CDMS was contracted to design an ore drop tower from concept right through to detailed design for fabrication. The design parameters required automated sample drop cycles with a maximum height of 15m and unlimited incremental drop heights right down to 2m.
CDMS started with a meeting of the engineering team to discuss a range of different transfer concepts suitable for autonomous operation. After selecting the most suitable and likely reliable design, a 3D model was developed of the concept to visualise the design, trouble shoot any conflicts and present to the client for preliminary approval.
With the conceptual design approved CDMS commenced the detailed design incorporating the following key areas:
- Mechanical design of drop bucket, transfer mechanism & hoist system;
- Structural design of base frame, tower modules & drop chute; and
- Civil design of tower footings.
The mechanical design comprised the major portion of the work where the fully automated process required clever use of standard mechanical components to minimise special items and eliminate expensive robotics.
For further details on Product Development services provided by CDMS please contact the CDMS team on (+61 8) 9421 9060 or email us at info@cdmsengineering.com.
Project Brief
Outcome
- Developed conceptual design
- Produced detailed design
- Tendered job and nominate suppliers
Background
SGS Minerals Metallurgy Malaga is the local branch of an international organisation, specializing in inspection, verification, testing and certification. The client required an ore drop tower to test the ore degradation per batch between mine and port. From this representative sample a more accurate estimation of the lump to fine ratio could be calculated for bulk density estimation.
Project Objectives
The work required engineering innovation in order to minimise ore handling time and provide a safe design for personnel protection.
Challenges
The key requirement for any automated process is repeatability. This lead to a compromise between keeping the moving parts as simple as possible, which could endure repeatable impact; yet was precise enough to repeatedly operate within the tolerances required for harmony of the system without premature failure.
Our Approach
CDMS started with a meeting of the engineering team to discuss a range of different transfer concepts suitable for autonomous operation. After selecting the most suitable and likely reliable design, a 3D model was developed of the concept to visualise the design, trouble shoot any conflicts and present to the client for preliminary approval. With the conceptual design approved CDMS commenced the detailed design
incorporating the following key areas:
- Mechanical design of drop bucket, transfer mechanism & hoist system;
- Structural design of base frame, tower modules & drop chute; and
- Civil design of tower footings.
The mechanical design comprised the major portion of the work where the fully automated process required clever use of standard mechanical components to minimise special items and eliminate expensive robotics.
