Wemco 1+1 Inert Gas: Optimised for molybdenum/copper

Key Benefits

Efficient
Cost effective
Flexible
No external nitrogen supply required

What we offer

What sets WEMCO 1+1 Inert Gas apart

Extracting copper from molybdenum can be a difficult and costly process. The WEMCO 1+1 Inert Gas flotation mechanism offers the easy and low cost solution for your process.

The WEMCO self aspirated design has been modified so that the air drawn into the pulp comes directly from above the froth, within the body of the sealed cells, continuously re-cycling the gas used to form the bubbles which becomes naturally depleted in oxygen. As no new air is introduced to the flotation process the only oxygen entering the cells is that present in the fresh feed slurry which is <<1% of the oxygen that can be introduced through the flotation process. The system is designed so that the gas released when the forth breaks down in the launders and sumps is vented back to the cells maintaining the air supply without fresh oxygen entering the system.

The nitrogen costs nothing because it is extracted from the entrained air present in the flotation feed pulp. There is no need for a costly external Nitrogen supply. The unique design of the airtight system and the efficiency of the degassers ensure a constant supply of gas. WEMCO 1+1 Inert Gas technology also prevents oxidation of the NaSH and cuts consumption from 12 kg/t to <4 kg/t without adding nitrogen.

At the heart of each WEMCO 1+1 cell is a patented rotor-disperser that delivers intense mixing and aeration. Continuously re-cycling air is drawn into the cell uniformly distributed throughout the pulp, providing optimum air/particle contact. In larger cells, a false bottom and draft tube channel slurry flow, ensures high re-circulation and eliminates your need for sanding. The WEMCO1+1 Inert Gas builds upon this design, and optimises it for molybdenum/copper separation. This means lower reagent consumption, and no need for a nitrogen supply.

Simple and rugged construction make the WEMCO 1+1 Inert Gas flotation mechanism extremely reliable, and keeps your maintenance costs to a minimum. A heavy-duty bearing stand supports the motor driven V-belt and shaft assembly. Twin oversized antifriction bearings mounted in cast iron housing maintain accurate shaft alignment, ensuring you get smooth, trouble free rotor operation. The stand pipe, disperser, and hood are suspended beneath the base plate.

Key benefits

How Wemco 1+1 Inert Gas can improve your operation

High efficiency: This combination of efficient aeration and optimum solids suspension gives you the highest recovery and concentrate grade performance available, and reduces your reagent consumption.
Cost effective: Airflow into the pulp is induced by the turning rotor. No forced air supply system is required, eliminating the need for you to operate blowers and distribution piping - and thereby cutting your costs. Airflow compensation for varying feed densities is automatic, minimising the operator attention required. Another benefit is that you can remove a single mechanism for service without interrupting production, unlike forced-air systems which require you to shut down an entire cell bank for service access to a single mechanism. And more uptime means more productivity.
Flexible: Complete sectional symmetry allows you to operate the 1+1 rotor either clockwise or counter-clockwise and to rotate it end-for-end. This allows for the transposition of worn and unworn surfaces and further extending mechanism life
No need for a nitrogen supply: The WEMCO 1+1 Inert Gas allows for effective and efficient molybdenum/copper separation, without the need for an external nitrogen supply . This is achieved through the WEMCO self aspirated design that draws air into the pulp from directly above the froth within a sealed tank. The gas within the cell is continuously recycled and becomes naturally depleted in oxygen. There is no new air introduced to the flotation process with oxygen only entering the cells by way of the fresh feed medium which is generally <<1% introduced through the entire flotation process.

Product features

Exclusive design, proven superiority

Flexible, Modular Tank and Box Design

The basic module of the WEMCO 1+1 Inert Gas flotation system is a cell consisting of a single tank and mechanism. Several cells are bolted together to form a flotation process with feed, connection and discharge boxes as required. Pulp level in the tanks is controlled by automatically operated dart valves in the connection and discharge boxes. All boxes are elastomer-lined for maximum abrasion resistance.

Elevated Rotor Position

To reduce wear on your rotor and disperser surfaces, the 1+1 aeration mechanism is positioned well above the tank bottom, eliminating contact with abrasive, oversized tramp material. After shutdown, the elevated rotor allows 1+1 cells to be restarted instantly, unlike conventional designs where the rotor and floor-mounted stator are located in the zone of heaviest solids accumulation.

Large design clearances

Aerator mechanism erosion is further reduced by large design clearances between rotor and disperser. Normal wear life of a WEMCO 1+1 mechanism is 2-4 times that of closely spaced conventional rotor/stator designs. Because WEMCO mechanisms stay within design tolerances longer, you can maintain peak metallurgical performance over a longer period, further enhancing your profitability.

Reliable, Automatic Level Control

A unique electronic/pneumatic level control system uses dual bubble tubes or ultrasonic devices so you can accurately measure and precisely control pulp level regardless of fluctuations in density. Convenient panel displays provides you with continuous, easy-to-read access to operating information. This PLC unit integrates easily with mill DCS systems for complete remote operation from your control room, including set point and process variable readout.

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