Semi-mobile crushing plants are gaining popularity in the mining and aggregate industries due to their balance between mobility and stability. Designed for materials such as limestone, these plants offer advantages over fully mobile and stationary systems, particularly in large-scale operations where relocation frequency is lower (typically two years or more between moves).
Key Features
- Flexible Mobility – While less frequently moved than fully mobile stations, semi-mobile plants are mounted on platforms, allowing relocation when necessary.
- High Production Capacity – Equipped with robust primary and secondary crushers (e.g., jaw or gyratory crushers), they can handle large limestone feed sizes with outputs ranging from 300 to 2,500 tph, depending on plant configuration.
- Reduced Infrastructure Costs – Unlike stationary plants, they require a shorter setup time and minimal civil works, lowering initial investment costs.
- Lower Operating Costs – Since they move less frequently than fully mobile units, maintenance and labor costs are optimized for mid- to long-term projects.
Capacity Considerations
- Feed Size & Hardness: Limestone, being moderately abrasive, works well with semi-mobile plants using impact or hammer crushers for optimal size reduction.
- Throughput Optimization: Some models incorporate pre-screening to boost efficiency by routing fines directly to bypass crushing stages.
- Downstream Integration: When paired with conveying systems, these plants can feed directly into secondary/tertiary circuits or stockpiles seamlessly.
Case Example
The “Semi-Mobile Sled-Type” model by Liming Heavy Industry is ideal for limestone quarries with infrequent relocation needs. A typical 500 tph setup may include:
- Primary crusher: Jaw or gyratory crusher for initial reduction
- Secondary stage: Cone or impact crusher for finer aggregates
- Screening module: Vibrating screens for product classification
Advantages:
✔ Lower fuel and maintenance costs vs. fully mobile units
✔ Faster deployment than stationary plants
✔ Scalable for expanding operations
Semi-mobile crushing strikes a cost-efficient balance for limestone processing, particularly in large quarries or mining projects. Operators should evaluate relocation frequency and desired output to determine if this solution fits their long-term production strategy.