Hardware and software system for controlling water supply system to centrifugal concentrator

Abstract

FIELD: mining industry.SUBSTANCE: methods of centrifugal enrichment of minerals of crushed ores of precious and non-ferrous metals which can be used to separate mineral particles by density, in particular for processing ores and sands containing heavy fine-grained minerals, including gold and other metals. A hardware and software complex for controlling a system for feeding water to a centrifugal concentrator contains a centrifugal concentrator connected to a fluidized water feed line through a pulsator and connected to a centrifugal separator controller, which is connected to a programmable logic controller of the pulsator, a water pressure sensor installed on the fluidized water feed line and connected to the programmable logic controller of the pulsator, an operator interface connected to the programmable logic controller of the pulsator and designed to set and change the operating modes of the complex. The communication between the operator interface and the programmable logic controller of the pulsator is two-way.EFFECT: increase in the content of the valuable component in the concentrate and the degree of extraction due to more efficient separation of minerals in a centrifugal concentrator.1 cl, 1 dwg, 2 ex

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the mining industry, namely to methods of centrifugal enrichment of minerals of crushed ores of precious and non-ferrous metals and can be used to separate mineral particles by density, in particular for processing ores and sands containing heavy fine-grained minerals, including gold and other metals.

[0002] Over the past 20-30 years, new designs of centrifugal concentrators for heavy mineral extraction have been intensively developed worldwide. Structurally, centrifugal concentrators consist of a cone-shaped rotor mounted on a vertical support shaft, a concentrating cone with trapezoidal grooves on the inner surface, and a drive for rotation.

[0003] The main disadvantage of traditional centrifugal concentrators is the rapid compaction of the mineral bed by both particles of the useful component and waste rock with a specific gravity of more than 6 g / cm, filling the riffles on the inner surface of the concentration cone.

[0004] Various methods have been used to solve the problem of compacting the mineral bed, including creating vibrations by rotating the collecting element around two axes, creating a flexible concentrating cone to loosen the mineral bed through flexible deformation, and adding a pulsating flow of fluidizing fluid. The last method is considered the most effective; a number of technical solutions using this method are discussed below.

[0005] A centrifugal concentrator (patent RU 2 187 371, published on August 20, 2002) is known. It comprises a working element mounted on a hollow shaft in the form of a bowl with grooves and holes for supplying loosening water into the inter-riffle space through the hollow shaft and a corresponding pipe. The bowl with grooves faces downward with its large base. The concentrator is equipped with a pulsator in the form of a nut-piston, secured to the lower end of the shaft and mounted within the water supply pipe for reciprocating motion. The working element is mounted for vertical oscillation.

[0006] The disadvantage of this concentrator device is the rigid connection of the piston nut with eccentricity, which does not provide either a change in the pulse frequency or its energy, as well as the impossibility of accurately adjusting the pulsation parameters of the fluidization water and their control during the operation of the centrifugal concentrator, which will lead to a decrease in extraction and loss of valuable components in the tailings.

[0007] A concentrator is known (patent KG (11) 1261 (13), publication date 06 / 30 / 2010), the design of which makes it possible to regulate the level of loosening of the mineral bed over a wide range, depending on the characteristics of the granulometric composition of the enriched material (the ratio of large and small particles and their shape); the working element is in the form of a conical bowl with corrugations and holes for supplying loosening water to the inter-riffle space, mounted on a hollow shaft, a pulsator and a pressure chamber, wherein the pulsator provides a change in the energy and frequency of the loosening water pulse depending on the bulk density, size and shape of the fractional composition of the enriched material, and in each corrugation (in each annular groove) there are groups of holes alternating in diameter, and the diameter of the holes in each group increases by an amount proportional from the smallest diameter to the largest. The pulsator is made in the form of a special spool valve device.

[0008] The disadvantages of this proposed technical solution include the complexity of the pulsator's valve design and the presence of alternating holes of different diameters in the conical bowl wall. These holes can become clogged, reducing the effectiveness of pulsation and loosening the mineral bed, leading to the loss of valuable components with tailings. Another drawback is the lack of fine-tuning and control over the fluidizing water pulsation parameters in the device, which will also lead to reduced recovery of valuable components.

[0009] A prior art centrifugal separator with pulsed liquid feed (US5728039, publication date March 17, 1998) is known. It comprises a concentrating cone base onto which pulp is fed to pass through the concentrating cone's peripheral wall. The concentrating cone includes a plurality of annular grooves (riffles) located on the peripheral wall at an axial pitch. Each groove has a plurality of openings in the base communicating with a water jacket outside the peripheral wall. Water is fed through a channel in the rotor's support shaft via a rotary joint on the shaft, which is designed to create a pulsed water feed into the water jacket. The water flow rate is always maintained positive but fluctuates between maximum and minimum values.

[0010] This well-known solution additionally incorporates a pulsator into the device's design. It is constructed as a rotary joint on the shaft, where flow rate is varied by adjusting the diameter of a hole drilled in the support shaft itself. The amplitude of the water pulses depends on the rotational speed of the support shaft. The disadvantages of this centrifugal separator design include the dependence of the pulse frequency and amplitude on the rotational speed of the support shaft, which prevents precise adjustment of the fluidization water pulsation parameters. The lack of flexible adjustment and control of fluidization water pulsation parameters reduces the recovery of valuable components by the centrifugal concentrator.

[0011] The objective of the present invention is to create a hardware and software complex for controlling a water supply system to a centrifugal concentrator for gravity separation of heavy and light fractions of minerals, which will increase the efficiency of separation of the mineral bed and ensure an increase in the content of the valuable component in the concentrate and the degree of extraction of the valuable component into the concentrate.

[0012] The technical result of the invention consists in increasing the content of the valuable component in the concentrate and the degree of extraction due to more efficient separation of minerals in a centrifugal concentrator.

[0013] The technical result is achieved in that the software and hardware complex for controlling the system for feeding water to a centrifugal concentrator contains a centrifugal concentrator connected to a fluidized water supply line through a pulsator and connected to a centrifugal separator control controller, which is connected to a programmable logical controller of the pulsator, a water pressure sensor installed on the fluidized water supply line and connected to the programmable logical controller of the pulsator, an operator interface connected to the programmable logical controller of the pulsator and intended for setting and changing the operating modes of the complex, wherein the communication between the operator interface and the programmable logical controller of the pulsator is two-way.

[0014] The presence of digital programmable control and pulsator monitoring allows for more precise and flexible water pulsation control. Increased recovery of valuable components is achieved through optimal fluidization: precisely selected pulsation frequency and amplitude facilitate periodic loosening of the mineral bed and the penetration of heavy particles into the cavities between the riffles of the centrifugal concentrator's bowl. This prevents heavy particles from settling on the surface of the cavities between the riffles and their possible migration into the tailings. As a result, more of the heavy valuable mineral is retained in the cavities between the riffles of the concentrating bowl, while lighter particles of waste rock are washed out and disposed of in the tailings.This improves concentrate quality, i.e., the amount of valuable component in the concentrate, by controlling the pulsation control, which prevents excessive erosion of the concentrate layer. The pulsation amplitude can be reduced to the minimum necessary to avoid washing out the heavy fraction during enrichment. During the washing stage, pulsation is disabled, preventing concentrate loss during washing operations. This results in a concentrate with a higher content of valuable component and less waste rock, while also increasing recovery.

[0015] Adjusting the pulsation frequency and water flow rate directly improves the accuracy of mineral separation and provides full flexibility in changing the parameters of the pulsating water supply and integrating them into the overall automated cycle of the centrifugal concentrator.

[0016] In the proposed technical solution, the operator can adjust the pulsation mode to the characteristics of a specific raw material (size, density, etc.) and the operating mode of the centrifugal concentrator. Precise dosing of the pulsating flow allows for a compromise between recovery and concentrate quality: it is possible to simultaneously achieve high recovery of the valuable component in the concentrate and maintain its high content in the concentrate. Ultimately, the technical effect of implementing the proposed invention is a significant increase in the efficiency of gravity enrichment – ​​the centrifugal concentrator operates more efficiently, with less loss of the valuable component and producing a purer concentrate compared to a centrifugal concentrator operating without a pulsator control and monitoring system.

[0017] The presence of a new set of significant distinctive features from the prototype in the claimed centrifugal concentrator with control and monitoring of the supply of fluidizing water and a software and hardware complex for its implementation allows us to conclude that the claimed invention meets the criterion of “novelty”.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a hardware and software complex for controlling the water supply system to a centrifugal concentrator.

[0019] Description of the design of the complex in the functional relationship of all features

[0020] The centrifugal concentrator 1 is connected to the control controller of the centrifugal concentrator 2, which is connected to the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3 of the centrifugal concentrator via a discrete output signal, and transmits information about the current stage of the operating cycle (enrichment stage, washing stage, etc.) by the said signal to the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3, which is the central unit. Having received the enabling signal for the enrichment stage, the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3 generates control signals for the pulsator 4 in accordance with the specified pulsation parameters, including, at least, the frequency and the magnitude of the change in the throughput of the pulsator 4. With the received signal, the pulsator 4 ensures the formation of pulsation in the supply line of fluidized water 6 to the centrifugal concentrator 1.

[0021] Operator Interface 5 is connected to the programmable logic controller of Pulser 3 and is used to set and change the operating modes of the complex. In manual mode, the operator sets the numerical values ​​of the pulsation parameters, including frequency and amplitude, and selects the operating mode of the complex via Operator Interface 5. In automatic mode, Operator Interface 5 displays current parameters and states, such as the on / off indication of the Pulser and the operating cycle stage of Centrifugal Concentrator 1. Communication between Operator Interface 5 and the programmable logic controller of Pulser 3 is bidirectional: operator commands are sent via Operator Interface 5 to the programmable logic controller of Pulser 3, and diagnostic information and status messages are displayed on Operator Interface 5.

[0022] A water pressure sensor 7 is installed on the fluidization water supply line 6 and is connected to the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3. The output signals of the water pressure sensor 7 are fed to the inputs of the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3 and are used to monitor the actual flow parameters. Based on these signals, the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3 can generate messages about non-compliance with the set parameters and warning signals, for example, in the event of a deviation in the pulsation amplitude or a clogged control element.

[0023] Description of the hardware and software complex for controlling the water supply system to a centrifugal concentrator in operation

[0024] During the enrichment stage, the controller of centrifugal concentrator 2 generates a pulsation enable signal, during which the programmable logic controller of pulsator 3 controls pulsator 4, providing a pulsating supply of fluidization water. Upon transition to the flushing stage, the controller of centrifugal concentrator 2 generates a prohibiting signal, in response to which the programmable logic controller of pulsator 3 stops supplying control signals to pulsator 4 at a predetermined position corresponding to the cessation of pulsations, thereby ensuring the operation of pulsator 4 is coordinated with the timing cycle of centrifugal concentrator 1.

[0025] Final component coordination: the signal of the centrifugal concentrator control controller 2 starts or stops the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3, which controls the operation of the pulsator 4, and the parameters of this control are set through the operator interface 5.

[0026] The block diagram shown in Fig. 1 reflects the information flows: control signals and monitoring signals, providing a comprehensive understanding of the operation of the declared complex as part of the enrichment system.

[0027] The operation of the hardware and software system is synchronized with the technological cycle of centrifugal concentrator 1. In accordance with the specified program, fluidization water pulsations are activated during the enrichment stage and deactivated during the washing stage. Centrifugal concentrator 2's controller supplies the programmable logic controller of pulsator 3 with a signal characterizing the current stage of the cycle, based on which the system starts or stops pulsator 4 at the required points in the cycle.

[0028] The hardware and software system includes manual and automatic synchronized modes. In manual mode, the operator sets the pulsation parameters, including pulsation frequency and amplitude (flow intensity), via operator interface 5. In automatic synchronized mode, the hardware and software system operates in accordance with commands from the programmable logic controller of pulsator 3 and a preset algorithm for enabling and disabling pulsations, depending on the operating stages of centrifugal concentrator 1. Switching between modes and changing pulsation parameters is performed via operator interface 5.

[0029] To monitor the correct operation of the pulsator, the hardware and software system can use signals from the water pressure sensor 7 installed on the fluidization water supply line 6. The signals from the water pressure sensor 7 are used to monitor command execution and for diagnostics, for example, to ensure that the specified pulsation amplitude has been achieved. All components of the system – the centrifugal concentrator 1, the centrifugal concentrator controller 2, the pulsator programmable logic controller 3, the pulsator 4, the operator interface 5, the fluidization water supply line 6, and the water pressure sensor 7 – are assembled as a single functional unit, which is integrated into the processing plant via plug-in connections.

[0030] To select the optimal parameters for the pulsating feed of fluidizing water to a centrifugal concentrator, a series of experiments were conducted using a hardware and software system in conjunction with a centrifugal concentrator to achieve the best grade and recovery rates for valuable components in concentrate. A series of experiments were also conducted without the hardware and software system for controlling fluidizing water feed. All experiments were conducted using the same centrifugal concentrator and averaged gold-bearing ore from a single deposit.

[0031] Example 1. Gold-bearing ore was enriched using a centrifugal concentrator using the hardware and software system shown in Fig. 1. Pulp was loaded into the centrifugal concentrator, followed by enrichment and washing (concentrate removal). The centrifugal concentrator's throughput in these experiments averaged 100 t / h, and the average initial gold grade in the ore was 1.2 g / t.

[0032] When starting the hardware and software complex with a centrifugal concentrator in automatic mode, the controller of centrifugal concentrator 2 generates a pulsation enable signal, during the validity of this signal, the programmable logic controller of pulsator 3 controls pulsator 4, providing a pulsating supply of fluidization water into the concentration bowl of centrifugal concentrator 1. Having received the enable signal for the enrichment stage, the programmable logic controller of pulsator 3 generates control signals for pulsator 4 in accordance with the specified pulsation parameters, including, at least, the frequency and the magnitude of the change in the throughput of pulsator 4. Pulsator 4 provides the formation of pulsation in the supply line of fluidization water 6 to centrifugal concentrator 1. The output signals of water pressure sensor 7 are fed to the inputs of the programmable logic controller of pulsator 3 and are used to control the actual flow parameters.Based on these signals, the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3 generates messages about non-compliance with the specified parameters and warning signals, for example, when the pulsation amplitude deviates or when the control element is clogged.

[0033] During the enrichment stage, operator interface 5 displays the on / off indication of the pulsator and the operating cycle stage of the centrifugal concentrator 1, as well as the readings from the water pressure sensor 7. The communication between operator interface 5 and the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3 is two-way: operator commands are sent to the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3, and diagnostic information and status messages are output to operator interface 5, which allows for process control.

[0034] When moving to the washing stage, the controller of the centrifugal concentrator 2 generates a prohibiting signal, in response to which the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3 stops supplying control signals to the pulsator 4 and moves it to a predetermined position corresponding to the cessation of pulsations, which ensures the coordination of the operation of the pulsator 4 with the time cycle of the centrifugal concentrator 1.

[0035] In the final coordination of components, the signal of the centrifugal concentrator control controller 2 starts or stops the programmable logic controller of the pulsator 3, which controls the pulsator 4, and the parameters of this control are set through the operator interface 5.

[0036] In operation, the hardware and software system is synchronized with the technological cycle of centrifugal concentrator 1. In accordance with the specified program, fluidization water pulsations are activated during the enrichment stage and deactivated during the washing stage. Centrifugal concentrator 2's controller sends a discrete signal to the programmable logic controller of pulsator 3, characterizing the current stage of the cycle. Based on this signal, the system starts or stops pulsator 4 at the required points in the cycle.

[0037] In this series of experiments, the average gold recovery into concentrate per operation was 76.9%, with an average grade of 1845.6 g / t.

[0038] Example 2 is similar to Example 1, except that the hardware and software system was disconnected from the centrifugal concentrator and pulsator. The pulsator delivered water without regulation or control, at a constant amplitude and frequency. In this series of experiments, gold recovery into concentrate averaged 68.3% per operation, with an average grade of 1639.2 g / t.

[0039] The average concentrate yield for the two samples was about 50 kg.

[0040] As a result of conducting a series of experiments on two examples, it was determined that for example 1, the average gold recovery is 8.6% higher than for example 2, and for example 1, the average gold content in the concentrate is 206.4 g / t higher than for example 2.

[0041] Thus, the introduction of a hardware and software complex for managing and controlling the pulsations of fluidizing water in a centrifugal concentrator significantly increases the degree of gold extraction and its content in the concentrate, which makes it possible to achieve the stated technical result.

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