Full flowsheet technology and service supplier FLSmidth has recently acquired thyssenkrupp’s mining business, TK Mining, in a move that has enhanced the company’s line-up of crushing, screening and milling products including High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) and Eccentric Roll Crushers (ERC).

FLSmidth regional product line manager: milling and HPGR Craig Brickhill asserts that the company’s brand now encompasses the best solutions, equipment and expertise from across the flowsheet.

“On the grinding side, for instance, FLSmidth is a leader in solutions such as semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mills, while TK Mining held decades of positive experience with HPGR,” says Brickhill.

FLSmidth regional product line manager: crushing and screening Demitri Kokoroyanis adds that the company’s combined crushing technologies also put it ahead of competitors.

“Our Top Service Gyratory Crushers are advanced in both their ultra-heavy-duty design and the way they facilitate safe and efficient servicing,” he says. He points to the company’s ERC, which fits between the jaw and gyratory crushers in the range, saying this differentiates FLSmidth from the competition. The ERC has a built-in static grizzly screen before the crushing zone to allow removal of the fine material. Large rocks are fractured at the opening of the jaw to increase throughput and reduce the power consumption.

A key addition to FLSmidth’s current offering is the HPGR range, says Brickhill, with an installed population of about 160 units. The technology is described as an energy efficient alternative to traditional milling, as it transfers energy directly into the rock. As a dry process that minimises water usage, it can be used to help mines achieve sustainability targets.

FLSmidth says its wide range of crushing offerings underpins its role as a provider of semi-mobile in-pit crushing plants – of which there are over 285 installations worldwide.

“Our plants can be designed for direct feed – usually from gyratory crushers – and also for indirect feed, which can be accomplished with an apron feeder before a gyratory, ERC, jaw crusher, double roll crusher or double roll sizer,” says Kokoroyanis. “We can take care of everything from the truck tip to the discharge conveyor, and the plant comes complete with auxiliary equipment for a smooth operation. The plants can be relocated to a new position in the pit with the use of transport crawlers with minimum disassembly required as mining progresses.

Brickhill notes that the acquisition also means that FLSmidth’s engineering infrastructure now includes an engineering facility focused on refurbishing HPGRs. The facility includes a test centre where material can be tested for suitability for processing by HPGR, and for sizing of full-scale units.