We are seeking solutions to avoid freezing and bridging of iron ore in Surge bin when ambient temperature drops to -20 to -40 DegC.
We mine and process high-grade iron ore from our hematite deposits in the Menihek region of Labrador and northern Quebec, Canada. Fines and superfine material from our beneficiation plant are produced with minimum 64% Fe while our DSO (Direct Shipping Ore) facilities crush, screen and dry 60%-62% Fe iron ore for direct shipping.
The ambient temperature reaches -10 to -40 Deg C in winter and the low temperatures cause problems such as iron ore freezing and choking, thereby reducing the productivity.
Iron ore processing plant follows the process steps (refer figure 1) as below -
We are facing the problem in Surge bin. In winter season, ore starts freezing and bridging in Surge bin which chokes it and further processing cannot be done. Bridging is a no-flow condition in which material forms a stable arch (bridge, dome) in surge bin due to which ore flow is choked for down stream process.
We are seeking solutions to avoid freezing and bridging of iron ore in Surge bin when ambient temperature drops to -20 to -40 DegC.
Requirements:
The proposed solution should fulfil following requirements:
Options tried:
1. CaCl2 is sprayed to avoid freezing of Ore. It helps to certain extent. High volume of CaCl2 creates issues in downward processing
2. Induced vibration to the Surge bin to smoothen iron ore flow.
Constraints:
Following constraints to be considered with solution -
1. Plant shutdown is not available for more than 10 days.