Two ball mills have been replaced at the ore beneficiation plant of Central Iron Ore. The upgrade will ensure high productivity and efficient operation of the equipment, improve the quality of raw material and finished product processing, and also enhance safety for employees.
The mills are the core equipment of the ore beneficiation plant and a key component in the production of concentrate. They grind the ore to the required size, which is essential for the subsequent stages of beneficiation.
In February, in line with the scheduled maintenance timetable, specialists of Central Iron Ore replaced the drums of two mills – No. 82 and No. 91. A total of 86 hours was allocated for the completion of the work. During this period, the maintenance crews and the plant’s specialists dismantled drums exhibiting wear for subsequent repair and installed refurbished ones.
In order to carry out the replacement of this type of equipment, the specialists of Central Iron Ore first conduct an inspection and repair of the entire equipment chain: conveyors, classifier spirals, hydrocyclones, etc. At the final stage, the plant’s surveyors carry out the necessary measurements to ensure that the large‑scale equipment is installed without distortion or misalignment
The systematic execution of such repair and restoration activities makes it possible to identify and eliminate potential problems.
“Through timely measures, we ensure the stable efficiency of the technological process,” notes Eduard KOBITSKYI, Head of the Ore Beneficiation Plant Section at Metinvest's Central Iron Ore. “The mill plays a crucial role in determining product quality, and therefore this equipment requires constant attention. Regular maintenance of the equipment’s operational parameters at an optimal level is a prerequisite for its long‑term and reliable performance, enabling the plant to achieve its planned production targets.”
The processing capacity of each mill ranges from 162 to 230 tonnes per hour, depending on the adjusted daily plans and requirements. In total, 22 mills operate at the concentrate production section, and they are systematically replaced as required.
