Weir Minerals has announced the expansion of its coal dewatering solutions with the launch of the Aspir™ WFH1730 jumbo horizontal basket fine coal dewatering centrifuge.

The new Aspir WFH1730 jumbo centrifuge is engineered and sized to process 100 t/h of fine coal product. It uses a proven scroll/basket design, combined with high quality wear components, and maintenance friendly wet end, specifically designed to handle varying feed densities, the company says.

Paul Jerks, Product Manager for Weir Minerals Aspir, said: “The design of the inlet/effluent arrangement is such that when the centrifuge is presented with a dilute feed, the jumbo simply centrifuges the effluent directly out of the bottom of the machine eliminating any potential of effluent splashing over into the product chamber. The product chamber is further protected by a labyrinth seal between the effluent and product chamber.”

Central to the Aspir range are the coarse and fine coal centrifuges engineered to deliver outstanding performance and availability in the most arduous coal dewatering applications, Weir says. The WFH 1730 jumbo centrifuge is the world’s first high capacity horizontal fine coal dewatering centrifuge designed around proven principles, such as G-force and basket angle, according to the company. This ensures maximum throughput with highest dewatering efficiency at minimal operating costs.

“Simply put, the Aspir WFH 1730 jumbo centrifuge’s robust design works smarter and longer than other centrifuges on the market to optimise your coal processing capability,” Weir said.

The unit features a cyclone inlet (patent pending) that aids in the process of separating solids and water prior to the fine product being introduced to the basket. Additionally, this inlet assists in bringing the product up to basket speed thereby reducing coal breakage and increasing fines and moisture content.

The Aspir WHF 1730 jumbo centrifuge has a horizontal orientation to allow for a reduced number of gears and shafts within the centrifuge and offers in-situ replacement of the modular drive assembly. Together with the ceramic lined working faces and hinged effluent chamber providing ample clearance of parts providing unfettered access to wet end components, the centrifuge is not only one of the most technologically advanced fine coal dewatering centrifuges available today, but is also one of the easiest to maintain, the company says.

The horizontal basket design with its hinged door arrangement and container lock securing mechanism makes for quick and easy access to the wet end for any maintenance inspections; once open the service technician has direct access to the basket and high capacity scroll.

Paul Jerks added: “The horizontal basket design, unlike a vertical basket centrifuge, uses centrifugal force and gravity to its advantage in that effluent naturally wants to pass through the basket aperture thereby enhancing the centrifuge’s dewatering effect.”