Breakthrough in Slurry Density/Solid Content Measurement Technology
Release time:
2026-01-05
Challenge:
Slurry density is particularly critical in the mineral processing industry, as it affects grinding concentration, hydrocyclone classification efficiency, flotation stability, thickener control, and other factors. However, accurate online measurement has always been extremely challenging. The main difficulties are:
1. The pulp composition is complex, with significant fluctuations in solid content; it is not a homogeneous fluid. The size of solid particles varies widely—from 10 μm to 3 mm—and the solid content fluctuates dramatically over time. Moreover, as the ore composition changes, traditional measurement methods such as sound velocity, pressure differential, and radiometry are prone to interference, leading to drift or instability.
2. In pipelines with unstable flow conditions, the slurry may exhibit the following phenomena: turbulent flow—leading to increased measurement noise; laminar flow—resulting in solid particle settling, skewed flow, and localized accumulation; and in the underflow of thickening tanks, “plug flow” may occur. Consequently, any technology that relies on the uniformity of the fluid—such as differential-pressure, acoustic, ultrasonic, or Doppler-based methods—will experience significant fluctuations.
Although differential-pressure densitometers are inexpensive and easy to maintain, they are prone to clogging and scaling, which can adversely affect measurement accuracy. Ultrasonic/sound-speed/Doppler-based densitometers suffer from severe distortion of sound velocity caused by bubbles, and high solid concentrations lead to significant attenuation of ultrasonic waves. Moreover, factors such as thick pipe walls and rubber linings can impair coupling efficiency. Nuclear densitometers, which were adopted relatively early in the industry, offer the greatest stability and least susceptibility to interference; however, they require stringent management of radioactive sources, resulting in high safety costs. Additionally, pipeline wear can cause calibration drift. Currently, even the promising radioactivity exemption technologies have considerable limitations—for instance, pipelines must be smaller than DN300; otherwise, the radiation dose may be insufficient, or the half-life might be too short, necessitating source replacement every two years at substantial cost.
Solution:
Using the Plasson AndiMeter “clip-on” impact densitometer, you can measure density without contacting the material, eliminating abrasion. There’s no need to cut pipelines, install flow cells, or worry about blockages—this device can be installed at any time on existing pipelines, with installation completed in just 20 minutes. No technical modifications are required, and no shutdowns are necessary. One size fits all pipeline sizes, materials, and orientations. The device is non-radioactive, requires no safety permits, and demands zero maintenance.
The uniqueness of the technology ensures that the measurement is unaffected by air bubbles, particle size variations, rubber lining or material properties, and flow pulsations.
Industry Applications
We will contact you within one business day. Please check your email.
Address:
Building 21, Yangtze Headquarters Base, No. 5 Puzhu North Road, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing City
Phone:+86 025 58234466\52701863
Email:sli@plapl.com.cn