For the mining industry, process performance is an important KPI for evaluating efficiency and effectiveness of management. Innovations and developments that enhance plant productivity and maximize mill utilization rate are prioritized for implementation.
One critical task in grinding is changing mill liners, a process that directly impacts plant availability. In Peru, one of the most significant mining operations, known for setting benchmarks in the local industry, requires reliable and innovative solutions for its 24×36 ft. ball mill. These solutions must align with the core pillars of operational development: excellent performance, innovation, and safety.
Currently, the client uses traditional bolting, which involves a more complex and risky process for both installation and maintenance.
ME Elecmetal’s proposal for the mining operation in Peru involves reducing the number of parts in the mill cylinder from six to five rings through optimized design. This design improvement extends the useful life of the liners compared to mills of similar size.
The ME PolyFIT® external bolting system offers a fastening solution for ball and SAG mill liners by securing them to the mill shell with bolts inserted from the outside. This system eliminates the need for personnel to work inside the mill, simplifying the installation process by avoiding the need to pass bolts from the inside to the outside for each liner.
Internally, ME Elecmetal uses a specialized technology to enhance normal fastening conditions with a loose nut. This technology reduces friction during bolt installation, increasing the likelihood of achieving the design tension with less torque loss due to friction. It also improves the load distribution on the threads of the bolt and the part, making force transmission more efficient throughout the campaign.
Our hybrid rubber-steel materials provide customized solutions for each mill, aligning with client objectives such as longevity, capacity, and minimization of downtime. These solutions are resistant to abrasion and castings, occupy minimal mill volume, and reduce the number of parts, optimizing the capacity of the liner handler for faster installation.
This solution has been successfully implemented at one of the most significant mining operations in Peru for one of its two ball mills.
To implement this solution, ME Elecmetal is supported by Valley Forge-USA, a company renowned for its premium quality in the manufacture of fastening elements. Our commercial agreements enable us to collaborate on the development and innovation of cutting-edge solutions.
We utilize specialized laboratories and equipment, staffed by highly skilled personnel, to provide precise and effective solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.
