conventional thickener at high temperature in Namibia

SteadyBed® Thickener Control System

Coal tailings conventional thickener showing feed launder and bridge in South Africa

SteadyBed® Thickener Control System

High rate thickener treating acid mine drainage water in South Africa

SteadyBed® Thickener Control System

SteadyBed® Thickener Control System with SonarTXM® Technology

The SteadyBed® Thickener Control System controls the thickener discharge rate (underflow pump speed) based on the input parameters: mud bed height, rake torque, rake position and underflow density to produce consistent optimum performance of the thickener. Ideally a thickener should be operated at a mud bed height which maximises underflow density without exerting excessive torque on the rake mechanism.

A key component of the SteadyBed® Thickener Control System is the SonarTXM® sensor developed jointly with DannTech Process Instrumentation. It is a specialized, purposed designed, sensing device which has its own internal circuitry to conduct several types of measurements. The measurements are primarily ultrasound attenuation at one or more wavelengths to suit the mud characteristics. The sensor has some intelligence built-in to ensure reliable and repeatable continuous operational measurement of the mud level in thickeners and settling tanks. The time between measurements is designed to ensure that the measurement is done to avoid the rake movement.

Versions on offer:

SteadyBed® Portable Pro with SonarTXM® technology
Portable probe in durable case

SteadyBed® Auto with SonarTXM® technology
Probe fitted on drum reel for automatic measurement

SteadyBed® Thickener Control System with SonarTXM® technology
Probe fitted on drum reel for automatic measurement and full control of thickener underflow discharge

The SteadyBed™ Thickener Control System allows a thickener to be operated in a semi steady state condition by keeping the mud bed interface at a constant height within the tank. Rake torque and underflow density are related through the mud bed height. Using the SteadyBed™ thickener control system an optimum operating mud bed height condition can be achieved in which underflow density is maximised without excessive rake torque. The SteadyBed™ Thickener Control System was developed in-house to address the industry need for reduced variability in the thickener underflow product density to the benefit of the tailings storage facility designer and operator.

Benefits:

  • Improved water or liquor recovery
  • Increased underflow density
  • Reduced flocculant consumption
  • Protection of rake internals from excessive torque
  • Reduced underflow variability
  • Improved metal accounting in concentrate thickeners
  • Improved washing efficiency in CCD circuits

The SteadyBed™ Thickener Control System allows a thickener to be operated in a semi steady state condition by keeping the mud bed interface at a constant height within the tank. Rake torque and underflow density are related through the mud bed height. Using the SteadyBed™ thickener control system an optimum operating mud bed height condition can be achieved in which underflow density is maximised without excessive rake torque. The SteadyBed™ Thickener Control System was developed in-house to address the industry need for reduced variability in the thickener underflow product density to the benefit of the tailings storage facility designer and operator.

Applications:

  • Tailings thickeners
  • Concentrate thickeners
  • Pre-leach and Post-leach thickeners
  • CCD thickeners
  • Pre-mill thickeners