PRESS RELEASE: According to FLSmidth, its trommel frames and screen media boost milling productivity through increased durability, modular screen media and digital optimisation. The new trommel frames and light-weight screen media are now available to the mining industry globally and several pre-launch enquiries have already been received and quotes issued.

The re-engineered trommel frames utilise modular design and standardised construction principles that produces a frame with less mass, while maintaining maximum structural integrity. The new design employs screen media that is custom designed to be easy and safe to install and service.

The new trommel frames have been engineered and checked from top to bottom using FEA design calculations throughout the design process. This insures the trommels are structurally sound and will offer good service life.

The screening media weigh less than 25kg each and are fitted to the trommel using friction grip rails that use no extra parts such as bolts or pins. This means panel fitting and maintenance activities can be carried out quickly and safely using simple tools, reducing the time it takes to perform routine maintenance activities.

Discrete element analysis (DEM) software is available to customers through FLSmidth. This simulates the operation of the trommel and allows an analysis of pulp flow through the trommel.

"Our engineers can advise on how to optimise pulp flow through the trommel to improve both throughput and wear life of the screens," the company said.

The trommel chassis are largely pre-engineered but still can be custom-made to suit specific requirements. Global sourcing plans are already in place and, in combination with the modular features incorporated in the new designs, means trommel chassis can be fabricated closer to FLSmidth's customers' sites, providing faster delivery.

"We are excited to deliver this innovative solution to the market, because we believe it will be a key component for increase capacity for our customers. We recognised the customer's need for a simple to use and dependable trommel solution and we responded. These are suitable to any mining operation across the globe and will deliver on our promise of sustainable productivity enhancement," said Brent Stokes, head of wear parts & consumables at FLSmidth.