Modular Ore Processing System for Underground Transport Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ore processing methods require significant transportation of ore from underground mines to surface facilities, leading to increased costs, material losses, and environmental concerns due to waste disposal, particularly in deep mining operations where surface access is limited.
Innovation Solution
A modular ore processing system comprising serially arranged, transportable modules for crushing, sizing, and concentrating ores, which can be configured to fit within underground tunnels, allowing for on-site processing and reducing waste disposal challenges by concentrating ores to half their original volume before bringing them to the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ore is transported from underground mines to surface facilities for processing, then processing can be performed with established equipment, but transport costs increase significantly and material losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is divided into separate modular units that can be independently transported and assembled underground. Each module performs a specific function (crushing, sizing, concentrating) and can be moved separately through mine passages, then assembled to form a complete processing facility at the mine location.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules are designed with variable dimensions that can be adjusted during transport and assembly. The height, length, or width of modules can be reduced or 'concertinaed' during transport through mine passages, then expanded or reconfigured to operating size when installed in the underground drive.
2Ease of manufacture
If processing facility is located at surface, then equipment access is easier, but waste disposal becomes environmentally problematic and transport requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ore is pre-processed underground before being brought to the surface. By performing crushing, sizing, and concentration operations at the mine location, the volume of material that needs to be transported is significantly reduced, leaving only the concentrated ore and allowing waste to be disposed of in already-dug-out areas of the mine.
3Loss of energy
If processing equipment is made transportable for underground installation, then transport costs are reduced, but module dimensions must be constrained to fit tunnel passages
Solution Approach 1:
The modules are designed with variable dimensions that can be adjusted during transport and assembly. The height, length, or width of modules can be reduced or 'concertinaed' during transport through mine passages, then expanded or reconfigured to operating size when installed in the underground drive.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is divided into separate modular units that can be independently transported and assembled underground. Each module performs a specific function (crushing, sizing, concentrating) and can be moved separately through mine passages, then assembled to form a complete processing facility at the mine location.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional processing methods are used, then established technology can be applied, but repeated handling and transportation cause material losses
Solution Approach 1:
The ore is pre-processed underground before being brought to the surface. By performing crushing, sizing, and concentration operations at the mine location, the volume of material that needs to be transported is significantly reduced, minimizing the opportunities for material loss during handling and transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular ore processing system for concentrating ores includes a plurality of separate modules constructed so as to be serially arranged to form a feed processing system for concentrating a desired material in the ore, wherein the modules are individually transportable to a processing site to be operationally coupled to form the modular ore processing system.