OREANDA-NEWS. June 28, 2013. Kola MMC concentrator launched a large-scale project involving modernization of electric drives and control systems of the two large-scale MSH-300 ball mills. The company's investments in equipment renovation will amount to more than RUB 500 mln.

Large mills play a major role in the concentrator’s process flow sheet. They ensure processing of 3.3 mln. t of ore per year, representing more than 40% of the concentrator’s throughput.

In the course of operation time electric drives control system has become obsolete and no longer meets modern requirements. In addition, manufacturers stopped producing the necessary spare parts and units, which increased the chances of emergency situations.

The new ball mills control system will include as the main element cyclo-converters created on the basis of programmable microprocessor equipment manufactured by Siemens. With their help the plan’s staff will be able to ensure on-line monitoring of the parameters of all parts and components of the mills and the relevant prompt response.

Currently, the concentrator undergoes assembly and installation of metallic structures for cyclo-converters. In mid-July specialists will start electrical networks laying. The final phase of the project, the commissioning is scheduled for September. Adjustment of the equipment will be carried out by the representatives of Bergbau Systeme AG, the supplier, and Siemens, the manufacturer. For the commissioning period large mills will be stopped for 10-12 days. In addition to the modernization of the control system of electric drives it is planned to replace the lining of the ball mills. Simultaneous performance of such technological operations within the shortest timelines is a rare phenomenon in the mining and metals industry.