Metso says it has launched a “breakthrough hydrocyclone technology” in the form of the MHC Hydrocyclone Curved Bottom (CB), a cyclone designed for superior particle separation with increased unit capacity and coarser cut sizes while minimising the fines bypass.

The MHCTM CB hydrocyclone is ideal for grinding circuit classification – from primary to fine grinding – and for a full range of mineral types, according to Metso. It is highly compatible with dewatering and desliming applications, and relevant to both greenfield and brownfield projects with a design that makes it easy to retrofit into existing hydrocyclone clusters.

Ben Klein, Product Group Manager of Hydrocyclones at Metso, says: “The design of the MHCTM CB is based on the proven MHCTM Hydrocyclone but upgraded with new innovative features, making it a true breakthrough technology for the classification process. Thanks to this unique patented design, the new hydrocyclone offers higher unit capacity compared to standard hydrocyclone technologies. The MHCTM CB is also capable of producing coarser overflow products for a given hydrocyclone size, allowing for greater flexibility in classification and especially beneficial to new coarse particle flotation circuits. Finally, it provides enhanced classification efficiency by minimizing unwanted fines and water in the underflow.”

The solution was developed in partnership with Anglo American, which has worked with Metso since the onset in investigating improvement in hydrocyclone classification, according to Klein.

“Anglo American has provided support with both large-scale laboratory and pilot testing to prove the technology,” he explains. “Imperial College has also provided support in bringing this concept to light and in confirming the validity of this new technology as a third party.”

Metso is promoting this product for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, lithium, gold, aggregates, nickel, magnetite, hematite, limestone, aluminum, zinc, molybdenum and silica.

Thanks to its energy efficiency and reduction in CO2 emissions compared with similar wet classification technologies, the MHCTM CB hydrocyclone has been approved as part of Metso’s Planet Positive offering.