Technical Consulting and Modelling
The severe service nature of hydrometallurgy process conditions and the high value of target metals creates a condition where failures are both common and costly.
NOVA’s approach to solving these problems utilizes mathematical modeling, controls programming, and trim sizing techniques to help your team bridge scientific disciplines to find lasting solutions to autoclave production problems.
Common problems NOVA’s technical staff can help resolve:
- broken valve trim
- erosion
- scale build-up
- low ore yield
- unexpected shut-downs
Core sciences include:
- control theory
- multi-phase fluid flow theory
- thermodynamics
Equipment Repair and Servicing
NOVA focuses on solving the root problem behind equipment failures, as well as providing superior equipment servicing and replacement parts.
Our team will conduct root cause analysis on broken trim parts, eroded valve bodies, failed operation mechanisms, and controls regimens to identify where problems originate and how they can be permanently resolved.
While autoclave issues can manifest as costly broken equipment, greater losses often come from unscheduled shutdowns, below-nameplate throughput, or incomplete ore reaction. The causes of these issues are often complex, originating from multiple sources.
The disciplines we use to solve equipment problems include:
- ceramic fracture mechanics
- erosion testing
- data analytics
In partnership with your site, NOVA will analyze broken equipment and provide application-specific replacements, as well as gathering and analyzing operating data to determine what deeper problems may exist and how production can be increased.
Equipment Enhancement and Sales
While autoclave issues can manifest as costly broken equipment, greater losses often come from unscheduled shutdowns, below-nameplate throughput, or incomplete ore reaction.
The causes of these issues are often complex, originating from multiple sources. NOVA’s technical consultants can help you determine which equipment best fits the needs of your site.
NOVA Hydromet supplies a range of top-of-the-line equipment products, including:
- metal-seated ball valves
- knife gate valves
- check valves
- control valves
Specific to the autoclave mining industry, NOVA has developed its own forged-body letdown control valve.
NOVA’s letdown control valves are custom-made for each application, and our staff will size both the valve and trim using state-of-the-art techniques to optimize your slurry flow and prevent wear events such as particle crushing.
NOVA can also supply its own trim sets:
- innovative plug and seat designs
- flash tank impingement blocks
- agitator blades and shafts
- other components critical to your autoclave system