Efficient and reliable quicklime slaking systems are critical in many mining and mineral processing operations, where a consistent supply of Milk-of-Lime (MOL) slurry is required.
While a range of slaker types are available, not all are suited to the high-capacity, high-reliability demands of modern mining operations, particularly those working with variable water quality and lower-grade quicklime.
Quicklime slaking systems must operate continuously with minimal operator input while delivering a uniform and reactive MOL slurry.
In large-scale operations, the choice of slaker technology can significantly affect reliability, maintenance requirements, and overall process efficiency.
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Conventional slaking systems typically utilise agitated tanks to mix quicklime and water, followed by screening stages to remove grit and unreacted material.
While adequate for small systems using clean water, this approach often proves inadequate in industrial applications using raw or process water and requiring precise slurry characteristics.
Horizontal ball mill slakers
Horizontal ball mill slakers are purpose-built for the demands of quicklime slaking and present several advantages over traditional designs:
- Higher throughput: Well-suited for operations requiring higher slaking capacities.
- Water compatibility: Capable of processing water with high sulphate or sulphite content without compromising reaction efficiency.
- Particle size control: Enables consistent and adjustable control over final slurry particle size.
- System simplicity: Eliminates the need for separate grit removal systems, reducing complexity and maintenance requirements.
These characteristics make horizontal ball mill slakers particularly effective for continuous, large-scale operations.
Tyre driven slaking ball mills
Bulk Handling Technologies (BHT) has developed a tyre driven slaking ball mill that integrates years of operational experience in both slaking system design and ball milling. The result is a simplified, robust and scalable solution that improves system reliability while maintaining high performance.
Key features of the BHT tyre driven slaking ball mill include:
- Dry feed capacities: Ranging from 2 to 25 tonnes per hour.
- Mill diameters: From 1 metre to 2.5 metres, allowing configuration flexibility.
- Tyre drive system: Offers enhanced load capacity and reliability over conventional urethane roller-based systems.
- Pulverising action: Any grit in the quicklime feed is pulverised alongside the quicklime and incorporated and suspended in the slurry.
- System integration: Designed to operate as part of a full system with appropriate mixing feed bowl, feed pipe and discharge hopper with a scats-trommel screen.
Operational efficiency and maintenance
Reliability and maintainability are critical for slaking systems, especially those integrated into continuous process operations. BHT’s design incorporates:
- Vortex feed bowl: Ensures efficient pre-wetting and consistent feed, reducing the risk of blockages.
- Impingement scrubber: Draws steam from the mill, protecting dry feed systems from condensation issues.
- Hydraulic shell supports and Feed Pipe Extraction Rails: Simplify routine inspection and maintenance, reducing downtime.
A complete slaking solution
BHT provides an integrated lime slaking solution that includes:
- Tyre driven slaking ball mills
- Ultra-low vibration bin activators
- Large-capacity bolted bulk storage silos
- Ancillary feeding and classification equipment
This system-level approach allows BHT to deliver tailored solutions optimised for site-specific conditions and throughput requirements.
The design simplicity and robust performance of the BHT tyre driven slaking ball mill make it a compelling choice for operations demanding high reliability, ease of maintenance and flexible capacity.
By eliminating common points of failure and improving process control, BHT’s system ensures consistent MOL production across a range of challenging operating environments.