A lot of emphasis is either placed on the design and execution of an effective research and development programme (including a good metallurgical test work programme) or on the detailed design of a process circuit using the results from a test work program. Usually these are not done by the same company and individuals. Disconnects between the two are very common and thus the best design outcome is not always achieved. The purpose of this paper is to explain the importance of understanding and interpreting research and development results by the design team to ensure an optimal design, both in regards to process functionality and cost. There are various pitfalls along the way and this paper will try to show that a systematic and optimised approach can reduce the risks of over/under design, cost escalations as well as incorrect equipment and layout, thus not an optimal design. The author will use an example to explain the various decisions that can be made in a design process and to show the reader that making different design decisions from the test work results can have major different cost and process outcomes on the plant proposed. Effective interpretation of test work and research results, understanding the gaps, good collaboration (one team between client, researcher and designer), zero base design, optimal flowsheet and effective use of appropriate equipment are some of the factors that can be used to mitigate the issues to deliver an optimal final product.
CITATION:Lorenzen, L and Kerr, A, 2019. Transferring R&D results into optimal process design the good and the bad, in Proceedings World Gold 2019, pp 566576 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).