While metallurgists and process engineers go to great lengths to select and optimise the unit operations in our pit-to-port value chains, we are often let down when it comes to the commercial operation because the bulk solids just won't flow consistently. It is an interesting thing in that all our work on unit operations determines the value-adding potential or capability of the value chain, but that actual revenue and overall operational productivity depends on the flow. Even the perfect combination of unit operations with the potential to operate at 100% efficiency, can only deliver revenue and operate at an efficiency given by the actual flowrate of ore/nameplate. So in that regard, we are really in the FLOW business! Don't know about you but it was not part of my undergraduate training and most of the detailed designers I have worked with are similarly ignorant. As such our professional reputations are often at risk and there are many examples where this risk has been realised.

Bulk solids handling is a specialised area (as we have better things to do in terms of adding value) so I have prepared a list of questions you can gently put to those responsible for making your flowsheets come to life (and for your professional reputations in the process!) to help ensure they achieve the controlled flow through your lovingly crafted value chains. Hope you find it useful (it has held me in good stead over the years)

Hope you find it useful (it has held me in good stead over the years)

PS There are some great references freely available in the public domain which have been hyperlinked in the Reference section.