Three new fine-grinding vertical mills Vertimill VTM3000 manufactured by Metso Minerals are under commissioning at Talnakh Concentrator, Polar Division of Nornickel as a part of introduction of new technology for high-grade and cupriferous ores enrichment.
The equipment is unique for both Polar Division of the company and Russian operations. VTM3000 will be the first application of vertical mills of this size in the country. One unit measures 6.92 meters in length, 6.36 meters in width, 17.59 meters in height, and 343 tons in weight. One mill power is 3000 horse-power (2237 kW) with processing capacity of 800 t/hour.
The mills have been already recognized as the most power-efficient grinding equipment. Energy saving reaches 30-35% compared to that of conventional horizontal ball mill. The equipment is able to handle the feed size up to 6 mm and reduce it to 20 microns and less.
Vertimill design is simple and based on a few key elements that help to considerably reduce amount of maintenance and shorten preventive maintenance time. Milling medium is driven by rotating auger creating attrition being the grinding mechanism.
Vertical mills are more wear-resistant and efficient compared to horizontal ones. Vertical design facilitates internal separation of particles and prevents their overgrinding.
The equipment provides 35% reduction of milling balls consumption. Additionally, it is distinguished by low noise of 85 dB. Shorter preventive maintenance time and high safety are some of the equipment benefits.
Commissioning of new mills will enable to improve release of minerals thus permitting new process flowsheet to be implemented for beneficiation of high-grade and cupriferous ores. (Norilsk Nickel/Ukrainian metal)