:: Turnkey Thickener Conversion Offers Major Cost Efficiencies at BMA’s Saraji Coal Mine

A turnkey conversion project at Australia’s Saraji coal mine will see the latest high rate Outokumpu SUPAFLO^® thickening technology installed in existing equipment for less than the third of the cost of a new unit.

The agreement between Outokumpu Technology’s Service Division and BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) at Saraji will involve converting an existing magnetite clarifier to a flotation concentrate thickener, saving millions of dollars in the process.

Project activity will culminate during a 14-day shutdown in October 2005, taking a fraction of the several months usually needed to build a new thickener of this size. It also will involve less site disruption and get production back on-line sooner, says Outokumpu Technology Customer Support Manager, Jason King.

Outokumpu SUPAFLO^® high rate thickeners reduce surface areas by up to 90 per cent, compared with older, more conventional designs. Their patented low-drag rake arm is designed to increase reliability by reducing the torque loading on the drive. Reliability is also enhanced by a proven hydraulic drive with four levels of system protection, as well as a robust control system.