At first, the process adjustment of the concentration plant took place during the process. The employees made the adjustments according to their own experience, so the overall picture of the process was fragmented. When all start-up and control functions were grouped together in the same space (the control room), the process could be monitored and controlled based on the whole process using measuring devices and cameras.
The monitoring and control of the concentration plant changed completely when the Courier X-ray Analyzer was deployed in the late 1960s to replace manual sampling and laboratory analysis. It made it possible to quickly adjust the ore dressing and beneficiation processes, with a delay of only a few minutes.
The next step in the concentration process was the use of a computer to analyze the results. It was now also possible to make certain adjustments to the computer’s memory after receiving the analysis results. Simplifying the ore dressing and beneficiation process made it possible to improve the adjustments and outcome of the process. At the Keretti concentration plant, multiple small flotation cells and different lines were replaced by large cells in the mid-1970s leading to the steps of the process being reduced and it becoming easier to control them. This invariably led to an improvement in the yield of metals and a reduction in costs.
Nowadays, the concentration process is monitored and controlled from the control room of the concentration plant using cameras and computers. The monitors show the analyzed and calculated results, based on which, according to the instructions given in advance, the computers automatically adjust the process if necessary. The changes may be, for example, adding chemicals, adjusting the grinding time, or increasing the air volumes in the flotation cell.
- OKME.1861:1 A-kaappi
With the help of this device, a shower of X-ray beams is directed at the sample, causing the atoms of the elements to begin generating fluorinating radiation. Then the fluorisation energy is measured.
Used in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vihanti mine.
A cuvette cabinet that also includes a measuring probe and cable bracket.
Operates between the sludge equipment and the analyzer equipment. The cabinet is a combination of sludge processing, mechanics, pneumatics, X-ray technology and electronics.
All signal cables from the measuring probe, water and compressed air hoses entering the measuring probe and high-voltage cable of the X-ray tube run along the cable bracket.
The A cabinet has 14 measuring points, each of which can be used to bring ore sludges at different stages of the concentration process. Six elements and the solids content can be analyzed for each sludge. Usually only the concentration of three elements is calculated. The normal analysis time for each sludge is 20 seconds.
The buttons on the front panel of the device are the so-called bypass switches. There are 16 of them, one for every measuring point. When the bypass switches are in an upright position, the measuring probe stops at this point. If the bypass switch is in a horizontal position, the trolley does not stop, but continues to the next measuring point with the bypass switch in an upright position. In other words, the trolley moves only between the measuring points with the bypass switch in an upright position.
- OKME.1861:2 G Cabinet (G=Generator)
The device generated a high voltage (about 50 kilovolts) for the measuring probe of the Courier A cabinet.
Used in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vihanti mine.
The X-ray generator, a stabilized high-voltage generator, provides the high voltage required for the X-ray tube, 50 kV, 35 mA.
The G cabinet ensures the power supply of the X-ray tube. It generates a high voltage of 50 kV 35 mA and the heater voltage required for the tube. The G cabinet is powered by the E cabinet.
The cooling water from the X-ray tube and detectors circulates through the generator. The device has pressure and flow meters that switch off the high voltage if the water stops circulating, heats up too much or its supply pressure drops below a certain value.
- OKME.1861:12 F Cabinet
The device has a coolant with a cooled generator (G cabinet) and an A cabinet measuring probe.
Used in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vihanti mine.
A water cooler cabinet that cools the X-ray tube and keeps the photomultiplier tubes at a standard temperature.
The F cabinet is divided into blocks, the top of which is a condenser with fans. Underneath it, there is a thermostat and contactor panel with a compressor next to it. The cooling water tank and the water circulation pump are located at the bottom.
The cabinet acts as an indirect cooler, where the water used to cool the X-ray tube is cooled in the cooler itself with the help of a freon.
Distilled water with a pH of 8 should be used as cooling water.
- OKME.1861:3 R Cabinet
The R cabinet has been used to adjust the surface height of secondary sampling devices.
In use from 1972 to 1985.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vuonos mine.
Secondary sampling device level adjusters/control cabinet.
- OKME.1861:4 E Cabinet (E=Energy)
The device used to supply electricity to other Courier devices. Also has the main switch of the Courier analyzer.
Used in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vihanti mine.
Power supply unit, or E-cabinet.
Electricity distribution cabinet, which also includes an air blower for the films of the cuvettes.
The electricity supply to the equipment is connected with the main switch in E cabinet, switching on all devices except the high voltage and computer of the X-ray generator.
The electricity supply of the entire analyzer system runs through a single cabinet, the E cabinet. The main switch of the whole analyzer is on the front door of this cabinet. It can be used to switch on or off the entire power supply of the equipment.
- OKME.1861:5 C Cabinet (C=Computer)
The computer of the Courier analyzer with which it was possible to determine, e.g., the concentration of an element.
Used in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vihanti mine.
A data processing component including a computer, output circuits and connection circuits for the results of up to three B cabinets.
- OKME.1861:6 B Cabinet
The B cabinet is an electronics cabinet. X-rayed elements are brought from the A cabinet into the B cabinet. Here, radiation was detected as pulses. The B cabinet reinforced the pulses and adapted them to a processable form. The number of pulses has been proportional to the amount of the element in question.
Used in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vihanti mine.
Electronics cabinet containing the so-called radiation electronics, drive logic and a monitor part for monitoring the pulse readings.
- OKME.1861:7 D Cabinet / Multiplexer
The cabinet distributes the results from the C cabinet one by one to the plotters.
Used in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vihanti mine.
The multiplexer cabinet distributes the results from the C cabinet one by one to their own plotters.
- OKME.1861:9 Courier Outokumpu 316 Honeywell computer
Central unit of a computer.
Used in the 1970s and 1980s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vuonos mine.
- OKME.1861:10 Courier Alarm Printer
The device will emit an alarm if there are any deviations in the sample to be analyzed, for example, if the concentration of the sample is too high or too low.
Used in the 1970s and 1980s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vuonos mine.
- OKME.1861:11 Courier Power Saver
The device adjusted the power of the Courier unit.
Used in the 1970s and 1980s.
Donated by: Outokumpu Oy, Vuonos mine.
- OKME.1861:13 Secondary sampling device (bubbler model)
A sample of the primary sample stream (about 200 litres/min.) has been taken with a secondary sampling device for the cuvette cycle (20 liters/min.). The bubbler controlled the surface adjustment of the measuring probe so that there was always a suitable amount of sample in the sampling device.
- OKME.1861:14 Secondary sampling device (bubbler model)
A sample of the primary sample stream (about 200 litres/min.) has been taken with a secondary sampling device for the cuvette cycle (20 liters/min.). The bubbler controlled the surface adjustment of the measuring probe so that there was always a suitable amount of sample in the sampling device.
- OKME.1861:15 Secondary sampling device (float model)
The float floated in the measuring probe on the surface of the sludge, ensuring that there was always a suitable amount of sample in the sampling device.
- OKME.1861:16 The control box of the surface level control devices for secondary sampling devices
The control box has contained the control relays of the measuring probes, a kind of switch (but not a manual one). The control box sent pulses to the measuring probes.
