For this sizable international mining corporation, Capstone Technology Canada has carried out a number of advanced mining process control projects. Because of the inherent variability of the process and feedstock, mining poses unique challenges.
Capstone Technology Canada finished implementing and maintaining Mining Advanced Control Systems for several pelletizing units and iron ore concentrators. AG Mills, pellet induration, and balling were among them. The unique system involved the use of a modelled predictive control system, which uses an AI learning process to review production inputs and suggest potential outcomes based on historical sensor data for operations. The system uses the experience of the Capstone staff to train the system to work as an intelligent operator and advise the operations staff on how to handle complex scenarios.
The Solution
The engineers at Capstone collaborated closely with the client to comprehend their workflow and create an automated process control system. By setting up industry-leading Advanced Process Control software, we were able to swiftly implement the solution. Multi-variable predictive constraint control, optimization algorithms, and automatic estimation of the pellet’s physical properties are some of the solution’s salient features.
The Results
Through process standardization and automation, each project phase has produced measurable business outcomes and assisted this client in lowering operating expenses. Benefits include a 3% increase in balling/induration and a 5% decrease in fuel consumption. A primary focus is on maximizing uptime of processes and utilization of machinery. Our team does preliminary surveys of production equipment and singles out systems that result in bottlenecks. These recommendations result in improved performance of equipment with a reduction in downtime and a greater safety consideration.