Abstract: A lifter bar for a grinding mill includes an elongate structural support defining a longitudinal axis and extending from (i) a first end transverse to the longitudinal axis to (ii) a second end transverse to the longitudinal axis; a plurality of structural plates extending along the longitudinal axis in spaced relation, where each structural plate is transverse to the longitudinal axis, and defines opposed edges. The lifter bar may further include at least two protective plate portions, each protective plate portion being mounted over one set of the opposed edges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrocyclone monitoring system. The hydrocyclone monitoring system comprises a hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber having an inlet for feeding an input mixture into the separation chamber and first and second outlets for ejecting flows of 5 respective first and second components of the mixture from the separation chamber. The hydrocyclone monitoring system further comprises a conduit and a sensor assembly. The conduit is connected to the first outlet and defines a channel for conducting the flow of the first component ejected from the separation chamber. The sensor assembly is configured to detect characteristics of the flow of the first component in the channel. The hydrocyclone 10 monitoring system further comprises a processing system configured to receive from the sensor assembly measurement data indicative of the characteristics of the flow of the first component, and to determine a mode of operation of the hydrocyclone based on the measurement data.

Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: A mechanical seal is disclosed having a rotatable sealing face and a stationary sealing face that are in opposed relation and arranged to be urged, into contact to form a seal. One of the sealing faces is mounted on a support assembly that includes a biasing device operative to move that sealing face into contact with the other sealing face. In one form of the invention, the biasing device comprises one or more resilient members that in use are deformed to provide the biasing force. In a second form of the invention, the support assembly forms part of a fluid barrier of the seal and the biasing device is fluid impervious and forms part of the barrier. In a third form of the invention, the biasing device is exposed to fluid pressure in the chamber and the biasing force increases on increasing the fluid pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A wear plate system comprises a wear plate for mounting to the inside of a grinding mill A fastening arrangement comprises an elongate coupling member having a first end arranged to secure to the wear plate such that when so secured the coupling member is arranged to pivot with respect to the wear plate. A second end of the elongate coupling member secures to the grinding mill.

Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: A wear plate for a grinding mill discharge head comprises a support structure adapted to secure to a wall of the grinding mill. An opening is defined in the support structure for registration with a corresponding opening in the mill wall. The wear plate further comprises an elastomeric body comprising at least one discharge hole extending there through, the body being adapted to overlay the support structure such that a discharge end of the hole is spaced inwardly of an edge of the support structure opening.

Abstract: Mechanical seals, seal assemblies and pumps are disclosed. A mechanical seal includes a sealing member and a mount that forms part of a mounting assembly to mount the sealing member to a support structure of the seal. In an embodiment, the mount forms part of a seal assembly and is an elastomeric ring bonded to the sealing member.

Abstract: A mechanical seal is disclosed that has first and second sealing faces that are urged into contact to form a seal therebetween. One sealing face is mounted on a rotatable portion of the seal and the second sealing face is mounted on a support assembly. The joint further includes a joint permitting rotary movement between the support assembly and a stationary portion of the seal to allow adjustment of the portion of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary portion without affecting the alignment of the first and second sealing faces.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for enabling a coating to be applied to an internal surface of a pipe elbow or bend C comprises a flexible body (2) adapted for location to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and a bendable core (3) extending through the body. Bending of the core causes the flexible body to be bent in a similar manner. A method for applying the coating to the internal surface of the pipe elbow or bend (C) comprises the steps of shaping the flexible body (2) and locating it to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and introducing a coating material so as to flow around and into a space defined between the flexible body and the internal surface of the elbow or bend.

Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mandrel for use in the internal coating of a pipe elbow or bend comprises the steps of: (i) adjustably positioning a bendable elongate member in a hollow template for the pipe elbow or bend, whereby the elongate member is bent so as to extend generally centrally through the template; and (ii) introducing a flexible material into, and allowing the material to cure in a space between the elongate member and an internal surface of the template.

Abstract: A mechanical seal is disclosed having a rotatable sealing face and a stationary sealing face that are in opposed relation and arranged to be urged, into contact to form a seal. One of the sealing faces is mounted on a support assembly that includes a biasing device operative to move that sealing face into contact with the other sealing face. In one form of the invention, the biasing device includes one or more resilient members that in use are deformed to provide the biasing force. In a second form of the invention, the support assembly forms part of a fluid barrier of the seal and the biasing device is fluid impervious and forms part of the barrier. In a third form of the invention, the biasing device is exposed to fluid pressure in the chamber and the biasing force increases on increasing the fluid pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for enabling a lining (14) to be applied to a pipe elbow or bend C comprises the steps of connecting a tie member (12) to an end of a flexible elongate mandrel (1), drawing the tie member through the elbow or bend so as to draw the mandrel therethrough and locate opposing ends of the mandrel adjacent to opposing respective ends of the elbow or bend, and securing the mandrel ends in relation to the respective ends of the elbow or bend. The mandrel can be adapted to the elbow or bend by locating the elbow or bend in a given orientation and deriving a profile S of the elbow or bend while in that orientation, removing the elbow or bend and then locating the mandrel in the given orientation, and adjusting the mandrel in relation to the profile of the elbow or bend to adapt it thereto.

Abstract: A wear plate system comprises a wear plate for mounting to the inside of a grinding mill A fastening arrangement comprises an elongate coupling member having a first end arranged to secure to the wear plate such that when so secured the coupling member is arranged to pivot with respect to the wear plate.

Abstract: A cushioning element suitable for use in a liner assembly for a grinding mill, the liner assembly including a mounting element having a recess therein, the cushioning element being located within the recess, and a wear element operatively connected to the cushioning element, the cushioning element including a cushion body of elastomeric material including a side section and opposed end sections, a plurality of cavities within the cushion body and extending from at least one of the end sections towards the other end section.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for enabling a coating to be applied to an internal surface of a pipe elbow or bend C comprises a flexible body (2) adapted for location to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and a bendable core (3) extending through the body. Bending of the core causes the flexible body to be bent in a similar manner. A method for applying the coating to the internal surface of the pipe elbow or bend (C) comprises the steps of shaping the flexible body (2) and locating it to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and introducing a coating material so as to flow around and into a space defined between the flexible body and the internal surface of the elbow or bend.

Abstract: A cushioning element suitable for use in a liner assembly for a grinding mill, the liner assembly including a mounting element having a recess therein, the cushioning element being located within the recess, and a wear element operatively connected to the cushioning element, the cushioning element including a cushion body of elastomeric material including a side section and opposed end sections, a plurality of cavities within the cushion body and extending from at least one of the end sections towards the other end section.

Abstract: A cyclone structured for separating feed material having mixtures of differently sized material, the cyclone having a separating section and an inlet head having a feed inlet zone, wherein the feed inlet zone has a volute axis and adjacent sectors in which the volute axis progressively decreases relative to and in the direction of the central axis through subsequent sectors extending downstream from the inlet port of the inlet head. The inlet head is also structured with a vortex finder extending into the feed chamber a distance L1, and an inlet port formed in the inlet head which extends a vertical distance H1, such that the ratio of L1 to H1 is less than one (L1:H1=0.0 to 0.95).

Abstract: An impeller fixing mechanism is provided in a centrifugal pump for immobilizing the impeller, relative to the pump shaft and drive shaft of the pump, while effecting repairs to the pump, thereby eliminating much of the labor-intensive need for realigning the pump shaft and drive shaft and assuring accurate positioning of the impeller relative to the pump shaft. A method for effecting repairs of centrifugal pumps employs use of the impeller fixing mechanism of the invention to immobilize the impeller relative to the pump shaft, thereby facilitating the repair.