Finex separator boosts zinc oxide production at Umicore
7 Apr 2013
Umicore increases production capacity and improves the quality of zinc oxide granules by replacing an existing centrifugal sieve with the Russell Finex Separator.
Eijsden, The Netherlands – Umicore’s production site in Eijsden has been producing zinc oxide since 1870 and, with a capacity of 55,000 tonnes, is one of Europe’s largest zinc oxide production sites.
The zinc oxide is produced by reducing the pure zinc with heat, generating zinc vapour. The vapour then reacts with the oxygen in the air to create a powder, namely zinc oxide.
A final step in the production process is the sieving of the zinc oxide granules.
“Zinc oxide is a powder which gets sticky easily because of the fine dust in the powder,” explains production manager Erwin Van Eester.
“By making the zinc oxide dust-free and granulating it into the right particle size, optimal fluid properties are obtained,” Eester said. “When the optimal fluid properties are obtained, the zinc oxide is easier to dose and to transport.”
Umicore was previously using a centrifugal sieve, which needed to be upgraded. The sieve was not removing all the fine powdered dust from the product, meaning the zinc oxide could not obtain the optimal fluid properties.
Secondly, the centrifugal sieve did not achieve the accuracy and high capacity, which Umicore needed.
Finally, as the sieve was not sealed, operators were exposed to the dust fumes. As a result, Umicore searched for a high capacity and accurate grading sieve. Through recommendation, Umicore approached Russell Finex for a solution.
Since it purchased a 60” Finex separator for the production site in Eijsden, Umicore is now able to supply their customers with dust-free zinc oxide granules containing the optimal fluid properties.
“As the separator is a closed system, this allows for minimum exposure levels to dust, therefore safeguarding the health of our operators”, explains Van Eester.
In order to reduce mesh blockages, Umicore applied the Russell Vibrasonic Deblinding system with the Finex separator.
Using ultrasonic frequency to break down surface tension on the mesh, the powder is able to pass through the mesh more easily.
