Brazilian company Vale is a finalist for the 2014 Swedish Steel Prize for developing a highly durable mining screener for iron ore in high strength steel.
The Swedish Steel Prize is awarded annually by SSAB to recognise the most innovative design utilising high-strength steel. Vale, from Brazil, is one of four finalists for this yearâs prize, which would be awarded during a ceremony on November 20 in Stockholm, Sweden.
âIt makes us proud to be selected as one of the finalists in an international competition of high-end engineering design such as the Swedish Steel Prizeâ?, said José Cléber Rodrígues da Silva, Engineering Maintenance Supervisor at Carajás, Valeâs largest mining operation. âThe screener was created and developed to address the negative impacts of large blocks of iron ore on crushing plants. The main reason for using high-strength steel was the combination of high hardness, excellent mechanical properties and toughnessâ?, said da Silva. âIn addition, the hardness ensured wear resistance against the flow of iron ore on the screen.â?
The benefits obtained after only three monthsâ use were much higher than expected. After this period, the reduction in downtime due to obstruction was 92% and the reduction in costs of losses arising from stoppages amounted to more than three times the value of the project.
