Breakthrough in Slurry Density and Solids Content Measurement Technology
Release time:
2025-11-27
Challenge:
Pulp density is of paramount importance in the mineral processing industry, as it influences grinding pulp consistency, hydrocyclone classification efficiency, flotation stability, and thickener control; however, accurate online measurement has long been extremely challenging. The primary difficulties are:
1. The pulp has a complex composition and significant fluctuations in solids content, making it a non‑uniform fluid. Particle sizes vary widely (10 μm to 3 mm), and the solids concentration exhibits sharp temporal variations. Moreover, changes in ore composition further complicate measurements. Conventional methods such as acoustic velocity, differential pressure, and radiometric techniques are prone to interference, leading to drift or instability.
2. In pipelines, unstable flow conditions can lead to the following phenomena: turbulent flow results in increased measurement noise; laminar flow causes solid settling and flow distortion or localized deposition; and at the underflow of thickeners, “plug flow” may occur. Consequently, any technique that relies on uniform fluid characteristics—such as differential-pressure, acoustic, ultrasonic, or Doppler methods—will exhibit significant fluctuations.
Although differential-pressure densitometers are inexpensive and easy to maintain, they are prone to clogging, and scale buildup can adversely affect measurements. Ultrasonic, acoustic‑velocity, and Doppler methods suffer from severe velocity distortion caused by gas bubbles, while high solid concentrations lead to significant ultrasonic attenuation; moreover, pipe wall thickness and rubber lining can impair coupling. Nuclear‑based densitometers were adopted early in the industry and offer the greatest stability with minimal susceptibility to interference; however, they require stringent management of radioactive sources, resulting in high safety‑related costs. Pipe wear can cause calibration drift, and even the recently developed radioactive exemption technologies have substantial limitations—for example, the pipe diameter must be below DN300, or the source activity will be insufficient, or the short half-life necessitates source replacement every two years, driving up costs.
Solution:
Using the Plasen Andymer “clamp‑on” impact densitometer, there is no contact with the process material, no abrasion, and no need to cut into pipelines or install flow cells. It eliminates clogging risks and can be installed at any time on existing piping—installation takes just 20 minutes—without requiring process modifications or plant shutdowns. One single model fits all pipe sizes, materials, and orientations. It is non‑radioactive, requires no safety permits, and demands no maintenance.
The technology’s unique characteristics ensure that measurements are unaffected by air bubbles, particle size variations, rubber lining or material properties, and flow pulsations.
Solution
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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