2019 COM • Real-Time, On-Line Direct Measurement of Particle Size in Individual Cyclones

2019 COM • Innovative Technology Provides for Real-Time, On-Line Direct Measurement of Particle Size in Individual Cyclones

Author(s): 
D. Cirulis and J. Poplawski, CiDRA Minerals Processing Inc.
Abstract / Introduction: 

In mineral processing plants, cyclones typically perform the classification duty prior to the downstream recovery process. Particle size distribution of the cyclone overflow is an important parameter and can be viewed as the product of the comminution process. Too coarse of a product will likely have poorly liberated valuable minerals and make recovery difficult. Too fine of a product may represent a missed opportunity to increase plant throughput and/or also result in low recovery due to poor kinetics. “Near-line” particle size measurement instrumentation has been in place for several decades, its availability and low measurement frequency have typically been inadequate for reliable use in automatic control. CiDRA Minerals Processing has developed a novel and robust technology that provides a highly reliable and low maintenance system for “on-line” measurement of the particle size in the overflow of individual cyclones. The system is based around a wetted sensor design with no moving parts and provides a realtime trend of the desired target grind size parameter. The system does not require sampling and associated sample transfer piping that is prone to plugging, thus avoiding high maintenance requirements. Plant data and benefits realized from the latest installations of the CYCLONEtrac PST will be presented.

Reference number: 
BI0688
Asset type: 
Technical Paper