Wireless mobile alarm implementation: System improves process efficiency and environmental compliance in mineral processing operation

摘要

Excellence in integrated mobile alarm management requires attention to control, asset management, productivity, and regulatory issues. All of these factors came into play recently when Invensys Operations Management implemented a wireless infrastructure for a large mineral processing operation. Mineral processing is an extremely challenging industry because profitability correlates closely to demand for the finished goods created, as well as to mineral prices, which can fluctuate wildly year to year based on economic conditions. Therefore, keeping operating costs low without jeopardizing environmental compliance requires real-time attention to operating efficiency. In a large mineral or mining complex, where operations can be dispersed over many miles, effective alarm handling can be very strategic and help achieve operational excellence. One large U.S.-based molybdenum processing company approached Invensys to implement a system that would allow operators to receive alarms remotely, enabling them to respond quickly to environmental contraindications, while simultaneously monitoring and adjusting process set points. If differing ore compositions required even minor changes, the operators would have to stop what they were doing and return to the control room to make the necessary adjustments. Such intervention had to be balanced against the emissions from the process. For example, a molybdenum roaster building that is nine stories tall would likely have several hearths per roaster, and getting down to the control room and then back to the task at hand can be very time consuming. Delayed reaction to air quality-related alarms, however, can result in substantial penalties, so speed of response translates into dollars very quickly.