TOMRA Sorting Solutions has released the TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR Final Recover sorter, able to supply a full diamond recovery solution using X-Ray Transmission (XRT) technology from 2mm to 100mm, coupled with all the benefits of cloud computing for monitoring and managing the entire process
The TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR Final Recovery sorter delivers concentration factors up to one million with limited stages and is the only solution on the market that guarantees >99% diamond recovery. The new sorter features high sorting efficiencies, high diamond-by-weight concentrate, and the benefits deriving from its focusing on a single consistent detection principal, diamonds.
With this introduction, TOMRA offers a complete partnered diamond recovery ecosystem with a flowsheet covering the entire process and includes custom development with the end-user all the way to installation, then continued management of the asset and support with specialised services and training.
Proprietary ultra-high resolution sensor
Input material is evenly fed via a vibration feeder onto a conveyor belt. An electric X-Ray tube creates a broad-band radiation, which penetrates the material and provides spectral absorption information. This is measured with an X-Ray camera using DUOLINE sensor technology, which focuses on a single, constant property of the material, density.
The sensor information is processed and analysed by the new Image Processing Pipeline to provide a detailed ‘density image’ of the material, allowing it to be separated into high- and low-density fractions. If diamonds are detected it commands the control unit to open the appropriate valves of the ejection module at the end of the conveyor belt. The detected diamonds are separated from the material flow by jets of compressed air. The sorted material is divided into two fractions in the separation chamber.
The tight tolerances and accurate alignment of the new ultra-high resolution sensor results in a high quality picture that ensures a clear discrimination between diamonds and low-density materials down to 2mm. The sorter features high speed valves with a fine nozzle pitch, which significantly reduce non-diamond material in the concentrate.
Fewer sorting stages
It is possible to replace multiple sorting stages with a single TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR sorter all the way down to hand sorting. In final recovery application, the sorter targets the highest tonnage through the sorter that can be achieved with the highest recovery efficiency, which ranges from five tons to one.
It is also possible to replace hand sorting with a TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR. In sort house application, it targets the highest diamond-by-weight concentrate possible, with about half the tonnage than final recovery, bringing multiple benefits. It removes the traditional bottlenecks around hand sorting efficiencies and eliminates the human error factor. In addition, it provides a high level of security by protecting the product from human intervention.
A unique offering
The TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR sorter completes TOMRA’s partnered diamond recovery ecosystem, which is unique in the market for offering a full recovery service from 2mm to 100mm coupled with all the benefits of cloud computing. It includes consultation services during the development of the system and throughout the life cycle of the equipment, support running the sorters, and help with specialized services and training. TOMRA has also leveraged digital technologies to provide effective support, through its Virtual Demonstration and Test Solution and features such as the TOMRA Visual Assist Augmented Reality tool for remote assistance.
“With TOMRA, the customer’s entire recovery system falls into one ecosystem,” explained Geoffrey Madderson, diamond segment manager for TOMRA Sorting Mining. “This allows for better compatibility and interconnectivity between the different applications of the recovery process. It gives our customers the full benefit of using cloud computing through our TOMRA Insight platform, which turns our sorters into connected machines. This enables customers to monitor and manage their recovery process in one easy-to-access place for both on-site and off-site management teams.”
The Final Recovery sorter on display
TOMRA has set up a showroom dedicated to demonstrations of the TOMRA COM XRT 300 /FR sorter at its Test Center in Wedel, Germany. The facility will be open to interested customers able to visit in person from the beginning of May. Later in the year, TOMRA will also offer virtual demonstrations for those unable to travel to the Test Center.
More details about the product can be found here.
