OREANDA-NEWS.  June 04, 2013. An Automated Control System (ACS) of candle filters has been commissioned at Kola MMC (a Norilsk Nickel affiliate) Nickel Electrowinning Workshop copper filtering process stage.

The ACS replaces obsolete remote (manual) control systems. It is a modern three-tier software and hardware solution operating around the clock. The project contributed to significantly boosting efficiency of candle filters used to filter process mediums. Manual control has been completely phased out against reduced operating, repair and maintenance costs.

Automation of the candle filter control process at the hydrometallurgical section of Nickel Electrowinning Workshop benefits all the major process stages. Previously ACS’s were installed on anolyte and catolyte refiltering process stages. In December, 2013 and in 2014 equipment upgrades are planned for cobalt filtering process stage and iron filtering process stage respectively. Total cost of the step-by-step candle filter control systems replacements at major process stages of Kola MMC Nickel Electrowinning Workshop runs up to circa 40 million rubles.