Laboratory scale or batch test work have inherent shortcomings that can limit the usefulness of data for process plant design. These shortcomings arise from the inherent operating differences between batch-operated laboratory equipment and procedures, and those of a full-scale continuous process plant. Therefore using data obtained from mineral processing processes in the laboratory scale directly to the industrial scale (factory) is associated with errors and high risk from a technical and economic point of view, therefore, the existence of a pilot scale (semi-industrial) to reduce these errors in converting to scale The laboratory operation is very important to the actual factory. Among the benefits of pilot-scale flowsheet implementation, we can mention such things as raising the level of reliability and feasibility of the process, correcting circuit defects at a lower cost than actual conditions, and obtaining the necessary data for factory design. In this regard, the pilot unit of the mineral processing research center, having a wide range of mineral processing equipment on a semi-industrial scale, has the possibility to run various mineral processing circuits continuously and semi-continuously.

The pilot of the Mineral Processing Research Center is unique in the Middle East in aspect of quantity and quality of processing equipment and has the ability to continuously run all mineral processing flowsheets. These processes include from sample preparation and comminution to final concentrate production. During pilot experiments implementation, many of the key parameters usable in industrial scale design are determined. The tonnage rate of pilot tests varies from at least 100 kg to 2 tons per hour depending on the project conditions.

 

Pilot tests make it possible to run and simulate new equipment and technology on a semi-industrial scale if needed to ensure the investor that these equipment and technologies are operational. In addition, it is possible to optimize and troubleshoot the lines in the plant by simulating its circuit in the pilot, and therefore, it will be prevented from stopping the production line and causing economic losses.

 

Mineral processing pilot capabilities

Our specialists at the Mineral Processing Research Center have the ability to perform a wide range of processing activities on a pilot scale, including the following:

• Investigating the feasibility of laboratory flow sheet implementation on the semi-industrial scale; This feature is especially important for complex minerals ore and the ore which its processing requires the use of new and unconventional technologies. Pilot tests are also essential for the ore that its processing has high investment risk.
• Carrying out the production process in continuous and stable conditions
• Assessment of the water effects in the area on the production process and compare it with laboratory results
• Performing water balance in the processing circuit
• Investigating the effect of possible changes in the case of changing feed input characteristics
• Investigating the possibility of producing by-products
• Producing high-volume product samples to evaluate the product market
• Training technicians of the processing plant complex to set up and modify processing circuits

Pilot tests can have a significant impact on the success of any project, provided that the pilot tests are well planned and put into operation. Iran Mineral Processing Research Center has experienced specialists and a complete set of processing equipment belonging to reputable companies and has been constructed by the center's manufacturing workshop using the experiences gained in project implementation, which make it possible to perform effective and efficient tests.