FLSmidth has signed an agreement to acquire TIPCO Tudeshki Industrial Process Control GmbH (Tipco), a technology company based in Aachen, Germany.

Tipco is the developer of cutting-edge sensor technology that can measure the particle size distribution of different mass flows, which offers strong applications across FLSmidth’s Mining portfolio, the OEM says.

The technology will initially be applied to FLSmidth’s hydrocyclones portfolio. The combination of FLSmidth’s KREBS hydrocyclones, offering high-efficiency and cost-effective classification solutions, with Tipco’s sensor technology will further strengthen FLSmidth’s pumps, cyclones and valves (PCV) solutions to mining customers, it says. Over time, FLSmidth will seek to extend the use of the technology to other parts of the mining portfolio, including additional potential applications within the grinding circuit.

Pat Turner, PCV Business Line President at FLSmidth, says: “This acquisition marks an important addition to our PCV offerings and highlights our strategic focus on digital solutions across the mining flowsheet. The optimisation of the grinding circuit plays a crucial part in maximising productivity and operational efficiency of the overall processing plant, and the addition of Tipco’s ground-breaking sensor technology will further strengthen our offerings within this area.”

The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.