Mining Magazine > Panorama > Multotec DMS cyclones for Botswana project

Multotec has been awarded the dense medium equipment supply contract for the AK06 diamond mine development project in Botswana. TSX-listed Lucara holds 100% of the AK6 project through their Botswana entity, Boteti Mining (Pty) Ltd. The equipment will be installed in the mine’s 2.5Mt/yr processing plant, which is currently under construction.

The scope of the contract includes the supply of two cast iron cyclones to treat 200t/h ROM, two pipe densifiers, two high capacity dewatering cyclones, a high capacity effluent dewatering cyclone and pulp distributor with interconnecting pipework.

Multotec’s cast iron range of dense medium cyclones has been selected for the project as these units provide guaranteed separation efficiencies and maximum wear life. The cyclones are cast in 27% high chrome cast iron, which provides excellent wear resistance and far outperforms Ni-hard castings and other cast irons.

The features of the high capacity cyclones include a lightweight overflow elbow, which is made from an abrasion resistant polymer that requires no corrosion protection; a scrolled evolute inlet design; vortex finder; loose replaceable rubber liners which have up to three times the life of conventional liners; weep holes located in the highest wear areas; and a spigot housed in a lightweight holder.

Multotec’s pulp distributor is designed to ensure even solids and liquid distribution. The optimum design features include outlets that are symmetrical to the inlets which maintain internal velocities; outlets that reduce the vena contractor effect and the utilisation of rubber in the internal lining of the pulp distributor.

DRA Africa has been awarded the project engineering contract for the AK06 Project and will be responsible for the commissioning of the dense medium equipment. The commissioning of the project is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2011.