Case study
Gravity Mining MGS Chassis
Improving the manufacturability of the steel-fabricated components of the C902 Multi Gravity Separator.
Not far from our Penryn offices, Gravity Mining’s HQ is based in the historic hard-rock mining centre of Cornwall. Engaged in metallurgical and mineral processing – with a particular focus on gravity separation and concentration – they manufacture Multi Gravity Separators (MGS). Their well-known C902 MGS is a compact double-drum commercial production unit used to separate fine and ultra-fine minerals from mine tailings to produce saleable-grade concentrate, and to extract precious or other valuable secondary minerals from what would otherwise be waste.
Due to growth in demand for the C902, we were approached to run a design study determining the stress and deflections of the main foundation sections of the chassis, drum support arms and oscillating drive mount, with a view to optimising construction and logistical impact.
Operational loading considered
- Dynamic frequency
- Y- and X-axis loading
- Normal operation (balanced load in each drum)
- Unbalanced drums
- Single-drum operation
We produced an optimised design incorporating laser-cut steel sections and folded profiles that remove the need for post-fabrication drilling of bolt holes and allow self-jigging of components. The result: fabrication limited to profiling, plate folding and welding; lower manufacturing costs; reduced assembly time (0.5 week per unit, down from 2 weeks); reduced part-storage and transport requirements; and improved structural integrity.