Coal Preparation » Gravity Separation
A project was undertaken to develop of a unit capable of remote inspections of Dense Medium Cyclones (DMC's) in coal preparation plants. The prototype unit that was produced consisted of a computer controlled camera and laser inspection head mounted on an aluminium, one way chain capable of unsupported extensions in excess of 4 m. The chain and associated delivery system allowed for the inspection head to enter the dense medium cyclone through the shroud and be extended up its length in such a way that a detailed visual inspection of the entire cyclone could be performed without the need for DMC disassembly or confined space entry.
The final site test was performed at Rio Tinto Coal & Allied Hunter Valley Operations, where a successful inspection was performed on a single, dual-cyclone module. The final test showed that the use of this inspection unit yielded superior inspection results in less time, with less associated cost and eliminated the confined space entry issues associated with a manual inspection.