A new MD-12 deslimer has been installed in the filtration section of the ore beneficiation plant of Central Iron Ore. Investments in upgrading the ore beneficiation plant equipment amounted to more than UAH 11 mln.
In iron ore beneficiation, deslimers are used to separate hollow non-magnetic particles from the primary intermediate product. Practical experience in the technological process demonstrates that this equipment is highly effective for thickening iron concentrates prior to filtration. Central Iron Ore's beneficiation plant utilizes three types of deslimers at various stages of grinding and beneficiation: MD-5, MD-10 and MD-12, a total of 28 units.
In particular, the filtration section uses five of the largest MD-12 deslimers. Due to the unsatisfactory technical condition of the steel structures of equipment No. 11, it was decided to replace it. The work was carried out as part of the 2024 investment programme. To avoid disrupting production, specialists temporarily rerouted power lines to redistribute the main load across the site's four operational deslimers.
The installation of new equipment was preceded by the dismantling of the previous one. The plant's electrical personnel disconnected all cable and wire products from the motors and control panels. The motors, gearboxes for rake rotation and lifting, main axle, shaft, rakes, and the deslimer tank were dismantled step by step. Due to its large size, the tank was dismantled into sections and removed using a crane.
The segments of the new tank were delivered to the plant in parts as well. The installation started with the four main segments of the deslimer sides, and only after that was the bottom installed. Next was the bridge. This was the toughest part of the process, according to Serhii Shyshov, the head of the filtration section. It was installed simultaneously by two cranes. This required precise coordination from the crane operators: lifting, transporting and lowering simultaneously. Meanwhile, the equipment couldn't be touched or damaged, as the installation was done in an operating workshop. Due to the expertise of the plant crane operators Yuliia Nikonenko and Oksana Bairak, the bridge installation went smoothly.
"Before the new equipment was put into operation, a hydraulic test was conducted to check the weld strength. We were satisfied with the result. Currently, the MD-12 deslimer No. 11 operates according to the main flow sheet. This modernization of the ore beneficiation plant boosts our confidence that our team will meet the ambitious production goals for 2025," said Olexander SIDLETSKYI, head of the ore beneficiation plant at Metinvest Central Iron Ore.
