IGO Limited using predictive control based on 3DPM system

IGO Limited greatly improves grinding mill efficiency and stability using predictive control based on our 3DPM online particle measurement system

We are very proud to announce that IGO Limited, the owner and operator of the Nova Nickel Operation in Western Australia has, after a trial, decided to purchase our 3DPM system. The purpose of the use of 3DPM is to increase knowledge and understanding of the material flow and hence improve the production efficiency and the product quality in the mine.

Our 3DPM vision system provides on-line particle size distribution (PSD) measurements of rock and bulk material through 3D measurements on conveyor belts. In this case the size distribution is used as a “disturbance variable” in a model predictive controller for a SAG mill. The model can predict by up to 100 seconds in advance the effect on the SAG mill weight. This has greatly improved the stability of the grinding circuit as well as increased the energy efficiency of the Mill.

The rock bolt detection feature detects rock bolts in real time, alerting the operator and allowing them to stop the feed to remove the rock bolt. This feature will enable IGO to act quickly and avoid unplanned downtime and costly damages.

IGO control systems engineers are currently looking at other ways in which the measurement can be used. One possible use is to use the measurement to track the wear of the jaw crusher liners. As the jaw crusher liners wear down, the average size of the crushed particles increases. This will allow IGO to do jaw crusher maintenance in a smarter way.

The commissioning of 3DPM was done smoothly by remote connection.

This is a very exciting order for us since IGO is a very interesting mining company which believes in a green energy future by delivering the metals needed for new age batteries”, says Lars Lindqvist, CEO, at Optimation Advanced Measurements AB, former MBV Systems AB.