It's been a little over 3 weeks since we got our project assignment from our program directors. One of IRE's biggest supporters (United Taconite) needs a better filter bag wash system, IRE students and staff are their answer to solving the problem. The filters are an important process step at the Fairlane plant. They help remove water introduced from grinding crude ore. The crushed ore is pumped into the filter system as slurry with a high percentage of solids (by weight) and after it is filtered a filter cake is left that meets a moisture percentage spec. It is then sent to the balling drums where green pellets are rolled. The group and I are tasked with designing and helping plant engineers implement the new wash system.
Currently the filter bags are getting plugged from different grades of ore being processed through the system. The plugging of the filter bags from accumulating material is causing the plant to "backup", forcing costly shutdowns. Leaving the existing system in place is not an option. IRE students this semester will design a more efficient system at a low cost to the company and make less labor intensive work for their employees. It's going to be a great project that will have a lot of Research and Development go into analyzing the system, while comprehending fluid dynamics concepts with hands on applications.
Proofed by Austin
No comments:
Post a Comment