Client Services

HOW PSI WORKS WITH CLIENTS
Client enquiries are handled systematically by PSI. The process outlined below supports a step-wise approach to determining the suitability and overall cost-performance of PSI resins in meeting client objectives. PSI strives to promote a high level of communication with clients throughout the IX assessment process thus ensuring shared understanding of the process objectives, constraints and limitations. The following steps are often shared between the Client and PSI:
  • Client description of project status and IX process objectives
  • Initial assessment of suitability of IX and PSI resins
  • Conceptual process design and CAPEX estimate
  • Bench testing
  • Pilot testing
  • Commercial plant process design and CAPEX estimate
  • IX equipment design and procurement
  • Commissioning support
Throughout the assessment process, PSI and our Clients often work closely in assessing process design options, technical performance and risk, and overall economic viability. Non Disclosure Agreements are often used so that relevant information can be shared confidentially.
INITIAL PROJECT ASSESSMENT & CAPEX ESTIMATE
PSI offers complimentary conceptual IX process design and capital and operating cost estimates as part of the Client Support Services. The process for obtaining a conceptual CAPEX estimate is as follows:
  • The Client provides a liquor analysis, flow rates, process objectives, and constraints.
  • PSI conducts a theoretical technical assessment based on case histories and in-house IX models to predict resin suitability to the Client application. If the assessment shows that PSI resins are not suitable for the application, the Client will be advised and no further work conducted.
  • If a PSI Resin is suitable for the application a conceptual CAPEX estimate will be provided for a commercial IX plant with relevant battery limits. Such conceptual estimates are provided on the understanding that IX resin performance is dependent on process liquor characteristics, including pH and elemental concentrations in a mixed metal environment. The theoretical models used to predict selectivity, loading capacity, kinetics, and wash and rinse efficiencies may not adequately represent the resin behavior in a mixed metals stream. As such, the conceptual process design and resin inventory determined from such theoretical models should be viewed as indicative only.
  • Options for IX equipment selection, including Fixed Bed and Counter-Current technologies, will be put forward for Client consideration. Where other related processes are relevant to the application, PSI may also provide advice on equipment and suppliers relating to filtration, membranes, electro-dialysis and electrowinning.
  • A brief report covering the conceptual process design, PSI Resin recommendations, and CAPEX estimates will be provided to the Client.

BENCH TESTING
PSI offers subsidized bench ion exchange resin testing as part of the Client Services. Where Clients choose to perform bench testing in their laboratories, PSI will provide small quantities of resin samples and technical advice. Depending on project scope, PSI may work with Clients to share testing costs. Bench testing is conducted in PSI’s laboratories located at Missoula (USA), ChangZhou (China) and at Ammtec Ltd (Australia). A Bench Test Program usually includes the following steps:
  • The Client provides a liquor analysis, flow rates, process objectives, and constraints. 
  • PSI conducts a theoretical technical assessment based on case histories and in-house IX models to predict resin suitability to the Client application. If the assessment shows that PSI resins are not suitable for the application, the Client will be advised and no further work conducted.
  • If the PSI Resins are assessed as being suitable for the application, a fixed scope of work and costing are provided for the Bench Test Program. Typically, the scope of work may include technical verification of the theoretical models used, resin loading capacity, wash and rinse efficiencies, eluted product quality, and if appropriate a more refined CAPEX estimate.
  • If the Client accepts the scope of work and costs are agreed, then approximately 2 litres of representative liquor must be acquired and sent to PSI’s selected laboratory. Guidelines for transporting the liquor can be provided by PSI.
  • At the completion of the testing program a comprehensive technical report will be issued to the Client. Depending on the complexity and length of the piloting the timing for the issue of the technical report is typically two to three months of commencement of the pilot run.

PILOT TESTING
PSI offers Pilot Testing services at our own laboratories and at our Client's job sites. Depending on project requirements, PSI may subsidize the cost of the test program through provision of resin or technical support. Bankable Pilot Testing Programs may be completed in Ammtec's laboratory in Perth. A Pilot Program often includes the following steps:
  • Client provides liquor analysis, flow rates, process objectives, and constraints.
  • Client provides liquor sample of sufficient quantity to meet Pilot Test objectives and test requirements.
  • Bench Test results are analysed and recommendations made for the Pilot Test Program.
  • A fixed scope of work and costing are provided for the Pilot Test Program. Typically, the scope of work may include verification of Bench Test results, resin loading capacity, wash and rinse efficiencies, eluted product quality, circuit optimisation, continuous running and the provision of a more refined CAPEX estimate.
  • If the Client accepts the scope of work and costs are agreed, then sufficient volume of representative liquor must be acquired and sent to PSI’s selected laboratory or held at the job site. Guidelines for transporting the liquor can be provided by PSI.
  • At the completion of the testing program a comprehensive technical report will be issued to the Client. Depending on the complexity and length of the piloting the timing for the issue of the technical report is typically two to three months of commencement of the pilot run.


AMMTEC LIMITED
Ammtec Ltd. holds majority ownership in PSI and provides a range of services to PSI and its Clients. Ammtec's Perth Hydrometallurgical Laboratory has broad experience and capabilities in ion exchange test work and these resources are are brought to bear on PSI's Ion Exchange Projects. 

Ammtec was established in 1979 and has grown steadily to become one of the world's largest metallurgical and mineral testing consultancies. The Company is listed on the ASX and held a market capitalisation >AUD$60M in 2009. The experienced, multi-disciplined technical staff numbers in excess of 250. Ammtec Laboratories are sited in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide and Burnie. Services are provided in the following areas:
  • Analytical
  • Comminution
  • Flotation
  • Pressure Acid Leaching
  • Bacterial Leaching
  • Solvent Extraction
  • Gold
  • Iron Ore
  • Mineralogy
  • Bench & Pilot Testing
  • Bankable Testing
  • Membranes
  • Fixed Bed ion Exchange
  • Counter-Current Ion Exchange
  • Resin-in-Pulp (RIP)
  • Resin-Leach (RIL)
Please see Ammtec's website at www.ammtec.com.au 

       



 


Ion Exchange Pilot Testing
Ion Exchange Pilot Testing PSI can perform Fixed Bed, Counter-Current and RIP Pilot Testing. Through Ammtec, PSI can provide testing and reporting at Bankable Feasibility Study standards.
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