D288THK006 6202 0
D288THK006 6202 0
CONTROL PHILOSOPHY
DOC. #: D288THK006-6202
E212 CODE: 27, 29
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 PURPOSE OF SYSTEM......................................................................................................5
3 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS..............................................................................................6
4.2 Electric Motor and Hydraulic Pump for Hydraulic Drive ................................................................................. 7
4.4 Electric Motor and Hydraulic Pump for Hydraulic Rake Lifting Cylinders. .................................................. 7
5 INSTRUMENTS ................................................................................................................10
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6 VALVES..............................................................................................................................12
6.1 Pressure Relief Valve: PRV 001 (3200-PSV-40606A); PRV 002 (3200-PSV-40603); PRV 003 (3200-
PSV-40606B)........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
8 OPERATING SYSTEMS...................................................................................................13
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11 EMERGENCIES ...............................................................................................................18
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1 PURPOSE OF SYSTEM
The overall function of the thickener is to increase the density of slurry stream. This is achieved by feeding
the slurry stream into the thickener and by allowing the solids to settle. Supernatant then overflows into a
collection launder for further processing or disposal whilst the settled solids are raked to the centre cone
of the thickener and are removed as thickened slurry suitable for further processing.
The feed to the thickener enters through the feed pipe into the feedwell. The feed is either flocculated
from flocculant addition in the mixing tank prior to the thickener or flocculant is added directly into the
feedwell.
The solids in the feed slurry settle towards the floor of the thickener creating high density slurry. The
entering feed creates a motion in the sludge bed that improves the solids contact of the particles which
further promotes settlement. Sludge bed rakes then move the thickened solids towards the centre of
thickener and into the underflow bottom cone for discharge through the underflow nozzles and onto the
discharge pumps.
The liquor in the feed slurry travels upwards through the previously formed flocculated sludge bed which
effectively filters out the ultra fines or unflocculated particles. This filtered liquor is then discharged as
supernatant via the thickener overflow resulting in common overflow clarities in the range of 100-200ppm.
Under normal operating conditions, there is a sharp interface between the sludge bed and clarified liquid
above the sludge bed. For best operational results, it is important that the level of the sludge bed be
maintained at an appropriate elevation above the feed inlet. A bed level interface detector is used to detect
the interface between the sludge bed and the liquid. The signal from the sensing device is used to regulate
the rate of flocculant addition so that the sludge bed level is maintained at a normal operating level.
A bed pressure detector is installed in the underflow bottom cone to monitor the pressure of the
concentrated slurry in the underflow bottom cone. This measurement can be used to regulate underflow
removal.
2 PROCESS CONDITIONS
The equipment to be provided by Delkor to Barrick Gold / Fluor Techint, Pascua Lama Project is a 62m
diameter thickener, fed from Refractory circuit and the overflows from Non Refractory circuit.
The continuously actuated thickener is fed with slurry at 17.3% solids, -30º up to 30ªC temperature and
average pH 10.5. The slurry is fed into the Mix Tank.
The flocculant is added at a rate of 26,5 g per tonne of solids. This will be provided by one (1) dosing point
into the Drop Box and six (6) dosing points directly into the Feedwell.
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A hydraulic drive rotates the rakes at 0.06 rpm which guides the underflow slurry towards the centre of
the discharge cone which is situated in the discharge cone. In the event of high torque of the hydraulic
drive, independently operated hydraulic cylinders will raise the rakes. The equipment was designed for 3000
KNm maximum operation torque (MOT).
The underflow is discharged at 62% solids by pumps (customer supply), while the liquid generated from the
overflow will be discharged by gravity at 100 ppm of solids.
The following control philosophy is based on the control logic of rakes lifting depending on the percentage
of the drive torque (directly proportional to the pressure generated by the hydraulic unit), on the
flocculant consumption depending of the interface level , and on the UF pump speed depending of the UF
density. All will be controlled from the client control system.
3 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
3.1 Process Flow Diagram:
Refer to instruments data sheets (Doc. Nº D288THK009) or motors data sheets (Doc. Nº D288THK008)
for additional information.
Plant Details:
− Location: The site and area of interest is situated in the Cordillera de Los Andes, in a border
area between Chile and Argentina, the temperature range between -30ºC to 30ºC
− Elevation Wet Process Plant : 3999 - 4048 masl
− LV Distribution and Power:
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Note: The suction valve between the drive hydraulic pump and the oil reservoir tank must be open prior to
thickener operation. This valve is delivered with a padlock and in the open position.
The electric motor is connected directly to the client Motor Control Centre M.C.C.
4.4 Electric Motor and Hydraulic Pump for Hydraulic Rake Lifting Cylinders.
Within the Power Pack, an electric motor drives a hydraulic pump which delivers the hydraulic pressure
for the rake lifting cylinders to raise the rakes.
The rake lifting electric motor and hydraulic pump must always remain running while the thickener is in
operation. If the electric motor fails then an audible alarm in the local control panel & DCS/PCS sounds.
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In addition to the digital indicators for the site devices, signals and buttons selectors allow system operation
(For further detail, see Control Panel drawing T288SF62202@09).
Emergency Stop (3200-HSS-40616) : This button is directly connected to the DCS and stops the
electric motors for the hydraulic drive system and the hydraulic lifting system, and there are other available
to connect to the M.C.C. (Motor Control Centre) if the client requires.
Rake Raise Jog Button (Green) (3200-HS-40636A) : The hydraulic lifting motor will raise the rakes
by activation of the local control panel rake raise Jog button when the local/remote mode is set to local.
Rake Lower Jog Button (Green) (3200-HS-40636B): The hydraulic lifting motor will lower the rakes
by activation of the local control panel rake lower Jog button when the local/remote mode is set to local.
Rake Drive Motor Jog (Black) (3200-HS-40617): The hydraulic drive motor will rotate when rake
drive jog push button is pressed with local/remote selector set to local.
Rake Lift Motor Start Button (Green) (3200-HS-40615A) : The Local Control Panel rake lift motor
start button can be used to start the rake lift hydraulic motor with local/remote selector set to local..
Rake Lift Motor Stop Button (Red) (3200-HS-40615B) : The Local Control Panel rake lift motor
stop button can be used to stop the rake lift hydraulic motor with local/remote selector set to local.
Alarm Cancel Push Button (Black) (3200-HS-40614) : When the audible alarm is activated it will
be necessary to push the alarm cancel button to silence alarm. This ensures that the operator has to
return to the control panel and inspect the equipment.
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Very High Torque Reset Button (Red) (3200-HS-40632) : When the very high torque level is
reached it will be necessary to push the reset button to re-start the operation. This ensures that the
operator has to return to the control panel and inspect the equipment before the unit can be re-started.
Hand switch Main Switch (Red) (3200-HS-40613) : Selector in position On will enable the Control
Panel and in position Off will de-enable the Control Panel.
4.9 Indicators
4.10 Lamps
Emergency Stop Light Indication (Red) (3200-XL-40616) : The Emergency Stop lamp is illuminated
when the Emergency Stop Button is pressed.
Rake up Travel Indication (Blue) (3200-XL-40611A) : The travel up lamp is illuminated when the
signal is sent to the rake raise solenoid, activated by DCS.
Rake down Travel Indication (Blue) (3200-XL-40611B) : The travel down lamp is illuminated when
the signal is sent to the rake lower solenoid, activated by DCS.
Rake Raised Indication (White) (3200-XL-40636A) : The rake raised lamp is illuminated when the
rake position upper limit switch is activated.
Rake Lowered Indication (White) (3200-XL-40636B) : The rake lowered lamp is illuminated when
the rake position lower limit switch is activated.
Rake Drive Motor Running Indication (Green) (3200-XL-40618): The Drive Motor lamp is
illuminated when the drive motor is running.
High Torque Indication (Red) (3200-XL-40632A) : There is an alarm light on the Panel which
illuminates in a High Torque alarm condition.
High High Torque Indication (Red) (3200-XL-40632B) : There is an alarm light on the Panel which
illuminates in a High High Torque alarm condition.
Horn Siren Alarm (3200-XA-40631) : The alarm sounds in the event of an alarm condition.
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5 INSTRUMENTS
See Instrument List L288THK004 for further information on all instruments listed in this section. All set
point values and timers such as :
- Timer for Rake down travel in mode Remote/Automatic : 10 [sec]
- Timer for wait some time after of occur the rake down travel in mode Remote/Automatic : 10
[min]
for instruments in the client control system are provisional and subject to change during commissioning,
therefore timers / settings must be adjustable in the clients control system. Instruments supplied by others
listed in this section are Delkor recommendations for good operation and control.
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transmits via Foundation Fieldbus to client control system. This instrument delivery two alarms :
- Alarm Low : Minimum oil level inside the tank allowing the operation of the electric motors for the
hydraulic pumps for both the hydraulic drive motors and the lifting cylinders.
- Alarm Low – Low : The electric motors for the hydraulic pumps for both the hydraulic drive
motors and the lifting cylinders are stopped.
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6 VALVES
6.1 Pressure Relief Valve: PRV 001 (3200-PSV-40606A); PRV 002 (3200-PSV-40603); PRV
003 (3200-PSV-40606B)
There are three pressure relief valves within the hydraulic power pack as follows:
PRV 001 is connected on the rake lifting hydraulic circuit and is set to 22 Mpa (TBC)
PRV 002 is connected on the drive motor hydraulic circuit and is set to 18 Mpa (TBC)
PRV 003 is connected on the rake lifting hydraulic circuit and is set to 25 Mpa (TBC)
7 AUTOLUBRICATION SYSTEM
See Instrument List L288THK004 for further information on all instruments listed in this section. All set
point values and timers such as :
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8 OPERATING SYSTEMS
The units can be operated in local/manual or remote/automatic mode as selected by the local/remote
selector by PCS (TAG No. TBC).
The Rake Drive Jog, Rake Inch Up and Rake Inch Down push buttons on the Local Control Panel do not
function when the thickener is in the Remote(Automatic mode.
When the thickener is stopped in the Remote/Automatic mode, the rakes should raise until the upper limit
switch is reached.
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The thickener should only be operated in Local/Manual mode by authorised and trained personnel.
With the selector in remote or automatic mode, the control logic will operate within the client control
system as is described as follow:
•
If the torque value reaches a value of SP1, the alarm sounds
•
If the torque value reaches a value of SP2, the rakes raise until the torque reaches a value lower than
SP1 or until reaching the upper limit switch.
•
If the torque reaches a value lower than SP1, the rake lifting stops for 10 minutes. The rakes then lower
for 10 seconds and then stop for a further 10 minutes. This cycle continues until the rake low limit
switch is reached. If at anytime the torque reaches the value of SP2, the rakes begin to rise, and the
whole cycle starts again.
•
If the torque value reaches a value of SP3, the rakes will stop rotating and will lift until the upper limit
switch is reached at which point the hydraulic lifting motor will stop.
•
3200-PSHH-40601 is an over pressure safety switch which activates when 105% of the maximum
operating torque is reached. If this condition is reached, the rakes will stop rotating and will lift until the
upper limit switch is reached at which point the hydraulic lifting motor will stop.
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PS1 3150 105% The electric motor for the hydraulic - Audible alarm in the
pump for the drive motors is
local control panel
stopped.
The rakes lift until the rake upper sounds.
limit switch is reached.
The electric motor for the hydraulic
pump for the lifting cylinder is
stopped.
DELKOR recommends that the rakes are not left, and or operated in a raised position for extended
periods of time to reduce the probability of solid build up which could ultimately result in a requirement to
drain the thickener. A high torque alarm is raised to advise the operator that the torque is higher than
normal and action should be taken, the rakes are raised in order to protect the rakes while the operator
investigates the high torque, i.e. if the rakes are continuously operating in a raised position or continuously
cycling up and down then the thickener is operating outside its process design envelope. It is incumbent on
the operators to inspect the plant and to ascertain why this is happening.
Note: Plant operation at these conditions is not conducive to machine reliability and or long term
availability. Plant operation should be reviewed and adjusted accordingly. If in doubt please contact Delkor
for assistance.
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.- Alarm High – High when the maximum rake lift level is exceeded and Stop the lifting.
.- Alarm Low – Low when the minimum rake lift level is exceeded and Stop the lowering.
NOTE: FOR SAFETY REASONS, TWO OPERATORS ARE REQUIRED FOR STARTING OF THE
THICKENER, ONE OPERATOR AT THICKENER AND ONE OPERATOR AT THE CLIENTS CONTROL
SYSTEM. BOTH OPERATORS MUST BE IN CONSTANT COMMUNICATION. THE OPERATOR AT
THE THICKENER MUST CONFIRM THAT THE CONTROL AND HYDRAULIC SETTINGS ARE
CORRECT DURING START UP.
It is assumed that the dry running and water tests for the tank have been completed as part of the
installation procedure. Under no circumstances should the drive be stopped with the thickener full of
slurry.
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8. Begin the slurry feed and flocculant dosage (if is required) as per the design rate. The formation of the
sludge bed can take up to 2 days during which recirculation should be maintained. The rake lift drive
should not need to raise the rakes during this stage.
9. Check the underflow solids content and cut the recycle when the proper density by client is reached
(45% solids), in accordance with the torque values. After that, the underflow discharge must be open
(in relation to operation status) to accumulate solids until reach the design density (62% solids). This
may take up to 2 days.
10. Once the thickener has reached stable operation in accordance with the design data, the unit should be
switched to the Remote Mode.
11. Constant supervision is recommended during the start up period.
12. The operation should continue to be closely monitored for at least 24 hours.
NOTE: Before starting-up the thickener it is necessary to carry out a complete pre-start-up check as
detailed in the Operation and Maintenance Manual.
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11 EMERGENCIES
11.1.1 If action is required because the overflow clarity exceeds 100ppm, either the discharge flow should
be increased and/or the thickener feed flow should be cut or reduced.
11.1.2 If action is required because the underflow has a very high density (greater than 62% solids of
course, preliminary between 64 – 65 %) and/or torque is quickly increasing (greater than 25 %),
either the discharge flow should be increased and/or the thickener feed flow should be cut or
reduced.
11.1.3 In the event of a control error, stop the thickener feed and check the operation of all components
including feed and discharge valves, level sensor, flocculant dosing, pipe obstructions, etc.
Occasionally it is possible that the feed could contain abnormally large particles which could cause
blockages and upset the system.
11.1.4 Feed material variations could affect the operation of the unit. In order to minimise these affects, it
is recommended that the operator is attentive to any changes and takes the necessary precautions.
11.1.5 Is recommendable that the Drive motor thickener will be connected to the plant emergency power
system. This means, than to a failure of communication between the IED and the DCS, this
equipment must continue operating.
When the high torque trip is activated the main rake drive motors are shut down.
11.3.2 Open the water process valve in the line towards the cone.
11.3.3 Discharge underflow lines, before and after underflow pumps, and if is possible wash with water.
11.3.4 When the backup power is available, open the knife valves located in the thickener cone and close
the water process valve.
Note: If there is back up power available, the system must be restarted quickly otherwise the full power
shutdown procedure may still be necessary.
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Note: The electric motors which are driving the hydraulic pumps should be connected to the plant
emergency power system.
The hydraulic pressure switch (3200-PSHH-40601) must be directly connected to the DCS and its function
will be to stop the thickener when the torque is equal to 105% MOT (3150 kNm).
FIELD MEASUREMENT
REF. CONVERSION TAG REFERENCE
ANALOGUE INPUT
Rake Position Sensor F.F. 3200-ZIT-40637
Torque Pressure Transducer F.F. 3200-OIT-40632
Bed Level Interface Detector 4 – 20 mA 3200-LIT-40630
Bed Pressure Detector F.F. 3200-PIT-40635
Hydraulic Oil Tank Level F.F. 3200-LIT-40608
Hydraulic Oil Tank temperature F.F. 3200-TIT-40604
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FIELD SWITCHES
REF. FAIL STATE TAG REFERENCE
DIGITAL INPUT
Rake High Limit Switch NO 3200-ZSH-40636
Rake Low Limit Switch NO 3200-ZSL-40636
Over Torque Pressure Switch NC 3200-PSHH-40601
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The recommended signal from and to the client control system are as follows:
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