Sandvik finds sandy alternative
01 November 2005
Sandvik Rock Processing now offers its customers a natural solution for tackling the problem of replacing natural sand with manufactured sand for concrete applications.
“Practical experience has shown that it is hard to replace natural gravel with conventionally crushed ballast (compression). The problems arise in the filler parts of sand, that is particles of a size under 2 mm. Several research projects have developed analysis methods in order to quantify those properties that are desirable for a manufactured material to be able to replace natural gravel,” says a spokesman for Sandvik.
Elaborating on the process further, he adds: “In the production of concrete sand, Sandvik Rock Processing uses the Merlin-VSI indigenous crusher, with the Hurricane rotor. This combination provides the unique properties that very closely replicate the natural method of sand production (nature’s own way). Impact, cleavage and attrition of the stone particles produce regular-shaped grains right down to the mineral grain level. The patented bi-flow system also gives easy variable control of the product gradation, combined with higher crusher throughputs, resulting in the lowest operating cost per tonne.
“The directional bi-flow material (independent from the Hurricane rotor) is controlled via adjustment gates in the large hexagonal feed hopper and further improves the grain shape by directing the bi-flow material into specific areas within the crushing chamber, thus increasing energised particle density which, in turn, results in improved particle shape and production.
“Analysis of manufactured sand with Merlin-VSI equipped with Sandvik's Hurricane rotor show that it is possible to produce a material equivalent to natural gravel. This has been confirmed through the grain shape analysis of manufactured sand and tests of fresh concrete with manufactured sand.
“Sandvik Rock Processing is in a position to offer its customers the production of sand on a pilot scale for analysis and trials with fresh concrete. The trials include production of concrete sand 0 to 8 mm, analysis of the filler components in respect of grain shape, mineralogy and viscosity testing,” he adds.
Sandvik is a high-technology engineering group with advanced products and world-leading positions in selected areas – tools for metalworking, machinery and tools for rock excavation, stainless steel, special alloys, metallic and ceramic resistance materials as well as process systems and sorting systems. Sandvik Rock Processing is a product area within Sandvik Mining and Construction and manufactures products for the mining and construction industry; crushers, screens, feeders, mobile crushers and screening stations, wear protection and screening media.
Rock Processing has production units in Svedala and Arbra in Sweden, Chauny in France, and Pune in India. The company’s operations generate sales of SEK2 billion ($254 million) annually, with about 1000 employees.
The group has 38,000 employees in 130 countries, with annual sales of approximately SEK55 billion ($6.99 billion).
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