KWS Provides Heavy Duty Equipment for Copper Mine

General Description

Freeport-McMoRan’s Miami Copper Mine, situated in Claypool, Arizona, specializes in the extraction and processing of copper, gold, and molybdenum. The facility includes a smelter that processes copper concentrate primarily from Freeport-McMoRan’s Arizona mines, producing pure copper cathode sheets. These cathodes are then utilized in various applications, including the production of copper rod for wire manufacturers.

New KWS Twin Screw Conveyor Catches Copper Concentrate Dribble from Belt Conveyor

Design Parameters

Product Type: Copper Concentrate
Material Density: 68 to 135 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
Capacity: 162 Cubic Feet per Hour
Duty: 24 Hours per Day, 7 Days per Week

KWS Advantages

KWS provides bulk material handling solutions tailored to the unique needs of any industry, including the mining industry. KWS engineers collaborated closely with the Freeport McMoran Miami team to design a twin screw conveyor to catch “dribble” from a belt conveyor above.

With a scheduled shutdown, KWS understood the critical nature of project timelines and committed to delivering the equipment on schedule. Our ability to expedite orders ensures that even the tightest deadlines are met without compromising quality.

KWS Special Features

To address the specific challenges of the mine, KWS provided a very robust twin-screw conveyor to ensure optimal performance in a highly constrained and harsh environment. Given the corrosive nature of copper processing, KWS used AL-6XN, a super austenitic stainless steel known for its superior resistance to chloride-induced pitting and stress corrosion. This material choice ensures longevity and reduces maintenance costs in aggressive settings.

The twin screw conveyor operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with only one shut down for maintenance per year. KWS equipment is engineered with robust construction to withstand the rigorous demands of mining operations. Twin counter-rotating ribbon screws were used for conveying copper concentrate and eliminate any packing of material in the screw flights. KWS chose air-purged shaft seals to keep the bulk material contained within the twin screw conveyor housing. Also, individual drive units provide maximum torque and redundancy so down time is eliminated. Heavy-duty components ensure reliable performance and extend the service life of the equipment, even under continuous use. By integrating these specialized features, KWS Manufacturing provided Freeport McMoran with tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and longevity in their bulk material handling processes.

Customer Testimonial

“The drawings were delivered on time and with good quality. The product is of excellent quality, and the schedule was met during the design and manufacturing process.”

Juan Nunez, Civil Engineer II – Freeport McMoran

Twin Screw Conveyor was Constructed from AL-6XN, a Super Austenitic Stainless Steel that has Superior Resistance to Chloride-Induced Pitting and Stress Corrosion