Reliability and operational efficiency achieved in the Alagöz Mining plant

The Alagöz Mining plant far away in the mountains of Turkey, Europe.

Customer challenges at the beginning

At this specific customer plant, lead is excavated and extracted from underground and processed into different end-products. In addition to the demanding control applications of mining, Alagöz faced some challenges because of the plant’s remote geographical location, far from the closest towns. Even in the summer it is very difficult to reach the plant via narrow roads, while in the winter season it becomes almost impossible due to heavy snowfall. Low temperatures, heavy rainfall, and humidity are just some of the difficult weather conditions the Alagöz mining plant faces every year. Due to these challenges, durability and quality were among the customer requirements when they started the consideration process for the plant’s flow control solutions. 

Flow control solutions chosen

Originally, an EPC company recommended Flowrox solutions to be used at the Alagöz plant. From previous experience, they knew how the robust design and performance of these products have proven to ensure smooth and efficient operations in harsh conditions. In 2023, the Alagöz plant received the first delivery of products. This delivery consisted of open and closed body type PV and PVE heavy duty pinch valves together with numerous corrosion resistant, light-weight plastic body PVEG pinch valves that were selected for the hydrocyclone on-off duty. 

Flowrox valves at the Alagöz site in Turkey. 

Flowrox heavy duty pinch valves are used as control valves for the plant’s flotation cells. They are mainly used in lead-copper cleaning, lead-copper selective, and zinc cleaning lines at the plant. The valves control the flow of materials with high precision, ensuring that the separation processes are efficient and effective. The accurate control provided by these valves is crucial for maintaining the quality and consistency of the final product for the customer. And in the future, the controllability of these installed valves could be enhanced with Neles™ positioners, ensuring optimal performance.

Customer benefits at the heart of everything

Since the installation of the Flowrox valves, the Alagöz Mining lead-zinc plant has achieved its target production efficiency and product quality. “The precise control offered by these valves has been instrumental in optimizing the flotation processes, leading to higher yields and better-quality products. After only one year in use, the valves have not required any sleeve replacements despite the challenging environmental conditions. This has significantly reduced any maintenance requirements and associated costs,” says the Process and Mechanical Maintenance departments at Alagöz. Special thanks were noted on the extended maintenance intervals of the products.

For more information, contact Aleksandar Henc, aleksandar.henc@valmet.com, Channel Sales Manager at Valmet Flow Control business line.