 |
 |
||||||
[August 2005]
Insitec Optimises Silica Sand Milling
Product consistency and mill control at Hoben Industrial Minerals Ltd (HIM) - a specialist in processing hard minerals to fine powders - have been transformed following the installation of a Malvern Insitec on-line particle size analyser and a Hosokawa Micron classifier.
At HIM's ball mill facility near Wirksworth, Derbys, England, the continuous stream of particle size data produced by the Insitec is used to automatically control classifier speed, with operators simply inputting the established set points for the required grade of silica powder. According to Malvern Instruments, product consistency is now exemplary and customer satisfaction and confidence has dramatically increased. The effectiveness of the process control has been significantly enhanced and the manpower required to run the unit substantially reduced.
As a result of the improvements in product quality, bulk transfer of silica powder to the customer is now acceptable: before the changes, the product was shipped in paper sacks on pallets. In addition, HIM's ability to consistently produce a more closely specified product has allowed its customer to access new markets. When off-line sieve analysis was used, the product was specified only in terms of a certain fraction greater than 53 microns, but other parameters are measured continuously and controlled.
"We now operate 24/7," says Managing Director Kelvin Rhodes. "Our throughput has increased by around 60% and we require significantly less manual input in terms of analytical effort. The Insitec system has been highly reliable and maintenance requirements are low, despite operating in a vibrating and harsh environment."
Founded in the late 1960s, HIM processes special sands, flours, high grade chamottes, calcined bauxite and siliceous mixes for the ceramic, glass and refractory industries. Both imported and domestic raw materials are processed through the crushing and/or screening plants and milled through the continuous high density alumina lined ball mill to precise and exacting standards. The company also offers a complete contract processing service.
www.malvern.co.uk
www.hoben-minerals.co.uk
ENDS