In the anode plant at TRIMET’s Voerde site, the existing cone crusher has been replaced after almost 50 years of operation. The new crusher modernizes an important step in the processing of spent anodes and offers significant advantages in terms of process efficiency and occupational safety.
The cone crusher plays a key role in processing spent anodes. Spent anodes from aluminium production are processed so that the carbon material they contain can subsequently be reused in the anode plant to produce new anodes.
The processing takes place in several stages: Conveyor belts first transport the material to a jaw crusher, where it is pre-crushed. The cone crusher then reduces the carbon pieces to a smaller size. A screen separates out material of the required grain size and directs it to the anode plant for further processing. Material that is still too coarse is returned to the cone crusher for another crushing cycle.
The new cone crusher features a modern control system and hydraulic gap adjustment. If foreign material enters the crusher, the crushing gap opens automatically. In the event of a malfunction, the unit can also be opened manually using the hydraulic system. The new technology therefore improves not only the process itself, but also occupational safety.
Replacing the crusher required extensive electrical work and modifications to the plant control system. For dismantling, the existing crusher, weighing around 20 tonnes, was first separated into several components. The TRIMET team then worked with the supplier to install the new cone crusher, weighing around 25 tonnes, including its hydraulic and lubrication oil units.
To meet the tight schedule, numerous TRIMET employees worked in shifts and additionally over the weekend. Their commitment ensured that the modernization project was completed on schedule.
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