The filtration inspection packages are designed to quickly identify common wear and tear issues such as problems with the plate packs, leakages and misalignments.

The first package, Filter Visuals and Vitals, provides a quick way for customers to understand their filters' overall condition. It is designed as a filter quick health check, focusing on rapidly determining the filter's condition while minimising downtime required for the inspection; the downtime required is a half shift, with total inspection time of one shift done 1-2 times per year. The inspection is performed during operation with quick shutdown stops.

The second package, Filter Mechanical Verification, is a more detailed inspection with additional adjustments and services to maximise the filter's overall availability. It includes all items from the Filter Visuals and Vitals package, with the addition of an OEM inspection with guards and covers removed. The total inspection time takes two shifts - one with the filter running, one with filter shutdown - done once per year.

The third package, Filter Comprehensive/Customized, includes all elements of the first and second packages. It also involves a complete inspection and measurement of the filter's hydraulics and has optional system flushing or inventory audits to determine spare parts requirements. The downtime required is 3-5 shifts, conducted once every 2-3 years.

Metso Outotec stated that as an OEM supplier of sophisticated equipment, parts and services to the mining industry, it "is committed to helping customers maintain their critical assets and to help them take a preventive approach to maintenance".

Juho Pylkkö, director, field service product development at Metso Outotec, said: "Filtration Inspections have the advantage of not only discovering issues that require immediate attention, but also allow for the identification of possible upcoming larger filtration failures or upgrade opportunities. It gives us the chance to proactively respond to our customers and put in place a service plan to address longer-term problems, potentially saving them significant costs in terms of lost production."

In April, Metso Outotec launched a range of filtration solutions for the mining industry, consisting of 15 different filter types and a global service portfolio.