Electricity + Control October 2015

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

ROUND UP

Advanced embedded control in grinding mills

ABB , the power and automation technology group, is launching an advanced control solution embedded within a variable-speed drive. Called SmartMill, it utilises real-time data for continuous control of individual grinding mills, thereby removing the onus on the opera- tor’s experience and judgment. Traditionally, operators face limited flexibility in optimising grinding operations, an example is adding balls to the mill load and waiting for load reduction when the mill is overloaded. These adjustments are usually performed with only rudimentary control automation, or none at all. ABB’s SmartMill optimises the process by adapting the actual mill speed and feed rate to current conditions in real time.The speed is varied according to an advanced control

future mill behaviours. The outputs can take into account several mill variables, such as feed rate, mill rotation speed, ore hardness and purity, total load and water addition rate. SmartMill provides full stability to individual mills, without the need for additional control- lers or sensors.This leads to increased grinding efficiency, reduced energy consumption, higher throughput, better influence over par- ticle size, fewer shift-to-shift variations and extended liner lifetime. “Normally, there is a trade-off between particle size, throughput, and recovery,” says Marcelo Perrucci, global product manager, ABB. “SmartMill allows flexible adjustments so that the sweet spot, which will vary from mine to mine, can be readily identified.” Enquiries: Email emmanuel.chabut@ch.abb.com

concept that keeps the mill’s solid feed as high as possible, while monitoring signals such as power consumption, motor torque and bearing pressure and mill speed. This automatic selection of optimal set points means that operators can focus on more important tasks. Having full control of a mill helps improve the pro- cess control strategy. ABB offers advanced process control (APC), which increases grinding efficiency, decreases energy consumption and extends equip- ment lifetime throughout the entire grinding circuit. SmartMill is a standalone solution for individual mills and incorporates a variable-speed drive system as standard, while accessing all mill operation and maintenance features, such as automatic positioning, creeping speed and the frozen charge protection and remover function. For inputs, SmartMill uses power, torque and load, which the controller uses to predict

New FQ2 Vision Sensor The Vision Sensor that has it all

Omron’s new FQ2-series vision sensor sets a new standard, providing the most comprehensive image inspection and code verification on the market. With over 100 camera options, the FQ2 provides users with the ultimate flexibility to solve applications, whether you need high resolution, code reading, integrated lighting, or a cost effective solution to solve a simple application, there is an FQ2 which fits your needs.

Pick up the phone or email for a quote! +27 (0)11 579 2600 info.sa@eu.omron.com

www.industrial.omron.co.za