The introduction of new technology or the application of an existing technology to different process chemistry is perceived to be fraught with risk and uncertainty, especially if an existing technology is well established. Scaling up from small scale tests is typically a significant perceived risk when applying new technology as limited references or industry standards are available. Commissioning of a full-scale plant is often delayed due to lack of fundamental understanding of the process and the lack of operating experience and in the current economic climate, new pyro metallurgical projects cannot afford commissioning delays or the perception of high risk. Many of these risks can be addressed via a suitable development program which includes demonstration-scale pilot plant testing.

Demonstration-scale smelting, prior to implementation offers an opportunity to address the risks associated with pyro metallurgical operations (process, operational etc). Any smelting operation has inherent risks associated with the process and equipment due to the nature of pyro metallurgy. There are therefore many obvious benefits to complete small-scale pilot testing as part of the development path for a new project as this provides the opportunity to evaluate some of the critical design aspects, evaluate operational issues and address issues that could cause costly delays during commissioning early on. It thus provides an opportunity to evaluate the applied technology and thus develop suitable engineering solutions for the application.

RaySA Engineering have a wide range of plant configurations to allow the client the optimal solution to simulate the final operational process.  The following plant units can be selected:

1. Either AC or DC furnace operations
2. Low or high voltage operations
3. Belt of or pneumatic feeding
4. High or low temperatures operations
5. Small test batches and up to 80 tonnes per month of simulated production
6. Induction furnace post processing
7. Granulation and atomization post processing