Fixed plants beat mobile plants when it comes to long-run capability. They’re the better bet when you’re trying to produce at scale, as fast as possible. Conveyors replace trucking between stages, which cuts cycle times and fuel costs. The strength of the fixed plant means you can use larger crushers and screens, increasing capacities from 500 to over 1,000 tons per hour, far beyond what mobile plants are capable of.
They’re also more cost-effective to run. The fixed plant will be connected to the grid instead of running off diesel generators, and automation will be more centralized to require fewer people. Water supply and dust control are also more cost-effective at these capacities.
Consistent product quality is another area where fixed plants come into their own. The more consistent the process parameters, the more consistent gradation and particle shape will be. And the fixed plant layout makes it easier to incorporate more sophisticated operations such as tertiary shaping, washing, and air classification.
Long life and easy maintenance are also advantages of fixed plants. Built to last, they provide permanent working platforms and craneage, which makes major maintenance jobs much faster and safer than working on mobile plants.
