Modern Mining September 2024

MINING TECHNOLOGY

Levelling up on the solutions The sales professionals at VEGA INSTRUMENTS suggested the use of VEGAPULS RADAR SENSORS after establishing the exact needs of the mine and the solution that was required. The VEGAPULS instrumentation faces specific challenges due to its installation in an open slurry tank, leaving it exposed to environmental elements. Its primary role is the monitoring of the rake drive, a task of the utmost importance. The rake drive stands as a crucial component, directly influencing the efficiency of the thickening process. Any malfunction in these rake drives can have a detrimental effect on the thickening process, ultimately impacting the quality of the final product. The Instrumentation Supervisor explained: “One of the most significant challenges we were sitting with was identifying the appropriate solution for this particular challenge. Our previous use of level sensors proved to be highly ineffective, the plant was plagued by frequent failures that disrupted the process and adversely affected our production. Moreover, the measurements obtained from these sensors lacked the necessary accuracy.” The VEGAPULS is a series of radar-level sensors manufactured by VEGA, a company known for its expertise in level and pressure measurement technology. In an open slurry tank, the VEGAPULS is a reliable and versatile tool for process control and automation, providing valuable data that contributes to efficient and safe industrial operations. It can be used to accurately measure the level of the slurry within the open tank. It emits radar pulses that travel to the surface of the slurry and back to the sensor, providing real-time data on the slurry’s level. This is essential for monitoring and controlling the amount of slurry in the tank. By installing the sensor near the rake drive, it continuously measures and reports the level of the slurry. The level data collected by the VEGAPULS radar sensors can be integrated into the control system of the thickening process. The data collected by the VEGAPULS can then be integrated into the control system of the slurry tank. This allows for real-time

and removed. The position and movement of the rake drive can be adjusted to optimize the thickening process. The rake drive’s speed and angle can be controlled to achieve the desired level of solid-liquid separation. This is crucial in gold mining, where the concentration of valuable minerals in the slurry needs to be maximised. The rake drive’s position and operation are often monitored and controlled using sensors and control systems. This allows for real-time adjustments to ensure that the thickening process operates efficiently. Regular maintenance of the rake drive mechanism is essential to ensure it continues to function correctly. Any issues with the rake drive, such as mechanical wear or malfunction, can impact the thickening process. This can result in costly breakdowns and massive revenue loss, which all mines try to avoid at all costs. Separating the challenges Thickening tanks in mining pose several challenges for measuring equipment due to the nature of the materials and processes involved. The materials processed in thickening tanks often contain abrasive or corrosive elements that can damage sensors and equipment over time. The slurry inside these tanks can be very thick and dense, making it challenging to obtain accurate level and density measurements. The density of the slurry can change often as more material is added or as water content fluctuates. Accurate monitoring of these variations is essential. Thickening tanks can be difficult to access for maintenance, which can complicate the installation and replacement of measuring equipment. The mining environment itself can be harsh, with factors like vibrations, temperature extremes, and high-pressure conditions that measuring equipment must withstand. To address these challenges, one gold mine in particular had to find a reliable and robust solution where measurement is concerned. And VEGA had the perfect solution.

26  MODERN MINING  www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | SEPTEMBER 2024