Operation of the Pre-Processing Machine
The feed is loaded into the silo by truck or loader and distributed onto the drum by a feeder. The iron present in the feed adheres to the drum and is separated from the waste, falling into a tray and then conveyed via a belt to the product pit. The waste material is discharged from the drum into the waste pit.
It should be noted that a head-silo (shaft screen) is used to separate lumps in areas containing oversized chunks.
Description of the Magnetite Drum (Pre-Processing)
The drum consists of several N42 white magnets, with the magnetic flux intensity (Gauss) varying depending on the number of magnets and their arrangement.
Magnet dimensions: 5 × 5 × 10 cm.
Drum Sizes and Magnet Arrangement
The drums are also manufactured in different sizes as follows:
- 65 × 1.50 m
- 70 × 1.50 m
- 80 × 1.50 m
- 90 × 1.50 m
The magnets are arranged in two methods: radial and axial (vertical and horizontal).
The number of magnets in each drum is approximately 208, although this number can vary depending on the drum size.
Determining Recovery and Reducing Iron Loss in Tailings
Based on contracts with pre-processing contractors, the produced product is calculated according to the ore recovery from the site. Accordingly, this unit takes daily feed samples from all pre-processing equipment to determine the weight percentage.
It should be noted that, due to product quality and to prevent loss of mineral content, sampling is also performed from the produced product and tailings. Given the sensitivity of the process, the collected samples are analyzed using a cross-belt sampler to determine the percentage, and the obtained data is recorded in the system. The information is then provided daily to the contractor to inform them about the ore status.
Additionally, the contractors have confidence in the samples taken by the equipment personnel, ensuring accurate representation of the ore.
