Mechanimix designed and delivered four top-entry agitators for the surge and filtrate tanks of a mineral processing plant. The 44 m³ surge tanks use dual-stage, down-pumping HWM-B hydrofoil impellers, while the 16 m³ filtrate tanks use a single stage. The impellers are rubber-lined to withstand an abrasive, fine-grained slurry with approximately 53% solids by weight and a d80 of about 27 µm. The system was sized to run at fixed speed without a variable frequency drive (VFD), achieving full suspension without settling even when the tank is first filled with liquid and solids are fed afterwards.
Results
Continuous solids suspension with dual-stage NP-M agitators in the surge tanks and single-stage units in the filtrate tanks
Extended service life against ~53% solids abrasive slurry thanks to rubber-lined HWM-B impellers
Simple control and lower capital cost with a 51 rpm fixed-speed drive — no VFD required
Low-vibration, stable operation with a heavy-duty bearing housing on tapered roller bearings
