New trommel solution increases flexibility in customers’ processes

(Web Magazine 2008)

Metso Minerals offers world-leading trommel solutions for AG, SAG and ball mill applications. Our development work has led to the launch of a new patented system for mill trommel spirals that has the potential to improve our customers’ process efficiency even further.

The spiral has primarily been developed for customers who buy our mill trommels. The feet of the spiral are adjustable so it is possible to install on any rubber or polyurethane panel from Metso’s modular screen range.

“We expect the spiral to add substantial value to our customers. The market for the new spiral is larger than the market for our traditional spiral since it is more flexible and can therefore be used in a wider range of applications”, states Mr Kjell Nilsson, VP, Mill Lining Systems.

Mr Lars Furtenbach, RTD Manager Mill Lining Systems is responsible for the development work. He started to work on the trommel spiral at the beginning of 2007 together with his team. “Our task has been to develop a spiral that is flexible to our customers’ various processes”, Mr Furtenbach says.

The spiral has undergone several tests with our customers, all of which were very successful. The spiral is economically beneficial since the feet or vane can be replaced separately if one is worn out before the other. In addition, wear life can be prolonged, as it is possible to turn the individual spiral elements axially in the middle of their life cycle to uniformly distribute wear.

Furthermore, our customers’ performance can be enhanced thanks to the fact that the spiral pitch angle can be adjusted. By adjusting the angle, the flow and screening characteristics of the trommel can be fine-tuned. “Moreover, all components are constructed of moulded rubber, which provides superior wear performance and uniform quality”, Mr Furtenbach pointed out.
Metso Minerals is the first company in the world to develop this type of spiral. Several standard sizes of the spiral will be stocked.

For more information about our new trommel spiral, please contact Kjell Nilsson.