An increasing gold mining operation within the Caribbean not too long ago confronted a major problem at certainly one of its switch factors, the place sticky ore – particularly problematic throughout the sizzling summer season months – was inflicting blockages and extreme upkeep.
To resolve the difficulty, the mine turned to South Africa-based Weba Chute Methods, famend for its custom-engineered switch level options. In accordance with Technical Supervisor Dewald Tintinger, the problematic chute was a big 10 metre or three-storey-high switch level that acquired run-of-mine ore from a conveyor. Nevertheless, the unique placement of the top pulley was not conducive to clean materials movement.
“One of many core advantages of Weba Chute Methods is our lifeless field design, which permits materials to type a protecting layer on the chute’s inner surfaces,” says Tintinger. “This not solely considerably reduces put on but additionally extends the chute’s service life and lowers whole value of possession.”
He provides that the lifeless field design additionally minimises upkeep, avoiding the frequent liner replacements required with typical steel-lined chutes, saving time, value and enhancing security.
To successfully channel the sticky ore, Weba Chute Methods engineered a big bifurcated chute. The primary chute was designed at a exact angle to permit the majority of the ore to movement freely via the lifeless field part, whereas a smaller chute with liners accommodated a minor portion of the fabric.
Crucially, implementing this design required relocating the top pulley. “We carried out intensive investigations together with sampling and testing the ore to know its movement traits,” Tintinger explains. “By calibrating our discrete ingredient modelling (DEM) software program with actual check information – together with static and dynamic angle of repose – we had been in a position to outline the precise positioning of the top pulley for optimum movement.”
Given the peak of the switch level, one other key consideration was managing materials velocity. “To manage the velocity and affect of the ore, we included reverse-flow sections throughout the chute,” he notes. “These strategically interrupt the trajectory, decreasing put on and the necessity for ongoing upkeep.”
Tintinger concludes that the mission highlights Weba Chute Methods’ capacity to unravel even probably the most demanding supplies dealing with points via customised engineering. “This set up is one other instance of how our options ship lasting worth, even in complicated and distant mining environments.”
