Evaluation of Harmonic Filtering Requirements for A 120 KTPD Copper Concentrator Mine Plant with Dual Pinion Mills

In today's power system design for mining processing plants, the significance of harmonic filters and their design complexities when gearless mill drives are used in the grinding circuits is well understood [1]. However, when dual pinion mills are utilized, it is a common belief that harmonic filtering requirements shall be significantly reduced or perhaps eliminated, especially if active front end drives [2] are used. After evaluation of a 120k tonnes per day mine power system, the authors show the significance of harmonic filters when dual pinion mills are primary grinding media. It will be shown even by utilizing alternative AFD technologies such as active front end drives, harmonic filters are still required. In the presented case study the harmonic filters type and size are closely evaluated. Finally, recommendations are provided to consider unexpected resonant points in the system when more expensive AFDs with active front end technology are used for dual pinion mills.