![]() “Operators are starting to add a lot more liquids and acids to their products now, so their applications require a variety of different types of instruments to help them control their assets as they move through the plant,” adds Leadbetter. The versatile instruments can be quickly set up and retrofitted on equipment already installed in facilities. MiniTrac 31 is part of Vega’s PROTRAC series, which is a comprehensive portfolio of density and level measuring units for mining operations. This is a distinct advantage in remote or hazardous environments. Values can be displayed on Vega’s Plicscom that uses Bluetooth, and also allows operators to make adjustments to the instrument from a distance of up to 80ft through a connected laptop, smartphone or tablet device. The amount of radiation it detects decreases when there is a greater density of material located in between.Īlongside measuring density and detecting levels, the unit can be used with a flow meter to determine any residues or the flow-rates of mass. MiniTrac 31uses a radiometric gauge to measure material density when positioned at two external points either side of a pipe or tank in a contactless operation. This makes it particularly suitable for use in nickel mining operations, especially given the thick muddy paste it has to measure. Its compact, lightweight design allows it to operate in cramped areas. The unit was developed to measure the density of liquids, slurries and bulk solids, specifically in sites that are difficult to access. That’s where Vega’s MiniTrac 31 comes in. In order to keep up with demand, some mining companies are establishing nickel operations at remote location and need to ensure that density measurements are accurate. Australia has a number of nickel mines, as well as two nickel refineries.” “It’s a very important industry for us and has been since the 1960s. The increasing demand for nickel has seen the opening of new mines in Western Australia, as well as giving a new lease of life to some previously mothballed facilities. That is then sent off to their customers who will use it to produce products such as batteries.” “The refinery takes the product and turns it into nickel nuggets. Australia has a number of nickel mines, as well as two nickel refineries,” says Leadbetter. ![]() Most nickel mined in Australia stays within the country. This can waste a lot of liquid.” Density measurement in nickel miningĪlthough Australia’s nickel export market is much smaller than that of iron ore or coal, it is still an essential industry for the nation’s west coast economy. But if it’s too light, you’re not getting the full benefit and operators will have to process a lot more of this mud before they get a decent extraction of nickel from the solution. “If mud is pumping through and you’ve got the wrong density measurements, you could be inadvertently wearing out your pipework. This can have huge cost repercussions,” explains John Leadbetter, managing director at Vega, specialists in process instrumentation solutions. “If you have a product that is a lot heavier than what you’re detecting, you will get wear and tear on your pipework because it is more abrasive. ![]()
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