M10,000 IsaMill™ Rotor Wear Optimisation
Azitec reviewed disc performance in an M10,000 IsaMill™ following inspection feedback from a South African platinum operation. While wear across most inspected surfaces was considered very low, higher-than-expected rotor wear was observed during the October 2023 inspection. Azitec responded with a focused DEM-SPH modelling program to investigate the wear mechanism and identify a preferred disc arrangement pathway.
- Date: 2023
- Client: Confidential
- Type: Platinum
About this Project
Challenge
The challenge was to reduce localised rotor wear without compromising the broader performance of the disc upgrade. Inspection records from August, September and October 2023 were reviewed to compare rotor condition across ISA and Azitec arrangements. The review found rotor wear was linked to static media in a discrete region against the classifier, caused by the disc arrangement restricting media return to the feed end.
Solution
Azitec assigned a dedicated DEM-SPH technician to investigate the issue and compare different disc arrangement scenarios. The modelling was used as a decision-support tool, allowing Azitec to compare arrangements and understand how media movement, impact zones and classifier interaction changed across configurations. The recommended pathway included an immediately preferred 8-disc arrangement, with a future arrangement incorporating an Azitec classifier rotor.
Outcome
The modelling identified the likely cause of localised rotor wear and provided a clear direction for configuration improvement. The preferred future arrangement required manufacture of an Azitec classifier rotor, while the next-best option offered a practical interim pathway. This review demonstrates Azitec’s ability to respond to inspection feedback with engineering analysis, modelling and practical recommendations to support ongoing disc upgrade optimisation.
Key Metrics
- M10,000 IsaMill™ disc upgrade review
- Higher-than-expected rotor wear identified
- Other inspected surfaces showed very low wear
- Inspection dates included August–October 2023
- DEM-SPH modelling used for decision support
- Static media identified near the classifier
- Revised 8-disc arrangement recommended
- Future options include Azitec classifier rotor
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