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By Rodrigo Toro, Mario Delisle, Claudio Zamora

"The mining market is researching innovative methods to train the workforce for mining which is normally extremely difficult to get. Thus, the dynamic simulation-based technologies become an essential pillar to educate and train the inexperienced staff at the pace required by this industry. Even if Operator Training Simulator (OTS) systems are commonly used in most of industries, knowledge transmitted to operators are unfortunately not ""capitalized"" in general. The OTS systems are usually delivered as a single hardware and software platform and very little as a full service long-term.In this article, an integrated solution to increase the efficiency of the operators is proposed. This solution is based on the combination of dynamic simulation, processes knowledge, virtual reality and the knowledge capitalization through the creation of simulation scenarios and e-learning. The Codelco Ministro Hales plant simulation project for a copper concentrator plant is presented as a real life example.IntroductionDynamic and real-time process simulation have proven to be a must in the development of greenfield projects, providing mechanisms to design and test controls design, interlocks, start-up, shut down sequences and operator training, among others (see (McMillan, 2006) for further details). Early adopters of this technology were utility power plants; in the petrochemical industry have become a standard, and in the mining industry the use of dynamic simulations is growing, especially in new projects and training of operations personnel for the adoption of best practices and new technologies, see (Nikkhah & Anderson, 2001) and (Toro, Ortiz, & Yutronic, 2012).This paper outlines a solution that utilizes dynamic simulations as the base of an integrated platform for operational effectiveness, which takes into account the current scenario of new mining projects and operations, where high turn over rates and needs of specialized workforce have given a special value to this kind of technologies."

Jan 1, 2015

By H Wen

LongWangGou coalmine auxiliary inclined shaft heading face has a large section, fast heading speed, and large dust production. The problems of high concentration and wide distribution of dust in the roadway air are very prominent. To improve the efficiency of roadway ventilation and dustremoval, long-compression and short-suction (after this referred to as LCSS) are adopted. The dust concentration and airflow field distribution in the roadway are numerically simulated by FLUENT. The change of the position between the pressure duct and the exhaust duct and the different pressure-extraction ratios affect the distribution of airflow velocity, the formation of vortex zone, and the distribution of dust concentration in the roadway. When Ly = 25 m, Lc = 5.0 m, W = 1.2, a wind curtain is formed at 5 m in front of the heading face to prevent dust from spreading deeper into the roadway.

Oct 12, 2022

The simulation study on the process of iron ore beneficiation plant of Essar Steel, Kirandul was carried out. The iron ore fines and slimes generated nearby Bailadila mines of NMDC are used as raw materials for this beneficiation plant. The capacity of the plant is 1400 TPH operating in parallel in two streams. The capacity of the plant was utilized about 60% of throughput capacity. To improve the plant capacity as well as quality performance, the simulation study was conducted to detect the bottleneck of the process. The process samples were collected from input and output of each processing unit operation to generate the data base for simulation study at the feed rate of 400 and 500 TPH of iron ore fines in a single stream. The characteristics data i.e., breakage and selection functions were generated using MILLSOFT package for simulation of ball mills. Then MODSIM package was used to evaluate the performance of each unit operation to identify the bottleneck. It was established by a simulation study that the intermediate thickener draws high current when the feed rate is more than 400 TPH due to high torque drawn by rotating rake because of presence of coarse particles in the input stream to thickener. The problem was sorted out by classification of input stream of thickener to remove the coarse particles. Then the process was simulated at its rated capacity, and experimental validation studies at the plant were also conducted at the feed capacity of 600 and 700 TPH by modification of process flowsheet. The experimental data was almost matching with simulated data. Finally, the processing plant is running with full rated capacity without any bottleneck. Keywords: simulation of ball mill, breakage function, selection function, iron ore

Sep 1, 2012

By Xu Zhang, Xuewei Lv, Guibao Qiu

Slag foaming phenomenon is of vital importance to the mass and energy transfer in metallurgical processes. A considerable extensively studies carried out via out-gas in the past cannot simulate well the foaming phenomenon formed in the blast furnace where high TiO2 iron ore is used. A gas reaction was designed in the water-glycerol system to simulate the inner-gas system. This study investigated the influences of solution viscosity, particle concentration and particle size on foaming caused by endogenetic gas. The results show that the foaming height decreases with the increase of solution viscosity, which means reduced foaming ability, more difficult foaming elimination process and prolonged time for natural defoaming. With increasing the solid particle content, the foam height presents a trend which increases firstly and then decreases. Under a certain solid particle content, foaming height decreases with the increase of solid particle size, indicating a weak foaming ability.

Jan 1, 2015

By Boqiang Wu, Ganggang Xu, Xiaodong Wang, Hai Wang, Shibin Zhu

"Using a paste-like slurry as a filling from the ground surface to the goaf, artificial pillars can be built in the cavity goaf to support the goaf roof to prevent roof collapse and ground subsidence. If the accumulation laws of paste-like slurry are known well, the filling technology can be optimized. The laws can establish the foundation for finding out the best methods for building artificial pillars and filling technology. In order to understand the accumulation laws of paste-like slurry in the cavity goaf, Aeolian sand with wide distribution in northwestern China was selected as aggregate, and Portland cement was used as cementitious material to prepare a paste-like slurry. A test model of the cavity goaf was built to simulate the filling process by pump from the ground surface to the goaf to study accumulation laws of the paste-like slurry. The results show that the whole process of expansion and accumulation of the paste-like slurry could be divided into stages: free expansion, fill tightening expansion, and stable expansion. The angle of repose of the accumulation body of the paste-like slurry is constant in the stage of stable expansion, and it is the final angle of repose of the accumulation body. The angle of repose of the accumulation body is highly relevant to the slump of the paste-like slurry, and it is unrelated to the distance between the floor and roof. Under certain conditions of the cavity goaf, reducing the slump of paste-like slurry is one of the effective ways to obtain cost-effective pillars.INTRODUCTIONA large number of cavity goafs of coal mines were left in northwestern China; they were formed in the mining process by room-pillar or strip mining. Safety coal pillars were used to support the roof to keep long-term stability in the goaf, so the ground subsidence was not obvious (Fu, Deng, and Zhang, 2011; Xie, 2014). With gradual weathering, destruction of coal pillars, or additional load from ground surface buildings and structures, there could be a risk of instantaneous collapse of the roof in the goaf. This would affect the safety of existing structures on the ground and adjacent mines (Qu et al., 2017; Li, Xiang, and Jia, 2011; Tan, Guo, and Zhao, 2016; Tan et al., 2017). For disaster prevention of the falling cavity goaf, the current common practice is full filling (Hu et al., 2008; Liu, Zhu, and Huang, 2015; Pan and Wu, 2010). However, for buildings and structures with lower deformation requirements, full filling is excessive. For example, it is acceptable for goaf treatment under general roads and industrial sites to control the maximum deformation and keep the deformation continuous (Liu, 2011; Liu, 2012)."

Jan 1, 2018

By Gabriel Aguilera, Juan Arismendy

"As a separator machine, the hydrocyclone is one of the most commonly used equipment in different types of industries and particularly in mineral processing, hydrodynamic behavior allows efficient separation, but developing tests to optimize experimental equipment is expensive, therefore Computational Fluid dynamics (CFD) becomes a useful tool for optimizing the geometrical and operational parameters, and allows to analyze and understand the dynamics within the equipment. In the research was developed to simulate of 40 mm hydrocyclone where turbulence model was used Large Eddy Simulation (LES) for the continuous phase, for the generation of the air core and for the interaction of particles at low concentrations was implemented (mixture model), after the simulation was completed validation and comparation was done between simulation values and experimental."

Jan 1, 2014

By A. Lebedev

Application of dynamic simulation for a base metal processing plant is discussed. The plant receives ore of variable quality from two pits and blending had to be applied to maximise recovery. The plant employs multiple stage crushing, screening, dense media separation, two-stage milling, flotation and further filtration. Stockpiles and bunkers are used in the plant to cater for breakdowns and operating delays, the latter being appropriately incorporated in the model. A detail dynamic simulation model was constructed from the rock face to the filtration plant to assist the plant design, notably with definition of the ore blending method, sizing storage capacity and in-plant conveyors. The plant model was broken down to capital equipment items and various feed types and mass balances were tested to ensure that the production target is met. The dynamic simulation tested the proposed blending method, identified bottlenecks, produced risk profiles for all strategic storage facilities and overall helped minimise the project risks and improve confidence in the plant design. Keywords: Dynamic simulation, ore grade, blending, capacity, risk profile, throughput, utilisation

Jan 1, 2020

By Dale S. Preece

A new three dimensional (3D) mechanistic model of fragmentation, called the Fracture Density Model (FDM) is used to simulate full-scale bench blasts at the Bararp dimensional stone quarry in Sweden. The model uses several computational mechanics algorithms to simulate the effect of blasting in different rock types

Feb 1, 2020

By K. G. Wang, M. E. Glicksman, P. Crawford

"We formulate the mathematical solution to late-stage multi particle diffusion in finite systems. The transition from finite system behavior to that for an infinite system is established. Large-scale simulations are reported regarding the dynamics of phase coarsening. Even in the case of a small volume fraction (Vv = 10-4), the particle size distribution is broader than that for the well-known Lifshitz-Slyozov limit at zero volume fraction. We also report the first simulation studies of extremely low volume fraction, for which corresponding experiments, as well as other simulations, do not exist at present for comparison. However, in the case of moderate volume fractions (Vv = 0.1), the fiucutations in the volumetric growth rate of particles are extracted from our simulations. These simulations provide additional insight into the statistical nature of diffusion interactions, including multiparticle stochastics during microstructural evolution.IntroductionPredicting microstructure evolution in alloys remains one of the cornerstones of materials science. Phase coarsening is a common process in microstrucural evolution that leads to a decrease in the excess total interfacial energy of the system. The system typically consists of separate and identifiable units, or domains, such as second-phase particles distributed in a matrix. During phase coarsening, larger particles grow at the expense of small particles. Over time, this ""competition"" results in an increase in the average size of the particle population, and in a concomitant decrease in the number of particles.Particle size and microstructure of many cast alloys depend on similar coarsening processes. Indeed, properties of these materials, such as strength, toughness, ductility, and electrical conductivity, depend on the material's average particle size and particle size distribution (PSD). Understanding and controlling microstructures in two-phase systems are clearly of widespread technological importance."

Jan 1, 2001

By William G. Szymczak

A set of experiments were conducted at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds [1] in which explosive charges were buried in saturated sand beneath a suspended rigid platform. The goal of these experiments was to measure the dependence of the impulse transmitted to the platform on the standoff distance and the charge burial depth. Simulations of these experiments were performed using the BUB2D axi-symmetric code using a frictional-cohesive visco-plastic model to describe the response of the saturated sand. This code solves a constrained set of conservation laws in which the liquid region (in this case saturated sand) is assumed incompressible. The explosion is initialized as a high pressure gas bubble (void) within the fluid. Comparisons of the simulations to the experiments are presented together with a study of the physical phenomenology associated with the loading process. In particular, it is shown that the force imparted to the platform is a combination of the impact of the sand on top of the explosion gas bubble and the pressure of the bubble as it expands before venting into the atmosphere. Under certain conditions, when the platform standoff is sufficiently small and the platform is sufficiently large, the bubble can over-expand before venting and pull the platform downward. This phenomenon was studied further through carefully measured and photographed small-scale experiments performed at the University of Maryland [2]. The small-scale experiments provide additional important validation benchmarks for our model.

Jan 1, 2005

Simulator technology has advanced to the point where the cost of mining equipment simulators is beginning to make commercial sense. Simulator-based evaluation allows operators or potential employees to be assessed in a pseudo-real environment under surface and underground mining conditions. Simulator training also allows operators to be exposed to emergency and advanced situations such as brake or steering failure or a tireblowout. ThoroughTec, of South Africa, provides simulator equipment to the mining industry. The company’s various packages of simulator products provide an unbiased evaluation score that removes human error from the assessment process. This same evaluation score is also presented at the end of normal training or refresher training sessions. In this way, the simulator helps eliminate bad habits and improve efficiencies.

Jan 1, 2003

By Allison de Sá Barreto Ferreira

O objetivo deste trabalho consiste em estudar o perfil térmico da carcaça metálica inferior do Forno Elétrico a Arco (FEA) durante o processo de produção de aço, sugerindo adição de aletas na geometria a fim de obter maior troca de calor e diminuição na temperatura de trabalho da carcaça metálica inferior do FEA. Assim, analisou-se a influência do ciclo térmico do processo por meio de acompanhamento termográfico e simulações computacionais via Método de Elementos Finitos. Posto isto, as modificações propostas, depois de testadas e analisadas por meio de um acompanhamento termográfico, denotaram eficiência de tal maneira que resultou em uma diminuição de aproximadamente 60ºC da temperatura na carcaça metálica inferior do FEA.

Oct 30, 2017

By Antônio Carlos Simões de Santana Filho

Este trabalho propõe a utilização de simulação computacional adotando princípios de volumes finitos para avaliação do escoamento gasoso em torre de apagamento de coque. Tal simulação poderá fornecer dados, favorecendo a aplicação de tecnologias para redução e controle de emissões de material particulado no período do banho do coque, assim como estimar as variações e características da pluma emitida com a instalação de dispositivos de controle ambiental. Neste estudo são destacados os principais fatores para aplicação da simulação computacional, considerando as condições de contorno; modelos de evaporação; propriedades termofísicas e previsão de saída. Como variáveis de entrada para o modelo apresentado, foram selecionadas a concentração e granulometria do material particulado de vapor d’água da torre de apagamento de coque, através de ensaio de isocinética; as características físico-químicas da água de apagamento; as condições estruturais da torre de apagamento de coque e ciclos de apagamento de coque. Para validar a proposta apresentada, são mostrados resultados baseados nas simulações com o modelo computacional proposto.

Oct 30, 2017

By Rodrigo Camargos Barroso

Os fenômenos de solidificação no lingotamento contínuo são altamente dependentes da velocidade de lingotamento e das condições de extração de calor do molde. Por sua vez, equipamentos como os agitadores eletromagnéticos, alteram significativamente o escoamento na região do molde, influenciando o perfil térmico e ajudando na redução do calor de superheat. Simular simultaneamente o escoamento, o transporte de energia e a solidificação é um dos objetivos deste trabalho. O modelo emprega o software Ansys/Fluent e é aplicado ao lingotamento contínuo de moldes redondos. Como resultado, obteve-se os mapas de temperatura e a espessura de casca na saída do molde para diferentes velocidades de lingotamento e correntes de agitação. Experimentos realizados em planta buscam comprovar as previsões do modelo. Espera-se, por fim, criar um padrão operacional no lingotamento contínuo buscando otimizar o uso do agitador eletromagnético em função da velocidade de lingotamento e da temperatura de superheat.

Jul 30, 2018

By Fernando O. Boechat

Com a redução da oferta de minério granulado de boa qualidade no mercado mundial e as restrições ambientais à sinterização, as pelotas de minério de ferro passaram a ocupar um papel importante como matéria prima para produção de ferro primário. Entretanto, embora apresentem maior resistência à degradação, as pelotas ainda sofrem com este problema, embora em menor magnitude, quando comparadas com granulados. Pode-se identificar a degradação das pelotas de minério de ferro em duas etapas, durante o manuseio e sob redução. Uma vez que vários estudos já analisaram a degradação durante o manuseio, a degradação durante a redução torna-se um assunto relevante e pouco explorado. Assim, o presente trabalho avaliou as energias envolvidas no movimento da carga ao longo de um forno de redução direta do tipo Midrex, usando o método dos elementos discretos. Para isso, foi utilizado o software EDEM® para obtenção das energias dissipadas durante as colisões das partículas. Aplicando estas energias ao modelo mecanicista proposto por Tavares e Carvalho [4] para fragmentação das partículas foi possível estimar a taxa de geração de finos no interior do forno. Estes resultados foram utilizados na previsão da degradação mecânica de pelotas no interior do forno, que previu a geração de 1,2 a 2,6% de finos gerados em um forno Minimod®, dependendo das premissas usadas.

Aug 1, 2018

By Rodrigo Cesar de Miranda

A importância de descrever o processo de beneficiamento por um modelo matemático tem sido apresentada por vários pesquisadores. O principal benefício é o controle e a otimização do processo dentro de uma situação industrial. O modelo seria capaz de prever determinada variável de controle do processo a partir de dados conhecidos. Assim, a simulação dinâmica representa um marco no campo da otimização de processos minerais. Essa tecnologia de simulação tem uma ampla aplicação no estudo de processos, o que permite a obtenção do seu conhecimento e domínio operacional. Além disso, possibilita melhores definições nas etapas de projeto, além de realizar uma análise de confiabilidade mais realista. O presente trabalho consiste em realizar uma análise de confiabilidade, através da simulação dinâmica, para entender como as paradas não-programadas influenciam a produção de uma planta de beneficiamento de ferro. Ainda, visa entender o desempenho fenomenológico dos equipamentos de acordo com a entrada de diferentes tipos de minérios e também como são suscetíveis a condições climáticas.

Aug 17, 2017

By Vagner Silva Guilherme

Na busca de novas tecnologias para o processo de sinterização de minério de ferro, a recirculação dos gases de saída do processo podem proporcionar algumas vantagens em relação ao processo convencional. Para tal estudo, foi utilizado um modelo multi-fásico de sinterização para a avaliação da recirculação dos gases de saída do processo. Foram analisados cinco casos de recirculação dos gases de saída, do processo de sinterização, visando, sempre uma operação estável do processo. Os resultados de simulação indicam alargamento da frente de combustão com a recirculação dos gases de saída e a possibilidade da redução do consumo do combustível sólido. Como resultado, houve aumento da fração de cálcio-silicatos, proporcionando melhoria da redutibilidade do sínter, além da redução da emissão de CO2 e PCDD/Fs na máquina de sínter.

Aug 1, 2018

By Kássio Nogueira Cançado

A perda de temperatura das barras de aço no intervalo entre a saída do forno e a entrada do laminador é fator determinante no processo de laminação e na qualidade do tubo produzido. O estudo feito tem como objetivo modelar matematicamente o resfriamento destas barras durante o transporte entre o forno e o laminador, permitindo avaliar a temperatura mínima necessária para desenfornamento e também o máximo tempo de transporte sem comprometer o processo de laminação, possibilitando um melhor setup dos equipamentos reduzindo os custos de produção. Os resultados obtidos com o modelo matemático de resfriamento foram comparados com valores reais de temperatura coletados através de campanhas de medições com termopares instalados em uma barra e com medições de pirômetro. Valores de temperatura foram coletados com termopares em barras de 270, 230 e 180 mm de diâmetro. As medições com pirômetros foram feitas em barras de 180 mm de diâmetro. O modelo de resfriamento apresentou para todos os casos erro relativo às medições inferiores a 3%.

Aug 17, 2017

By Leandro Miranda Nascimento

A maior parte da produção mundial de aço passa pela conversão de minério de ferro em grandes altos-fornos, tendo o coque como uma das matérias-primas. Por um lado, boas propriedades mecânicas a quente do coque, como o CSR e CRI, são necessárias para que o consumo de coque seja o mínimo, pois é também, junto com os óxidos de ferro, um dos maiores componentes dos custos variáveis do ferro gusa. As misturas dos vários tipos de carvões minerais utilizados exigem a participação de uma fração Hard, a mais cara e com maior poder de coqueificação, e de uma fração Soft, mais barata e inerte. Logo, quanto maior for a participação do Hard mais caro será a mistura a ser coqueificada. Uma maneira de aumentar a fração de Soft na mistura de carvões, reduzindo o custo da mistura, e ainda assim obter um coque com boa qualidade é aumentar a densidade a granel da mistura. Para isso alguns métodos já são empregados com sucesso, como o Stamp Charging e a Briquetagem Parcial. Este artigo apresenta um novo método, que consiste na densificação da mistura de carvões dentro do forno via dispositivos de vibração. Foram realizadas simulações físicas a frio e em escala reduzida para avaliar o potencial de aumento de densidade a granel da técnica. Os resultados mostram um ganho de aumento de 30% da densidade a granel da mistura.

Aug 17, 2017

By Patrícia de Fátima Rodrigues

Neste trabalho, a técnica de ensaios de torção a quente foi utilizada na simulação física do processo de laminação a quente do produto fio-máquina. Foram realizados ensaios em dois tipos de aços, a saber, um aço baixo carbono (BC) e outro aço ultrabaixo carbono (UBC). A realização dos ensaios de torção a quente, sob condições próximas ao processamento industrial, ou seja, utilizando parâmetros de processo como taxa de deformação, temperatura e tempo entre passes, fornecidos pelo fabricante do laminador, possibilitou evidenciar os mecanismos de amaciamento destes aços. Foram obtidas as curvas de escoamento para as condições propostas e realizadas análises metalográficas para avaliar as microestruturas resultantes. A partir dos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que ambos os aços apresentaram bom desempenho na laminação do fio-máquina. Em particular, o aço ultrabaixo carbono mostrou-se capaz de suportar as condições de processamento impostas nas simulações, o que torna viável sua possível aplicação no mercado de produtos de aços longos.

Aug 16, 2017