Creating added value through holistic flowsheet design

Ensuring minerals and metals processing plants’ maximum performance and competitive advantage starts already in the early phases of a project. The design of the most optimal flowsheets usually requires expert support, for example, with testing, simulations, studies and pilot campaigns. Metso’s unique metallurgical competences, supported by its extensive testing and piloting facilities, can offer these services as well as basic engineering with equipment selection for complete concentrator plants, tailings processing or single plant units.

How can Metso support its customers with flowsheet design and equipment selection?

Metso’s capability with its process flowsheet development competences and expertise is unique on the markets. Our focus is providing the best solutions to our customers for more added value.

To create the most value for our customers, early involvement in projects is essential. In practice, this means developing and selecting optimal process flowsheets with laboratory and pilot test work, simulations and various levels of studies already during the project development phase.

By doing this, we can support in Planet Positive process flowsheet design and equipment selection for maximized process efficiency and throughput. Automation, pumps, hydrocyclones and valves can also be included in the design and provided by Metso, in addition to the main processing equipment.

Naturally, Metso can also join the project in the later stages, when the customer wants to ensure the basic engineering for metallurgical process guarantees.

How does Planet Positive connect to state-of-the-art flowsheet designs?

Improving energy and resource efficiency depends on the overall process design rather than individual pieces of equipment. Successful implementation of these innovative technologies and getting the full potential for a process requires a robust and holistic evaluation methodology for comparing the various flowsheet options.

Flowsheet and equipment selection impacts the energy, consumables and water consumption. We use our Planet Positive Flowsheet tool for the holistic assessment of circuit options and equipment selection considering energy and water consumption, CO2 emissions, capex, opex and metallurgical performance.

What is the benefit of modular plant units?

Modular plant units provide Metso customers with a comprehensive process package that is flexible and faster to deliver and install. Moreover, the plant design adheres to industry best practices, ensuring safety and excellence. Modularity also translates to a more compact plant footprint.

Currently, Metso has six plant unit concepts covering the whole concentrator plant. The latest one – the Magnetic Separation Plant Units – were launched in the end of 2023, and the previous ones include Stirred Mill and Horizontal Mill Plant Units, Flotation, Thickening and Filtration Plant Units. For crushing, Metso has introduced the FITTM Crushing Stations. For solvent extraction applications, Metso offers the modular VSF® X Plant.