Nickel
The MoistScan® moisture analyser range has proven to be very
compatible with applications within the Nickel Industry.
Typically the MoistScan® obtains an instrument precision of 0.7%
for products which have a moisture range of 25% - 40%.
Typical application use for the Moistscan® include:
• De-watering circuits such as for the input to kiln dryers
• Plant feedback by analysing the output of the kiln dryer
• ROM applications for metallurgical accounting
• Loading Ports and train load outs for commercial and
contractual purposes.
• Measurement of nickel carbonate within the process
Customers include:
• SLN (New Caledonia)
• Votorantin Metatis (Brazil)
• BHP Billiton
Case Study - Queensland Nickel Plant's use of MoistScan's
Microwave technology.
One of the most recent examples of MoistScan's accuracy was the
analysis of its performance on site at Queensland Nickel Pty
Ltd. (QNI). Located in Yabulu near Townsville, QNI is a
subsidiary of BHP Billiton Ltd and refines laterite nickel ore
to a range of nickel products as well as producing cobalt. The
annual production capacity is 30,000 tonnes of nickel and 2,000
tonnes of cobalt. It is important the ore is dried to a
consistent moisture level as variations can lead to process
instability and unnecessary losses. There is also a need for
moisture measurement to obtain a mass balance and for
metallurgical accounting purposes. The stockpiles are open to
the weather and hence variation in moisture content on receipt
at the drier. The ores are very difficult to handle, having a
claylike texture resulting in an inconsistent feeding system
onto the belt which in turn causes continual changes in the ore
profile. This results in significant surging of the material.
The nickel ore also tends to agglomerate into lumps when wet and
this tendency is heightened by increased moisture content.
Application examples
Instrument:
Material:
Installation:
Moisture:
Purpose: |
MA-500HD
Nickel Ore
On exit conveyor belt to rotary dryer
15 - 30%
Dryer control
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 |
Instrument:
Material:
Installation:
Moisture:
Purpose: |
MA-600VDF
Nickel Concentrate
Rotary disc filter
8 - 10%
Process automation and feed-back control
|
 |
Instrument:
Material:
Installation:
Moisture:
Purpose: |
MA-500HD x 2
Nickel
Conveyor belt on in-feed to rotary dryer
25 - 30%
Improve dryer efficiency
|
 |
Instrument:
Material:
Installation:
Moisture:
Purpose: |
MA-500HD
Nickel Ore
On SAG mill feed belt
1- 5%
SAG mill feed tonnage accounting
|
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