Connecticut-based CiDRA has added new capabilities to its CYCLONEtrac particle size measurement and tracking system for its mineral processing technology.

The mineral separation technology processes slurry streams in gold and copper processes.

Customers will now be able to measure up to five particle size outputs. The new option will enable customers to measure particle sizes throughout the cluster using real-time P80 measurement.

Improving the tracking of particle sizes reduces variability in sizes, and also ensures that oversize particles do not enter the flotation circuits.

CiDRA has also upgraded its sensor technology to include a condition-based monitoring feature that enables predictive maintenance for sensor replacement.

The new system will have a "time to live" bar to be displayed on the software system display. A warning will also be sent to the plant control system when it is time to replace the sensors.

Installing the CiDRA system expands the range of what mining companies understand about their mining process, CiDRA reported one senior manager from a copper mine as saying.

"There is a wealth of new information that none of us have seen before regarding cyclone cluster operation," John Viega, Vice President of Global Sales and Service, said.

In January, CiDRA said it was choosing Texas-based Koch Project Solutions to front-end engineering and design services for the mineral separation technology as a way to fast-track commercialisation of the technology.

CiDRA had undertaken bench testing at over 15 mine sites as well as a pilot program at a North American mine to demonstrate how it improves copper and gold recovery rates.