Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, is revolutionizing the mining industry with its innovative digital technologies. IM recently delved into Nalco Water’s three digital solutions designed for mining applications, focusing on flotation analysis, process water monitoring, and flocculant dosing optimization.
Flotation is a critical process in minerals and metals mining, plagued by variability in ore composition and operational conditions. Nalco Water’s Flotation 360™ program, developed in collaboration with Stone Three Digital, integrates cutting-edge sensor inputs, mineralogy, process data, and a proprietary algorithm to optimize flotation hydrodynamics dynamically, enhancing reagent performance and overall flotation efficiency.
The program involves selecting the right collectors and frothers, utilizing Smart Sensor technology for real-time plant monitoring, and employing automated digital analytics to enhance flotation performance. This comprehensive approach, supported by a global network of technical consultants, ensures tailored support for each customer’s operational needs.
Water quality is paramount in mineral processing, with untreated water leading to scaling issues that impede operations. Nalco Water’s Mining Optimizer, a scale control modeling software tool, leverages water analyses to determine the optimal product dosing, troubleshoot operational challenges, and enhance water management practices to prevent scaling risks.
The Mining Optimizer’s unique ability to handle alkalinity in high-pH systems sets it apart, as demonstrated by its successful identification and mitigation of scaling risks at an American copper mine. By optimizing water sources and blending ratios, the Mining Optimizer significantly reduced scaling risks, resulting in substantial cost savings and operational improvements.
As water scarcity concerns rise globally, the importance of reusing and recycling process water within plants grows. Nalco Water’s STORM unit automates flocculant and coagulant dosages in thickeners, ensuring efficient solid-liquid separation and clean water for reuse. By continuously adjusting reagent dosages based on settling rates and turbidity, the STORM unit enhances plant efficiency and reduces chemical usage.
In an industry where technological advancements are driving efficiency and sustainability, Nalco Water’s digital solutions represent a significant leap forward. By combining chemistry, technology, and expert support, Nalco Water is reshaping mining operations, optimizing processes, and driving sustainable practices in an increasingly competitive landscape.