from the Vacu-Valve sleeve, while maintaining an airlock.

Excellence in Mining, Process Plant, Maintenance, and Safety Training  Performance Associates International, Inc. (PAI) is the world leader in online and on-site training for the mining industry. We provide organizations with a single source for assessments, skills training, continuing education, safety training and compliance mandates, and more. Our first-class content guides your staff to gain the critical knowledge they need to work safely and efficiently today.  Our proven, leading-edge industrial training programs improve performance in existing operations and ensure success during the start-up of new operations. Our training programs have saved companies millions in personnel accident prevention, production loss, and equipment damage. We partner with our customers and consult collaboratively to provide the analysis and content development to meet your needs.  Services PAI Offers  Plant Operator Training Our three-tier concept for effective plant operator training starts with fundamental knowledge and progresses to plant-specific concepts that are reinforced through detailed animations and interactive simulations.  Maintenance Training We custom build state-of-the-art maintenance training programs using exploded graphics, explanatory text, detailed procedures, and management systems.  Mobile Equipment Operator Training Our first-class training program focuses on operator controls and indicators, safety, and performance optimization. It also includes operating, emergency, and troubleshooting procedures. Commissioning and Start-Up We can identify, track, and control the thousands of activities that must occur for the successful commissioning and start-up of a process plant. There is no shortcut to a successful start-up. Testing and Tracking Systems We can help manage and track the performance of employees to improve the overall performance of the mine and plant industrial training programs. Our testing and tracking systems provide invaluable assistance in safety and operational compliance.  Introductory and Safety Training Off-the-shelf introductory and safety training packages are an excellent source for mine and plant industrial training courses. They provide fundamental knowledge and basic training concepts. Now offering online courses! E-Learning, Animations, and Simulations Our interactive e-learning keeps trainees focused and engaged. Our experienced in-house multimedia team develops state-of-the-art graphics, virtual and mixed reality training, stunning 3D animations, and technically engineered simulations of real-world scenarios. Other Services We also provide many services relevant to planning, analyzing, and evaluating process plants, including: ·         Operations readiness plan. ·         Planning studies. ·         Quality management. ·         Systems implementation. ·         Statistical process control. ·         Reliability-based asset management. ·         Productive capacity studies. ·         Surveys and needs analyses. ·         Economic life analysis. ·         Process control strategies and methods. ·         Debottlenecking and process optimization. ·         Spare parts inventory and analysis. ·         Feasibility studies. ·         Consulting assistance. Consulting * Gap Analysis * Content Development * LMS * On-Site * Train-the-Trainer * E-Learning * Process Plant Optimization * Training * Safety * Mine Training * Plant Operator Training * Maintenance * Mobile Equipment * Competencies * Commissioning  

Three dimensional animations integrated into a process plant computer-based training (CBT) program can greatly enhance trainee understanding of process equipment. This introductory maintenance manual and animation provides a narrative description of a jaw crusher’s location in the process, its function, components, and maintenance requirements. The animation introduces maintenance personnel to the jaw crusher in a dynamic visual context. The narrated animation replaced the standard text and graphics in the description section of the equipment maintenance (CBT) module. The descriptive text was adapted to a narrative form. Multimedia specialists used engineering drawings and photographs to create models of the equipment and animate the modeled images to illustrate the key concepts and components in concert with the narration.

During the final stages of metallurgical plant construction there is tremendous pressure to commence production. More often than not, there will have been budget overruns and schedule delays. Corporate management and investors are naturally anxious to generate cash flow. This pressure may evolve into a fast-track culture regarding the commissioning and start-up.  www.perfnet.com 

During the final stages of metallurgical plant construction there is tremendous pressure to commence production. More often than not, there will have been budget overruns and schedule delays. Corporate management and investors are naturally anxious to generate cash flow. This pressure may evolve into a fast-track culture regarding the commissioning and start-up. www.perfnet.com 

Developing a profitable mining venture is no small matter. It requires enormous initial investments in research, construction, and equipment. But a mineral processing plant does not run itself. Even with the best equipment and good ore quality, optimal results are dependent upon keeping the process running smoothly, avoiding process upsets, maintaining process variables in the desired range, and minimizing breakdowns and downtime. A highly trained workforce is an essential element in a successful, and profitable, start-up. The knowledge and abilities of plant operators and maintenance personnel can make or break an operation. Trained operators know what to look for during preoperational and routine inspections, allowing maintenance tasks to be planned and unexpected costly breakdowns avoided. Trained operators know what variables exist at different stages in the process and how to make appropriate adjustments in real time. Trained maintenance personnel are well acquainted with the plant equipment, and maintenance planners can schedule work and maintain a spare parts inventory to minimize downtime. Additionally, new operations that train their workforce just prior to plant commissioning can utilize their operators in the commissioning process. Having been trained and gained field experience through plant commissioning, operators are ready to hit the ground running once feed is introduced. A faster ramp-up means more earnings, more quickly. The cost of developing a proper training program is a small percentage of the overall engineering, procurement, and construction budget but it constitutes a large percentage of the gains realized from a successful start-up and ramp-up to full production. Performance Associates International (PAI) has designed and presented custom training programs for operators and maintenance personnel in metallurgical plants around the world for over 35 years. We are proud to have been part of the successful start-ups at Lundin Mining’s Eagle Mine, Vale’s Voisey’s Bay project, and Torex Gold’s El Limon-Guajes project. Click Download to view the actual vs. projected start-up results from these three metallurgical plants that made use of PAI’s custom-built training programs and on-site training.

With reference to greenfield plant projects, using process simulators similar to the designed plant Human-Machine Interface (HMI) or Distributed Control System (DCS) has become common practice. These simulators represent a “virtual plant” based on process modeling of the circuit chemistry and thermodynamics, and on the physical nature of the plant, including equipment, valves, piping, etc. The virtual plant allows trainees to troubleshoot problems, optimize process variables, react to alarms, etc., all based on the process simulation model. Performance Associates’ experience is that this complex simulator training is valuable, but only after more in-depth training on the process and control logic. To truly optimize a process plant, prior to simulator training, the control room operators must have detailed knowledge of the following:  Process objective of each process system, comprising a group of unit operations.  Process objective of each unit operation.  Process chemistry and the variables affecting it.  Important characteristics of each unit operation, the variables affecting it, and the impact on downstream unit operations.  Plant control loops, interlocks, and alarms.  Safety issues related to the process and control schemes.  Operating procedures for start-up and shutdown under various scenarios, as well as important operator tasks. Additionally, trainees must be intimately familiar with the applicable fundamental scientific concepts, such as pressure, temperature, heat exchangers, electricity, PID control logic, combustion, etc. With this fundamental and plant-specific foundation, the process simulator can be fully exploited for training.

With reference to greenfield plant projects, using process simulators similar to the designed plant Human-Machine Interface (HMI) or Distributed Control System (DCS) has become common practice. These simulators represent a “virtual plant” based on process modeling of the circuit chemistry and thermodynamics, and on the physical nature of the plant, including equipment, valves, piping, etc. The virtual plant allows trainees to troubleshoot problems, optimize process variables, react to alarms, etc., all based on the process simulation model.  Performance Associates’ experience is that this complex simulator training is valuable, but only after more in-depth training on the process and control logic. To truly optimize a process plant, prior to simulator training, the control room operators must have detailed knowledge of the following:Process objective of each process system, comprising a group of unit operations.Process objective of each unit operation.Process chemistry and the variables affecting it.Important characteristics of each unit operation, the variables affecting it, and the impact on downstream unit operations.Plant control loops, interlocks, and alarms.Safety issues related to the process and control schemes.Operating procedures for start-up and shutdown under various scenarios, as well as important operator tasks.Additionally, trainees must be intimately familiar with the applicable fundamental scientific concepts, such as pressure, temperature, heat exchangers, electricity, PID control logic, combustion, etc. With this fundamental and plant-specific foundation, the process simulator can be fully exploited for training. 

Because water plays a critical role in both open pit and underground mining, Xylem Rental Solutions can help you solve even the most complex water challenges. Whether you require fast-track temporary emergency response or reliable long-term operation, we design, build and manage rugged, scalable turnkey systems that provide greater efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind. With our advanced treatment equipment, precision analytics, and wide range of durable pumps – including Godwin, Goulds and Flygt – you can rent everything you need from one trusted partner. And with our deep expertise in mining exploration, development and long-term operation, we also provide the brainpower you need for smarter, more environmentally responsible water management.

The geology report, feasibility study, and mine plan look great. Why do so many mining project start-ups fail to perform? Most mining companies put a great deal of emphasis on the nature of the reserve, the mine plan, the extraction process to be used, and the process plant design—obviously all very important. Even when large, highly regarded engineering, procurement, and construction firms develop the project, operating results are very often disappointing. In this paper, we explore the role of Operations Readiness on the financial impact of mining project start-ups. A relatively small investment in operations readiness produces a huge financial return. Many investment firms, as well as mining company senior executives, fail to consider this important factor in operating success.

Thanks to recently advanced sensor technology and pump automation, you now have the ability to accurately ensure that discharge water is in compliance – which lets you reduce manpower costs while ensuring all discharge guidelines are being met.

Founded in 1983, Performance Associates International (PAI) is the worldwide leader in mine and plant industrial training. Our custom training modules and on-site training have improved start-up success and operations for clients on nearly every continent. We invite you to experience one of our e-learning training modules. Here you will see a video demonstration of a sample principle of operation from an e-learning module. A principle of operation describes in detail how a piece of equipment or a process works. In this sample, you will learn about Jameson Cell flotation technology and how its design allows for more efficient mineral separation in a much smaller tank than traditional column and mechanical flotation cells. We describe in detail the key components of the Jameson Cell and the operating principles. At the end of the module, a test will help assess what you learned. In a full training program, test results can be recorded and tracked in an LMS. A principle of operation like this would be only one of many included with a full plant operations training program. Note: This is a sample and does not contain the Jameson Cell training module in its entirety. If you would like to try out this e-learning module, please contact Kenneth Slack at [email protected] or +1-520-544-2220.

Failure of permanently installed mine dewatering pumps can wreak havoc with production schedules and budgets. Fortunately,  for practically every permanent pumping system there’s a temporary rental alternative that prevents costly downtime while the root cause of the failure can be found and fixed.  

How can the overall performance of your plant be determined? Most plants calculate availability, or the percent of the time the plant or a particular circuit is operating, as well as overall production and recovery. But, is this information enough? Does it provide sufficient fine-grained information on where improvements can be made? This paper suggests five quantitative factors applied to a plant or to individual parts of a plant that identify the productivity of the plant—in other words, its productivity profile.

In this interactive PDF, we talk about common training myths and our responses.

How can the overall performance of your plant be determined? Most plants calculate availability, or the percent of the time the plant or a particular circuit is operating, as well as overall production and recovery. But, is this information enough? Does it provide sufficient fine-grained information on where improvements can be made? This paper suggests five quantitative factors applied to a plant or to individual parts of a plant that identify the productivity of the plant—in other words, its productivity profile.

NPSH is the abbreviation for Net Positive Suction Head, the condition most often associated with suction cavitation. This can be a confusing concept for people who use pumps so the following is an explanation in plain English.

See how secondary check valves in discharge piping up a highwall work to prevent water hammer and alleviate stress on the pump to help you avoid ugly repair bills and downtime. For more information on secondary check valves or any of your pump rental needs, contact Xylem Rental Solutions.

Ensure that your plant has a good inventory of spare parts on hand by learning how to collect the data necessary to build your own spare parts inventory model.

Leading-edge hydraulic engineering makes Pioneer Pump centrifugal pumps the highest performing pumps on the market. Available in pump sizes from 3" (80 mm) to 30" (760 mm) with flows up to 44,000 gallons per minute (10,000 m3/h) and heads to 850 feet (260m), our pumps are designed to provide better flow, higher head and greater efficiency to meet your unique challenges.

Pump curves have been around for decades and were created as a tool to communicate pump performance. Package Curves take this a step further—adding another dimension to the curves by specifically showing what size engine will run most efficiently with a pump, while still delivering optimum performance.

Re-visit the AggMan of Year for 2017! This issue also features the top 25 new equipment introductions, best practices in screening, and much more. 

The webinar, moderated by North American Mining magazine editor Donna Schmidt, will feature Weir Minerals Australia applications engineering business manager AARON SCHOT, who will discuss diverse problems dealing with mud, sludge and spoils in mining and how they can be transported safely and efficiently across sites continuously without impacting machinery – and while minimizing personnel involvement in that process for greater miner safety. Hear more about the Multiflo Mudflo solution, its history, and how the pump can be integral to an advanced sites’ dredging plans. About Aaron Schot:Aaron, business manager for Applications Engineering at Weir Minerals Australia, joined the company as a graduate engineer after completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) in 2014 at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Since then, Aaron has held multiple roles within Weir Minerals working primarily with the Multiflo product, specializing in formulating the engineering design of electric and diesel dewatering pumping solutions for both domestic (Australia) and international customers across the mining, municipal and agriculture industries. During his tenure with Weir Minerals, Aaron has also completed a significant amount of work developing and designing new fuel management systems within the Hydrau-Flo™ brand. About the moderator:Donna Schmidt, editor of North American Miningmagazine and the globally focused Miners News weekly e-newsletter and news editor for The ASIA Miner, has been a part of the trade press community for nearly 18 years and has hosted a number of webinars for mining suppliers and partners on a various topics including digitalization, automation and site efficiency, among others. Part of the editorial staff of SEMCO Publishing, which is also home to titles such as Rock Products, Concrete Products and Cement Products magazines, has directed editorial at both NAM and MinersNews.net since their respective inceptions in 2021.

In advance of MINExpo 2021, Xylem Business Development Manager Jessy Parmar talks all things mining operations, including an overview of the industry, typical challenges facing today’s mine operators and Xylem’s holistic approach to smart water management. Check out the second half of this two-part series, which focuses on the various nuances of mine operations and how those differences can become critical strengths in successful water management strategy: https://apple.co/3iIP5tY For everything you need to know on Xylem's presence at MINExpo 2021, visit our landing page: www.xylem.com/minexpo2021

Xylem does more than sell pumps — we walk with customers through every step of the mine water management process, from design to post-installation needs. Bill Beasley, Dewatering Mining Specialist, joins the show to discuss the critical nature of service capabilities in the mining industry, as well as his mindset to approaching customer mine water challenges with some behind-the-scenes stories from the field. Discover Xylem’s extensive portfolio of customizable mine water management solutions: https://bit.ly/3m3k5XH

Discover Xylem's extensive portfolio of customizable solutions. Each application and product solution is designed to ensure your mine is operating at its optimal performance.

Mike Ivory, @XylemIncorporated Director of Service Solutions and Business Development, joins host Amanda Holloway from CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas to talk about the aggregate and mining industry and the role of water, from nuisance water and process water to dust suppression and more. Ivory shares his take on the state of the aggregate industry, notably the focus on efficiency in mine water management, electric pumps and their environmental and bottom-line benefits, and ongoing adoption of digital technologies, such as remote monitoring, that offer peace of mind and data accessibility. Holloway and Ivory also discuss the difference between transactional customer relationships and Xylem's approach to service solutions, working hand-in-hand with customers with boots-on-the-ground support. Learn more at: https://xylem.com/mining @conexpoconagg

Xylem’s Godwin Rig Pump solves some of the toughest dewatering challenges in mining by seamlessly integrating with drilling rigs and using state-of-the art technology. The rig pump lasts up to five times longer than traditional submersible dewatering pumps.