Metso launches breakthrough hydrocyclone technology

Metso has launched the newest member of its MHC hydrocyclones product family, the MHC curved bottom (CB).

The MHC CB is suited for lithium, gold, aggregates, nickel, magnetite, hematite, limestone, aluminium, zinc, molybdenum, silica and more.

The new hydrocyclone is designed for superior particle separation with increased unit capacity and coarser cut sizes while minimising the fines bypass.

Metso hydrocyclones product group manager Ben Klein says the design of the MHC CB is based on the proven MHC hydrocyclone but upgraded with new innovative features, making it a true breakthrough technology for the classification process.

“Thanks to this unique patented design, the new hydrocyclone offers higher unit capacity compared to standard hydrocyclone technologies,” he said.

“The MHC CB is also capable of producing coarser overflow products for a given hydrocyclone size, allowing for greater flexibility in classification and especially beneficial to new coarse particle flotation circuits.

“Finally, it provides enhanced classification efficiency by minimising unwanted fines and water in the underflow.”

The MHC CB hydrocyclone is ideal for grinding circuit classification — from primary to fine grinding — and for a full range of mineral types. It is highly compatible with dewatering and desliming applications.

MHC CB is suited for greenfield and brownfield projects and its simple design makes it easy to retrofit into existing hydrocyclone clusters.

“In an effort to better support our partners and customers, the MHC CB was developed in partnership with Anglo American, which has worked with Metso since the onset in investigating improvement in hydrocyclone classification,” Mr Klein says.

“Anglo American has provided support with both large-scale laboratory and pilot testing to prove the technology.

“Imperial College has also provided support in bringing this concept to light and in confirming the validity of this new technology as a third party.”