Multotec has demonstrated the power of 3D scanning technology and Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulation during a mill liner installation at a gold processing facility in Alaska, marking the first time it has used this technology to support an installation remotely.
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The power of 3D scanning technology was recently demonstrated during a mill liner installation at a gold processing facility in Alaska, marking the first time Multotec used this technology to support an installation remotely. This approach enabled precise fitting and optimised liner performance.
Ralph Hollenstein, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Multotec, notes: “In this case, the client supplied us with 3D scans of the mills, allowing us to design the liners remotely, creating shorter turnaround times and greater accuracy. The liners were then manufactured and sent to site for installation, where they fitted perfectly in the mill.”
Multotec places a strong emphasis on ensuring that its liner design is optimal for the life of the liners and milling performance. The company also conducts condition monitoring on installed liners to ensure maximised uptime through proactive maintenance.
A scientific approach in its mill liner design is core to this approach, focusing on process flow and charge trajectories to enhance both performance and durability of the liners. By using advanced DEM simulation techniques, Multotec provides mill operators with precise guidelines to keep the mill operating in its optimal regime.
As part of the design process, Multotec utilises the Discrete Element Method (DEM) software to predict the behaviour of the mill charge – comprising ore and grinding media – and the performance of the mill throughout the lifespan of the lifter.
DEM is also employed to predict liner wear and the evolution of the liner profile over time.
“This technology enables us to simulate wear on the liners and track how the material interacts with the changing liner profile as it wears down. From these wear simulations, we can identify areas of high wear within the mill and use this information to optimise the liner design – adding material in high-wear zones while reducing material in areas that do not require as much reinforcement,” Hollenstein explains.
Multotec’s liner optimisation system integrates advanced tools, including MillTraj, a first order simulation tool; DEM, for advanced multiparticle simulation; and 3D scanning technology to determine the exact profile of a worn liner and/or the mill shell. These tools enable precise condition monitoring, comprehensive management, and effective liner design for a perfect fit and enhanced performance.
MillTraj focuses on the trajectory modelling of grinding mill liners and lifters. Its key applications include:
- Simulating lifter designs and configurations to understand their impact on the motion of the grinding balls and material inside mills.
- Optimising mill liner profiles to improve grinding efficiency and reduce wear
- Providing insights into the trajectory of grinding media to ensure optimal energy transfer and to avoid damaging the mill shell.
Furthermore, Rocky DEM offers extensive capabilities for simulating particle dynamics across various industrial processes. Its functionalities include:
- Simulating particle dynamics such as collisions, breakage and flow, for a range of material types.
- Modelling and optimising equipment such as mills, crushers, conveyors and screens to improve performance.
- Conducting wear analysis to predict and mitigate component degradation and ensure longer equipment life.
- Handling complex particle shapes, providing more accurate simulations for irregular materials.
Advanced 3D laser scanning
Multotec also employs advanced 3D laser scanning technology to accurately assess mill liner wear. This data-driven approach allows the company to create precise liner replacement schedules and estimate the remaining lifespan of the mill liners, ensuring efficient relining operations.
“The 3D scanning is a service we provide to our customers for condition monitoring in various countries and across multiple commodities. In some cases, customers use similar scanners to perform the scans themselves. They then send us the scan data, and we then interpret the results and generate detailed reports,” says Hollenstein.
Additionally, what sets Multotec apart from its competitors is its focus on the entire comminution circuit as a whole rather than just mill liner design, which ties in with conducting plant audits to assist customers to optimise their efficiency.
“When we work with customers, we do not simply sell them mill liners. We take a more holistic approach by helping them to assess and identify any problem areas and work with the entire plant/milling circuit to resolve those issues. Through plant audits, we gain an understanding of the customer's operational constraints and where they want to improve their operations,” says Hollenstein.
