New generation hydrocyclone boosts throughput

“The design of the new generation model ensures a step change in separation performance and reduced turbulence,” said Lerato Ramanala, product manager hydrocyclones for Africa and the Middle East at Weir Minerals Africa.

“The Cavex 2 hydrocyclone improves the design of the 360-degree laminar spiral inlet, which delivered a step change in separation performance and reduced turbulence. The new design includes the LIG+ advanced laminar spiral inlet and a longer feed chamber, further reducing turbulence and classifying a higher volume of feed slurry.”

Ramanala pointed to the Cavex 2 having the same footprint as the original Cavex hydrocyclone, as well as competitor cyclones, saying that retrofitting is a simple process. Customers are promised not only from the increased throughput capacity but operational flexibility by being able to take hydrocyclones offline for maintenance without affecting process flow.

“Results from Cavex 2 hydrocyclones installed across the globe have shown that it maximises plant recovery by reducing the quantity of misclassified particles; the alpha parameter improves by an average of 10% while the bypass improves by an average of over 15%. Fewer fines are returned to the mill, and mines can reduce their carbon footprint by consuming less energy for small particle reduction,” the Weir Minerals stated.

“The Cavex 2 accommodates the company’s in-house Synertrex industrial internet of things (IIOT) technology, which detects sub-optimal operating conditions like roping in real time and improves overall performance. This aligns with mining industry efforts to leverage digital technology to create mines of the future.

“The shape of the liner has also been improved leading to longer life, less downtime for maintenance and lower total cost of ownership. Liners are available in a range of materials including industry‑leading Linatex premium rubber and other robust Weir Minerals natural rubbers such as R55,” the company concluded.