Leading the way in gold optimisation

July 2001 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Svedala's Cisa division has recently been awarded a contract to install its OCS (optimising control system) to optimise the milling circuits at Gold Fields Kloof No. 1 Gold Plant in Westonaria. This brings the total number of gold plant advanced control applications in southern Africa to four. The other systems are operating at plants in Mali, Tanzania and an Anglo Gold operation in Carletonville. The Sadiola Hill plant in Mali has been using this system to achieve unprecedented peak performance since 1997. This 'greenfields' project has paved the way for the introduction of the OCS in Africa.

Anglo Gold's Mponeng Plant in Carletonville, controls the three milling circuits on this system to achieve a consistent product quality to the required production targets. It uses advanced soft sensor technology to describe the behaviour in the mills that facilitates, amongst other things, the control of the mill discharge density.

This type of control has proved invaluable which has not previously been achieved with other systems or methods. Engineers and operators at the plant have embraced the system allowing it to control the plant on an average of 97% of the total running time. The only time the system is switched into manual control is to allow for major plant equipment maintenance or instrumentation calibration.

Geita Mine in Tanzania has recently commissioned their SAG milling circuit with the OCS for logging valuable operating data. It now controls the circuit, maximising throughput and stabilising product grind quality at the plant target. The feed to the circuit is highly variable. The unit detects which type of feed the mill is receiving and makes operating changes to keep production and quality targets in line. Final commissioning is scheduled for July 2001.

Svedala Cisa OCS can be configured to control any mineral processing application. These units are operating on crushing, grinding, flotation, thickening, kilns and pyrometallurgical processes worldwide.

Svedala Cisa

(011) 961 4065

[email protected]

www.svedala-cisa.com

Further reading:

The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.

Read more...

---

The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs
Schneider Electric South Africa Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.

Read more...

---

Flexible and precise dispensing technology
Beckhoff Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.

Read more...

---

The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.

Read more...

---

System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.

Read more...

---

Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration
Iritron System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.

Read more...

---

EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz
Beckhoff Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...

---

Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.

Read more...

---

PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.

Read more...

---

Five smart machine trends you need to know
Adroit Technologies System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.

Read more...

---