Combined laboratory mill & press Centaurus
2 3 Centaurus All-in-one combined mill & press The only all-in-one automated solution that can grind and press or just grind or just press. Application FLSmidth s Centaurus automatic sample preparation machine combines laboratory mill and press functions in a compact, easy-to operate unit. The machine consists of an automatic fine grinding mill and an automatic pelletising press. The components for both these main functionalities are integrated in a space-saving and ergonomically designed housing with a footprint of only 1m 2. The fully automatic Centaurus produces pressed powder test pellets from granular materials such as raw meal, clinker, cement, ore, slag and mine exploration samples for XRF and XRD analysis. Automated quality control systems help improve the product quality in industrial processes. FLSmidth has taken product quality one step further with the unique Centaurus sample preparation machine. Functionality The Centaurus houses a sample dosing device, an automatic finegrinding mill and an automatic pelletising press in a soundproof 1m 2 unit. It fits seamlessly into new or existing production laboratory set-ups. Designed to function as a stand-alone system or to be integrated with linear or robotics automation systems, such as FLSmidth s QCX/RoboLab system, Centaurus supports automatic feed of samples directly to any X-ray analyser. The unique thing about Centaurus is its ability to grind sample material without pressing it, or to press sample material without grinding it. The grinding only feature is a standard functionality, while the pressing only feature is an available option. Before the grinding and pressing stage, the sample material type is identified from the operator terminal, or via the interface of a supervisory quality control system such as the QCX system. The preparation method and associated parameters is then selected and the fully automatic sample preparation process begins. Fully automatic sample preparation process begins The sample material is transferred to the infeed dosing system. A sample fraction is fed to the mill and ground as a flush sample (cleaning or blind sample). The flush sample material is discarded The sample quantity is volumetrically dosed by a patented two-volume sample cup. Grinding aid pellets are dispensed The sample is ground The ground sample portion is transferred to a steel ring. The sample is pressed into the steel ring by a pneumo-hydraulic press unit. Excessive dust is removed from the surface of steel ring samples Optionally, the sample may be vacuum-checked to ensure correct preparation. Depending on the configuration, the pressed pellet is delivered to the front or to the side of the machine. After analysis, the steel ring is returned for automatic cleaning and recycling. After each operational step all interior component surfaces that have been in contact with the sample material are cleaned by a combination of compressed air and suction (dedusting). Integrated with QCX/RoboLab In the flagship of fully automated sample processing, QCX/RoboLab, the Centaurus mill and press plays the main role in sample preparation. Arriving in the automatic receiving station and filled in the cups, the robot transfers the sample to the Centaurus where the fully automatic sample preparation cycle starts. From the output position the pressed pellet is placed on the belt leading to the X-ray machine. This means minimum carry-over from one sample to the next. The flexible basic design allows both stand-alone operation and several different ways of automaton integration without requiring extra features.
4 5 Technical data Sample Material Properties Sample material Various minerals, ores, cements, raw materials, fine chemicals etc. Sample quantity 6-18 cm 3 (others on request) Grain size < 100 µ Performance Processing programs 100 Pressure force increase time 0-120 sec. Pressure force maintenance time 0-120 sec Pressure force decrease time 0-120 sec. Pressure force 70-200 kn Standard steel rings 51,5x35x8,6 mm / 40 x 35 x 14 mm / 40 x 32 x 14 mm Other data Power supply 3*380-440V, 50-60Hz, 16A, 2kW, 3L+PE Insulation class B Conformity CE (others on request) Weight 1250 kg Dimensions 1000 x1000 x 1638 mm Options Starterkit 51,5x35x8,6 2437411000 Starterkit 40x35x14 2437412000 Starterkit 40x32x14 2437413000 Cooling system forced air 2437414000 Cooling system water 2437415000 Pellet testing and ring cleaning device 2437416000 Frame for double floor 2437417000 UL-Standard 2437418000 Dosing of second grinding additive 2437419000 5 ring magazine internal 2437420000 Cleaning with other media 2437421000 Mill bypass (Press only) 2437422000 Press bypass 2437423000 20 cup/ring magazine external 2437427000 Automation interface 2437426000 Features State of the art technology applied combined with proven components. Operation options: mill and press, or just mill or just press. Standalone or integration in automation systems. Sample feed by operator or robot or linear arrangement. Choice of 3 different cooling systems (no cooling, forced air and water cooling). Space-saving, ergonomic design Soundproofed housing with insulating material on inner surfaces. Very low vibration level. Visual indication of device status with operational monitoring. Simple-to-use touch screen control panel for operations, including manual start. TCP/IP interface for remote control by a supervisory computer. In-built alarms and passwordprotected parameter settings. Benefits Future proof based on the modular design which enables a custom tailored solution and future upgrades. Less laboratory space combined with the full flexibility of two machines in one. Only two sides must be accessible for maintenance purpose which enables the Centaurus to be placed in a high variation of settings. In case of maintenance all four sides are accessible. More laboratory capacity available due to full automatic preparation cycles (input/output magazine). Parallel manual and automatic operation is possible. Because of the split between operator and automation side no disruption of the robot circle will occur due to solely front side manual operation. Raising the bar in safety - clear separation of operator and automation. Healthy and safe for the operators because no handling of heavy grinding tools is necessary because all internal parts are self-cleaned Higher sample throughput means more effectivity in sample preparation. Cleaning with other media (sand) possible to get an optimum cleaning result and to reduce cross contamination between two samples. Reduction of personnel costs due to full automatic operation.
6 7 By operator, robot or linear arrangement... Automation Side Sample input/output by operator or robot or linear arrangement. Stand alone or integrated in automation systems. Operator Side In the standalone use, the operator introduces a sample in a cup by using the conveyor belt on the operator side at the HMI panel. When this automatic cycle is finished the ring is discharged at the output position, ready for transfer to the analyser. When using the Centaurus in a linear configuration, the sample is introduced in a cup from the belt. The pressed ring is transferred to the X-ray by means of a belt. The Centaurus mill and press offers a broad range of options to suit even very special customer requirements. It starts with the entry magazine for sample cups which accommodates not only the 20 cups but also the complete handling system for sample pouring into the dosing input. Following the sample flow through the machine, a cooled grinding vessel keeps the temperature at a certain level. The design of the Centaurus mill and press features a clear separation of the operator and the automation side, permitting safe operator access to the machine at any time. Where mill-only functionality is needed, the press can be bypassed. An integrity check of the pellet detects cracks in the pressed pellet. On the output side there are a lot of combinations with different types of belts and handling devices available, such as string and belt conveyors, ring magazines and flipping devices as integrated options. ring in- and out- feed Cup in- and out- feed Sample input/output HMI touch sceen The automation side of the Centaurus mill and press
Copyright 2015 FLSmidth A/S. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. FLSmidth is a (registered) trademark of FLSmidth A/S. This brochure makes no offers, representations or warranties (express or implied), and information and data contained in this brochure are for general reference only and may change at any time. www.flsmidth.com/centaurus CM 08-15 800-27-ENG V2