November 2016Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The volatile commodities markets are forcing many mining operators to pursue solutions that maximise yield recoveries and improve operational efficiencies. Mining companies also face a growing skills shortage, driving the need to incorporate new systems and technologies for greater connectivity and improved information sharing.
These challenges require mining companies to have a better understanding of operations to improve performance and reduce safety risks. Rockwell Automation has outlined key steps operators can take to achieve these goals through the creation of a connected mine.
Convergence of IT and OT
Through the convergence of information technology and operations technology, mining operators have the ability to streamline data management, gather better insights and predict recoveries. By collecting data from various equipment and distributed points, operators and managers are also able to make improvements across the operation – from hitting daily targets to improving asset performance and throughput.
Much of the same data, pulled from a mine’s production infrastructure, can be used to produce more accurate energy reporting and forecasting, helping to optimise asset utilisation and energy efficiency without impacting output.
“Controllers, smart devices and software in a connected mine can give you access to thousands of points of process and machine data that, until now, have been inaccessible,” said Paul McRoberts, regional manager of Industry Mining, Metals and Cement, Rockwell Automation. “Throughput sensors can monitor feed and processing rates, flow, viscosity and other variables to help improve asset performance.”
Rockwell Automation is also working with mining companies to establish a purpose-built control floor, giving workers real-time visibility across operations. Autonomous mining, and remote monitoring and control solutions affect overall employee safety across the supply chain. Modern distributed control systems enable fully integrated operations for flexibility and rapid decision-making.
Companies looking to gain new flexibility in an effort to meet supply chain demands need to take the necessary actions to migrate control systems. Updating historically disparate systems will create a new level of operational intelligence and improved productivity for mining operators.
A white paper outlining the implementation and benefits of a connected mine is available at http://tinyurl.com/j8pgklu
Analysers for use in high ambient temperature environments
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The 993X series of analysers from Ametek Process Industries are now IECEx Zone 2 certified for use in locations with up to 60°C ambient temperature. Built with IP66-rated enclosures and using an integrated cooling system, they can be installed outdoors or in minimally temperature-controlled enclosures, reducing complexity while lowering capital and operating costs.
Read more...The art of precision measurement
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To achieve precise, reliable measurement results when scanning component parts, use is frequently made of reference points. In optical measuring processes, these permit the referencing of three-dimensional objects during the digitisation.
Read more...Vibration test system supports international space industry TANDM Technologies
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Dragonfly Aerospace has launched EOS SAT-1, one of seven satellites in the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. With optimisation of resources being a key component for Dragonfly, it called on TANDM to assist in creating and heavily expanding its environmental testing capabilities by providing a vibration test system that allowed it to perform in-house vibration and shock testing.
Read more...Sensor technology for brewing Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Brewing is a delicate balance, blending tradition with innovation. Now, modern sensor technology is stepping in to perfect the art of fermentation.
Read more...Loesche gets dirty Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The world’s attention is on environmental sustainability, and the pressure on countries and companies to demonstrate their commitment to preserving the environment and preventing climate change is at an all-time high. As we confront a multitude of environmental and social challenges, managing waste and maximising landfill diversion can play a key role.
Read more...Water systems with energy savings and sustainability Labotec
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
ELGA Veolia has relaunched its award-winning PURELAB flex range, with features to reduce the system’s environmental footprint and incorporate some of the latest innovations in water purification technologies. The ecological improvements integrated into the flex range have been made to reduce water and power consumption.
Read more...Keeping an eye on invisible radiation Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
Read more...Technology for water sustainability Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.
Read more...Reducing water consumption in the cement industry Loesche South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Water is a finite and irreplaceable resource, fundamental to life on earth. LOESCHE’s vision is to enable its customers to produce high-quality cement, without any water consumption.
Read more...Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.