Radar-based level measurement technology supplied in 2023 by instrumentation technology company Vega Instruments to a gold mine in Tanzania’s Shinyanga region has reduced downtime by five days and significantly reduced associated operational costs, reports Vega Instruments in a press release.

The company explains that the previous sensors used experienced significant issues that ultimately led to their failure.

To address the problem, Vega Instruments recommended the use of VEGAPULS radar sensors to monitor the rake drive in an open slurry tank used in the mine’s thickening process.

These radar sensors provide level measurements that are integrated into the control system for real-time monitoring and control, as well as offer alarm functionality and remote monitoring capabilities.

“The thickening process separates solids and liquids through gravitational force and plays an important role in water recovery. Within the thickener, the rake drive mechanism pushes settled solids towards the centre of the tank for collection and removal, making accurate monitoring important for efficient operation,” Vega Instruments explains.

Vega Instruments says that continuous monitoring of settled solids in the thickener tank provides indirect information about rake drive position and its influence on the thickening process, supporting process control, automation and optimisation.

Gold ore extracted underground at the mine is transported to the surface for processing, whereby is it crushed, ground, gravity concentrated and floated before being processed into doré bars with a high gold content.

Vega Instruments adds that its sensors are designed to be straightforward to install and configure, enabling instrumentation technicians to complete installations themselves while receiving technical support when required.

“Our confidence in Vega Instruments is underpinned by their accuracy and durability. During this installation, we took charge ourselves and although Vega’s technicians offered their assistance on multiple occasions, the sensors proved easy to install,” the company concludes.