CONTINUOUS CHARGE
MONITORING
Operating evidence suggests that an accurate and direct measurement of mill
loading has the potential to greatly enhance mill performance. Load
Optimal grinding circuit measurements are a major concern to autogenous (AG) and semiautogenous
performance is essential in today’s (SAG) milling where tonnage maximization leads to near overload operation.
competitive environment. Direct measurement methods remove much of the uncertainty associated with the
heuristic inferential methods commonly employed. Compared to mill sound and
bearing pressure, Metso’s Continuous Charge Monitor has emerged as a
superior alternative.
The Continuous Charge Monitor (CCM) is designed
to improve grinding mill efficiency by providing a
real-time measure of the charge’s volume and
dynamic angle of repose. The availability and
analysis of such data provides a clearer picture of
mill loading and enables better regulation of mill
feed and operating conditions resulting in potentially
higher throughput and/or a finer grind.
The ball milling environment also provides an
excellent application for CCM. Continuous
monitoring of the ball charge level affords
continuous control of steel addition - allowing
optimal mill power utilization and optimum size
reduction.
CCMTM - Charge Measurement System
Charge Volume Measurement
antenna
transmitter
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generator
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Signal
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receiver
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sensor
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Continuous Charge Monitor
CCM is considered by many to be one of the most
innovative instrument developments in the mineral
processing industry. Though simple in design and
easily implemented, it provides process information
extremely useful for improved mill operation and
control. It is constructed from space-age components
ensuring robust operation even in the most
aggressive environments.
Strain Profile in a Ball Mill
CCM employs an embedded strain gauge to
measure rubber lifter deflection as it rotates through
the mill contents. This deflection relates to both the
loading and angle of repose of the mill charge.
CCM is supported by Metso Minerals Process
Technology – suppliers of proven process and
control expertise to the international mineral
processing community - and is available through
your local Metso Minerals representative.
Metso Minerals Process Technology’s goal is to provide grinding circuit operators with a choice of solutions
to match their control needs. As part of the instrumentation package Metso Minerals Process Technology will
provide a team of well trained, knowledgeable engineers and technicians for the installation, commissioning
and implementation of the CCM device.
Experience
Signal
Estimating Fractional Filling
TIN
TOUT
TOUT
Time
Metso Minerals Process Technology has a strong
presence in the international mineral processing
community and experience in plants processing coal,
potash, iron ore, gold, copper, copper-lead-zinc, nickelcopper and a variety of other metals. The extensive client
list includes projects in Africa, Europe, North America,
Asia, and other regions around the world.
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T IN
Test Results
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An illustration of estimating fractional filling and
dynamic angle of repose.
CCM
Benefits
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(Jun '00 - Mar. '01)
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The CCM device benefits both mechanical and
operational performance of grinding mills. Through
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real-time monitoring of slurry movement CCM will
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provide a clearer picture of mill loading and will
Measured
enable better regulation of mill feed and operating
Plant Test Results
conditions. CCM facilitates:
• Reduction of steel damage and liner/lifter wear
• Determination of the maximum cascading angle of repose and mill charge volume
• Prevention of premature load centrifuging and lifter packing
• Optimal mill performance through increased mill throughput or improved particle size reduction.
Metso Minerals Process Technology also provides world-class services in:
• Mine to Mill Optimization
• High Fidelity (DEM, CFD, DGB) Simulation
• Model Based Fuzzy Expert Control (OCS ® )
• Vision Systems for Coarse Particles and Froth Surfaces
• Process and Control Auditing and Simulation
• DCS and PLC System Integration
• Retrofit and Greenfields E&I System Designs
Metso Minerals Canada Inc.
Minerals Processing Business Line - Process Technology
2281 Hunter Road, Kelowna, B.C. Canada V1X 7C5
Telephone: (250) 861-5501 Fax: (250) 861-5210 email: [email protected]
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