Modern Mining October 2016

PRODUCT News

Mill liner optimisation can lower treatment costs

When it comes to under-performing mills in the grinding circuit, it pays to look into the performance of the mill liner. This is the view of Fernando Monteiro, MD of Tega Industries, a leading manufacturer and supplier of mill liners. The optimisation of mill liners can reduce the overall cost of ownership of a mill which translates to lowering the cost per ton treated. “Apar t from improving physical

throughput, a good liner will ensure the mill uses less power to drive the mill, lower relining cost and less downtime due to longer intervals between mill liner changes,” says Monteiro. “In addition, inspections using modern scanning and analysis devices can precisely measure the remaining life of mill liners to ensure that they are only changed when necessary and coincide with planned shutdowns.” He adds that while most plant manag- ers are aware of this, staff further down the procurement chain are not always familiar with overall cost-of-own-

service, we employ the latest technology to undertake our mill studies,” Monteiro continues. “Once we have the opportunity to undertake an analysis, we are invariably able to give clients the lower cost of own- ership solutions for their mill. But, perhaps more importantly, we also provide entire technical backup and aftermarket sup- port which is critical in ensuring the mill performs at optimum at all times, even as orebodies and conditions change.” Tega Industries strives for a concept it calls ‘Partnerships in Practice’ which works on the principle of working with custom- ers to constantly improve their processes in every part of a plant – from bulk materi- als handling to conveyors, chutes, transfer points, screens andmills. This is done using good old-fashioned human experience, plus the addition of high-tech techniques such as discrete element modelling, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics. Tega Industries, tel (+27 11) 421-9916

ership benefits. Procurement officers may be inclined to buy a cheaper liner rather than a slightly more expen- sive engineered liner that saves costs else- where in the process and at the same time boosts production. “When it comes to this type of

Ball mill with rubber lining.

54  MODERN MINING  October 2016