Electricity and Control July 2021

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Predictive control in minerals processing

process input variables and disturbances. MPC algorithms make use of machine learning, where the engine learns and updates the mathematical model using data, and the MPC then uses it for control.” It is a simple and powerful technology which integrates into the current control system to optimise mineral processes, addressing the objectives and complexities of the plant at the same time. “At its core, MPC uses supervised machine learning technology to assess current and predicted operational data. It compares the data to desired results, and then computes and updates the process online set-point targets,” said de Goes Arantes. MPC reduces variability, helps achieve plant stability, manages the process without constraints, and operates closer to specifications and performance limits while maintaining safety margins. The tool enables mining customers to achieve increased throughput, lower consumption of reagents, better recovery, optimum water and energy usage, and improved process stability.

Mineral processing plants are inherently complex, with wide-ranging resource-intensive operations. Mines generally are looking to achieve significant process objectives to lower energy and plant costs and make better use of water and energy resources. They are also required to meet statutory regulations and deal with workforce challenges. To address these complexities and offer solutions, Rockwell Automation recently hosted a webinar helping attendees understand how to meet these process objectives. Juliano de Goes Arantes, Pavilion Account Executive at Rockwell Automation, hosted the webinar in May, supported by Steffen Zendler, Rockwell Automation’s Heavy Industry Strategy and Marketing Manager for EMEA. They discussed the main control challenges faced in mineral processing operations. De Goes Arantes said that more than 75% of mineral processing plants are still using basic control strategies. An audience poll indicated a similar level in Africa, with 56% saying they use basic control, and 28% saying they use manual control. “While basic control provides adequate control in terms of plant safety, it rarely achieves optimal control in quality, nor does it operate most economically,” said de Goes Arantes. The webinar focused on Rockwell Automation’s Pavilion8 Model Predictive Control (MPC), a tool that reduces process variability and enhances stability over and above what is currently possible with more traditional control schemes. Making use of MPC, processing plants can leverage their control systems to optimise operations. De Goes Arantes explained: “MPC uses a model of the minerals processing operation to predict how the process output variables will respond to changes in the Mornsun has introduced the new 1 000 W ac/dc en- closed power supply LMF1000-20B series with the pow- er range now extending from 15 to 1 000 W – which can meet the different demands of various applications. LMR1000-20Bxx series is one of Mornsun’s enclosed ac/dc switching power supplies. It features universal ac input and at the same time accepts dc input voltage. It is cost effective and features low no-load power consump- tion, high efficiency, high reliability and double or rein- forced insulation. The converters offer excellent EMC per- formance and meet IEC/EN61000-4, CISPR32/EN55032, IEC/EN62368, EN60335, EN60601, GB4943 standards. They are widely used in industrial applications as well as in electrical security, telecommunications, street light control and smart home systems. The LMF1000-20B has the advantages of small size (190*127*40.5 mm), high power density, variable speed fan control, and units can be connected in parallel to boost power. It meets IEC/UL/EN62368, GB4943, High power density enclosed power supply

Juliano de Goes Arantes, Pavilion Account Executive at Rockwell Automation.

Steffen Zendler, Rockwell Automation’s Heavy Industry Strategy and Marketing Manager for EMEA.

The webinar is available on-demand via the Rockwell Automation website and includes an interactive Q&A session responding to a range of questions on how customers can implement this solution without needing to invest heavily in extra equipment and training – Rockwell Automation can offer the complete solution. For more information contact Rockwell Automation. Email: mjunius@ra.rockwell.com Visit www.rockwellautomation.com IEC/ES/EN60601 standards, which makes it a safe, reliable and cost-effective power converter. The LMF1000-20B features: - Input voltage range of 90 – 264 Vac/120 – 390 Vdc - Operating temperature range from -40°C to +70°C - Variable speed fan control - Remote ON/OFF, digital communication - Supports 3+1 parallel redundancy, current-sharing accuracy: <5% It iswidely used in industrial control systems, automation machinery, and measurement and control instruments. Mornsun power supplies are available locally from Vepac Electronics. For more information contact Vepac Electronics. Tel: +27 (0)11 454 8053 Email: sales@vepac.co.za

The LMF1000-20B is used in industrial control systems and other applications.

Electricity + Control JULY 2021

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