Leading technology and products have been added to the FLSmidth stable with the TK Mining acquisition, arguably making the company the world leader with its comminution portfolio. Craig Brickhill, FLSmidth’s Regional Product Line Manager – Milling and HPGR, highlights that their brand now encompasses the best solutions, equipment and expertise from across the flowsheet.
“On the grinding side, for instance, we are a leader in solutions such as semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mills, while TK Mining held decades of positive experience with High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR),” says Craig.
FLSmidth Regional Product Line Manager – Crushing and Screening Demitri Kokoroyanis adds that the same applies to crushing. The company’s combined crushing technologies now put it well ahead of competitors, Demitri maintains.
Between the jaw and gyratory crushers
“Our Top Service Gyratory Crushers are advanced in both their ultra heavy-duty design and the way they facilitate safe and efficient servicing,” he says. He also points to the company’s Eccentric Roll Crusher ERC, which fits between the jaw and gyratory crushers in the range which differentiates FLSmidth from the competition.
The ERC has a built-in static grizzly screen before the crushing zone to allow removal of the fine material. Large rocks are fractured at the opening of the jaw to increase throughput and reduce the power consumption.
HPGR range
A key addition to FLSmidth’s current offering is the HPGR range with an installed population of about 160 units. The technology is an energy efficient alternative to traditional milling, as it transfers energy directly into the rock. As a dry process, it is also likely to see growing uptake as mines pursue sustainability targets that minimise water use.
The wide range of crushing offerings feeds into FLSmidth’s role as a provider of semi-mobile in-pit crushing plants, of which there are over 285 installations worldwide. “Our plants can be designed for direct feed – usually from gyratory crushers – and also for indirect feed, which can be accomplished with an apron feeder before a gyratory, ERC, jaw crusher, double roll crusher or double roll sizer,” says Demitri.
Transport crawlers
“We can take care of everything from the truck tip to the discharge conveyor, and the plant comes complete with auxiliary equipment for a smooth operation. The plants can be relocated to a new position in the pit with the use of transport crawlers with minimum disassembly required as mining progresses.”
The acquisition also means that FLSmidth’s engineering infrastructure now includes a world-class engineering facility at Chloorkop, Gauteng, focused on refurbishing HPGRs. It includes a test centre where material can be tested for suitability for processing by HPGR and for sizing of full-scale units.
