Mining Magazine > Panorama > Multotec custom spiral test rig for SGS Australia

Multotec has been awarded an order from SGS Australia for the supply of a spiral test rig that allows simultaneous testing of three spirals in parallel. This will allow SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, to compare the performance of three different spirals at the same time.

Renira Reddy, product manager – gravity concentration at Multotec, said the new rig is part of an SGS initiative to upgrade its testing capabilities. It will be supplied as a complete system, equipped with all the necessary changeout spirals and accessories and includes a cyclone testing component to afford SGS the benefit of increased test work flexibility.

“We have designed the test rig to facilitate the testing of cyclones as well, following a needs analysis conducted with the client and based on recommendations from our highly experienced spiral team,” stated Reddy.

The rig allows easy access to the different levels, to facilitate splitter and distributor adjustment for varying feed rates. Multotec also developed a unique automatic sampling system specifically for SGS, which allows for time samples to be taken across all three spirals and the feed line simultaneously. Monitoring and control systems have been included and a VSD, mass flow meter and a densitometer have been harnessed in the design. There is a control panel at ground level and two emergency stop/start switches on the upper levels.

“During the design phase we paid particular attention to potential wear areas in the pipes, as well as ease of access to the different levels,” Reddy said. “A lifting swing arm or jib has been incorporated into the test rig to facilitate easy spiral changeout.”

The rig allows for the testing of both large and small diameter spirals, equipping SGS to test heavy minerals and coal spirals on behalf of their clients. The structure has been built with a roof and fitted with lighting to allow testing to be undertaken under all conditions.

The rig is being manufactured at Multotec’s ISO 9001: 2008 accredited facilities and meets the required Australian quality standards. It will be trial assembled at Multotec and pre-tested prior to being shipped to Australia.

It is anticipated that the rig will be commissioned in mid 2011.