TOMRA Mining has launched the new ejection module for its COM Tertiary XRT sorter, developed for sorting small particle sizes.
The sorter features the new TS100C module and image processing unit, and is capable of sorting particle sizes down to 4mm in high-capacity applications.
It also has a much higher energy efficiency, delivering a high-quality product at low operating costs.
Field tests have shown a 70 per cent reduction in energy use on a production scale.
The module features a new type of ejector that is said to be four times faster and, together with the new high-performance image processing unit, is designed to deliver higher precision in small particle sorting.
It uses less air to eject the particles and reduces the energy consumption dramatically.
Test work has shown an improvement in product purity of around 15 per cent.
“We are receiving a rapidly growing number of requests from customers to sort smaller particles,” TOMRA Mining director product management Ines Hartwig said.
“One of the biggest drivers of cost in sensor-based sorting is the energy used for the compressed air for the ejectors. The new TS100C ejection module successfully addresses this issue and provides an effective solution to this increasing demand.
“It is a groundbreaking invention to create more higher-value product and reduce product loss.”
TOMRA partnered with a customer who has been running a COM Tertiary XRT to produce high-grade magnesite for over two years to gain field experience.
“After conducting the test work with the TS100C ejection module at the TOMRA Test Centre, we were confident that it would be very beneficial for this customer,” Hartwig said.
“We showed them the test results and outlined the benefits we expected the module to deliver. As soon as they saw the possible reduction in compressed air use and the consequent cost savings, they were very interested in doing the field trial.”
The customer completed several trials and found a 70 per cent reduction in air consumption with an increase in product recovery.