Vertimill 3000-WB equivalent to two 1500s
The new 3000 HP Vertimill, model designation VTM-3000-WB from Metso, is a big step forward in the stirred milling product line. Even though there are already 15 different Vertimill sizes ranging from 15 hp to 1,500 hp in Metso’s catalogue, the VTM-3000 will open up significant market segments, especially in secondary grinding applications.  | Metso’s new VTM-3000-WB. |
Jonathan Allen (manager, Stirred Mills, Metso Minerals) explains that the VTM-3000 is a direct scale up of the VTM-1500, bringing with it the same components, controls and maintenance accessibility, just on a larger machine. “We made some minor refinements to the drive train,” he says. “Essentially, however, this is a familiar product, which is reassuring to customers.” The market had shown a need for this machine and with the acquisition of the Lachine fabrication plant in Montreal, Canada, the VTM-3000 is now economical to manufacture. “There is already a demand for it,” says Allen, “and we have one on order that is to be built at Lachine. In fact, the VTM-3000 will be the first mill to be produced at the new plant in the first quarter of 2009.” Metso plans to be accepting orders for more machines as early as June, 2009. In general, the Vertimill has several advantages over traditional ball mills. It typically can perform the same grind with anywhere from 30 to 50 percent less energy, which is a substantial savings, and the grinding media consumption is also drastically reduced. The machine itself has fewer moving parts than a ball mill, meaning little maintenance and very low operating costs. This obviously translates into big savings for mining companies. The Vertimill has been the industry standard in concentrate regrind applications for more than 20 years and almost 85 percent of the 300 Vertimills Metso has sold in that application have relatively fine feed and product size (less than 100 microns). Allen points out that the industry had been reluctant to use the Vertimill in coarser secondary applications (up to 6000 microns) because of the required number of Vertimills.
“A site might need one 17,000 hp ball mill, which would translate into eight VTM-1500s,” he explains. “Even factoring in the efficiency savings of a Vertimill, that would be too many units. The VTM3000, with its increased capacity, reduces the number of mills required.” With ever increasing mill lead times, the VTM-3000 has another advantage. “The VTM-3000 can be built in comparable lead times to smaller Vertimills,” says Allen. “We expect deliveries for this equipment will be considerably shorter than for traditional ball mills.” Lachine’s ability to handle larger components puts Metso in a very strong position with production of the VTM-3000. The combination of a more efficient mill and a plant that can shorten lead times clearly establishes Metso as a leader in the secondary stirred grinding market Says Allen, “The VTM-3000 really separates Metso from the pack.” To comment on this story or for additional details click on the related button above. |