Mechanical Technology February 2015

⎪ Materials handling and minerals processing ⎪

Screens for ArcelorMittal project in Liberia

Weir Minerals Africa has designed and manufactured nine 3.0 m by 6.7 m double-deck vibrating Enduron screens for ArcelorMittal’s iron ore project in Liberia. AMEC Minproc Canada was responsible for the engineering and process design of the plant.

W inchester Maphosa, prod- uct manager for screens, says,“In terms of Enduron screens, this is one of the largest projects we have undertaken since Weir acquired Linatex. It is a really good reference for us in such a remote loca- tion, as it showcases the full capabilities of Weir Minerals Africa as a complete solutions provider.” In addition to the Enduron screens, Weir Minerals Africa supplied a total system that comprised feed and dis- charge chutes and isolation frames for the screens in order to dampen vibration and thereby prevent damage to the struc- tures that support the screens. Maphosa explains that the screens are arranged in three modules of three screens each, with each module having its own feed distribution system. “The distribution systems supplied essentially splits the feed into three. We also supplied all the piping up to the feed chutes. The cast iron distributors were developed in house and manufactured at the Weir Heavy Bay Foundry in Port Elizabeth,” Maphosa says. The contract

also comprised ancil- lary equipment such as Isogate valves and steel pipes and hoses lined with Linatex rub- ber. Linatex rubber lining was also used to line the feed and discharge chutes. Maphosa says that Weir Minerals Africa has been liaising closely with AMEC Minproc Canada in terms of the overall process solution and system for the iron ore

Winchester Maphosa, comminution product manager at Weir Minerals Africa, next to one of the electrically actuated pinch valves supplied to AMEC.

project. “This showcases our ability not only as an equipment supplier, but also as a process solutions provider, which includes the entire system in which that equipment is incorporated. In addition, we can provide assistance with compil- ing a process layout for use by project houses.” Weir Minerals Africa will supervise the installation and commissioning to ensure that the Enduron screens per- form according to specifications once

on site. “We design and manufacture the screens and then test them in the workshop prior to despatch to see that they operate as expected.” AMEC Minproc will supervise the transporta- tion of the screens to site. “The logistics of transporting screens of this size poses a huge challenge by itself, as they have to be delivered to site as complete units. While the screens themselves are 3.0 m wide, there are additional 600 mm wide brackets on each side that render them even wider.” Maphosa says this was a particularly exciting project for Weir Minerals Africa, as it had to dovetail specifically with the process layout provided by AMEC Minproc Canada. “We also had to con- sider aspects such as maintenance and ensure that this could be carried out conveniently at such a remote location.” Service and aftermarket support will be provided by Weir Minerals Ghana, which carries a comprehensive spares stockholding to service the wider West African region. “With these kinds of projects you always want to ensure that you have spares on hand, whether it is consignment stock or spares acquired specifically by the customer,” Maphosa says, adding that Weir Minerals Africa is anticipating an additional contract for spares for these Enduron screens. He adds that Africa remains a key focus, especially countries such as Liberia and Guinea, where major Greenfield

A double-deck vibrating Enduron screen being tested at Weir Minerals Africa’s Alrode facility.

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Mechanical Technology — February 2015