Pilot Plants
Many metallurgical processes do not scale linearly, therefore, deriving full scale process plant design criteria from lab scale batch testwork can be largely inaccurate.
Pilot plants can be used to process larger sample masses compared to batch tests (typically 100’s of kg up to several tonnes compared to typically several kg’s in batch tests), operate on a continuous basis and utilise recycle streams which better reflects how a continuous plant might operate.
Advantages of a pilot plant:
1.) Testing of bulk samples
Testing of larger feed lots means that the pilot plant is more likely to see greater ore variability than lower volume batch tests. This is likely to be more representative of the feed variation that the full-scale plant will experience relative to small feed lot batch tests.
2.) Collection of accurate process data
A continuous pilot plant offers the possibility to take samples at various points in the process including recycle streams. This real data helps increase confidence in scaling up the process design criteria.
3.) Materials of construction, equipment and reagents
Materials of construction, various equipment and reagents may be trialed in the pilot plant, again to increase confidence in the process design.
4.) Production of bulk product
Pilot plant product is generally accepted as marketing product for potential off takers to assess product quality and also to determine transportation characteristics.
5.) Testing formula changes and new products
After the successful completion of the pilot plant run, the pilot plant parameters may be modified to produce specialty formulations, test formula changes or further optimise the process flowsheet.
Metallurgy Pty Ltd has assisted various mining and exploration companies with continuous pilot plants, including graphite, lithium, base metals and gold in sulphides.
If you are thinking about testing your ore on a larger scale, get in contact with us today at enquiry@metlab.com.au or +61 (0)8 9458 3286.
www.metlab.com.au
Негізгі бет Ғылым және технология Pilot plants for graphite, lithium, base metals or gold in sulphides at the laboratory "Metallurgy"
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