Dense Media Separation
Dense Media Separation (DMS) is a process where a suspension of dense powder in water is used to form a type of heavier liquid to separate mineral particles in a sink-float process. DMS of course takes place on a DMS plant. Enhancing its capacity is extremely important to every DMS plant. However, it is unfortunately easier said than done to achieve this. Below are some methods to be used when a DMS plant reaches the moment when capacity enhancement is crucial.
- Replacing the total plant.
- Adding a whole new module.
- Increasing the utilization and availability.
- Replacing it with bigger equipment.
- Increasing the feed rate in spite of efficiency.
- Replacing it with an alternative process.
- Changing over to a four shift/seven days per week roster.
As could be expected, cost implications seem to vary around each of these. It is the function of the maintenance team and the plant operating team to always try and maximize the increase in utilization and availability. The following is applicable to a Dense Media Separation plant: in order for complexity to increase, total availability must decrease. Through the simplification of the flow line, it will be possible to increase utilization and availability. It will also bring forth a reduction in cost.
Last modified October 6, 2008
Author 2402 > has blogged 5 times
