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By M. J. A. Ruszala

Aggregates production is a huge global industry which uses an enormous amount of energy and produces a massive amount of unsalable fines. Reducing the amount of energy used per tonne of product and/or the amount of fines produced, would make a quarry more efficient. This reduction would make the quarry more environmentally friendly and profitable. This research looks at modelling Mountsorrel Quarry, a granite quarry in the United Kingdom (UK), using JKSimMet and Split-Desktop software packages in conjunction with the European Union (EU) project, EE-Quarry. Samples submitted to drop weight tests confirmed Mountsorrel Quarry granite as an extremely hard granite. Rock fracture data (t10) and energy of comminution (ECS) data were obtained from analysing the results. Split-Desktop image analysis software was utilized to determine the particle size distribution (PSD) of the primary crusher feed, as it contains particles too large to screen manually. It was also found that <1% of the feed is fines, which at Mountsorrel Quarry are classed as particles smaller than 5 mm, and that no particles were larger than 3,810 mm. JKSimMet was used to create a flowsheet of Mountsorrel Quarry. The crusher product PSDs were simulated and found to have strong correlations with experimental data, calculated by screening samples from conveyor belts, especially in the fines region, with a mean difference of 1%. The simulated primary crusher product PSD showed that it contains ~6% fines. A simulation over the entire quarry showed the product to be within the size range produced at Mountsorrel Quarry, and with a simulated fines content of 13%. When the CSS on the primary crusher was altered from 165.1 mm (the operating size on site) to 100.0 mm, it increased the overall percentage of fines produced by 3%, increased the power draw by 140.6 kW, but reduced the overall plant production percentage of fines by 2%. Two blasts were analysed on adjacent rock faces. They had identical blast designs, but the order of deck detonation varied; the first blast detonated the bottom deck before the top and vice versa in the second blast. For each blast, measurements of the feed PSD to the primary crusher, the number of particles that required secondary breakage on the quarry floor, acoustic levels and vibration readings were measured. No significant difference was identified between the two blasts in any of the parameters measured. In conclusion, a working model of Mountsorrel Quarry has been made in JKSimMet that has been validated against data from site and Split-Desktop has been used to simulate the primary crusher feed PSD, something that was previously unknown. The effect of reversing the order of deck detonation in a two deck blast was also analysed but with no significant difference between the two blasts found.

Aug 1, 2013

By Steve McMullan, Blaine Webster, Ian Johnson, Ron Matthews

"Time domain spectral Induced Polarization (IP) data from the Tower, Jojay and Laurel Lake gold deposits in northern Saskatchewan are presented. The resistivity data shows both resistivity lows (due to fault, shear or alteration zones) and resistivity highs (due to silicification) in the area of the deposits. The high resistivity zones suppress and distort coincident IP responses, calling f or high quality surveys and special care in interpreting the IP data.Electromagnetic methods are not effective in locating the deposits. This is due, in part, to masking by conductive cover. The Jojay Lake deposit has a strong magnetic response. A more indirect magnetic association is seen for the Tower Lake deposit. The Laurel Lake deposit has no magnetic signature. Magnetic data are useful in defining structure in all cases.All three deposits are outlined in the IP survey results. IP anomaly amplitudes from the pole-dipole array are from two times (Tower and Laurel Lak e) to six times (Jojay Lake) background values. Gradient array IP anomalies are of less amplitude. The spectral time constant is short for the Tower and Laurel Lak e deposits and long for the Jojay deposit. This implies that the metallic sulphides in the Jojay deposit are more interconnected than those of the other two deposits. INTRODUCTIONInduced polarization / resistivity surveys are commonly used in gold exploration program s in the Canadian shield because the IP method is effective in detecting disseminated metallic sulphides which are often found associated with gold. Other common geophysical sur vey methods such as magnetics, VLF and EM are not generally capable of direct detection of disseminated sulphides. Since the introduction of the IP method in the 1950s, it has undergone continuous improvement. The most recent improvement is the development of time domain receiver s which sample the full de cay and record it in digit al form. This results in a more complete measurement of the response which permits analysis and enhancement of data quality and the derivation of a nomaly parameters which characterize the measured decay. This extension of conventional time domain IP methods is called spectra l IP, a term first introduced by Pelton et al. working in the frequency domain Spectral IP surveys are attractive because they allow the possibility of discriminating between IP responses which have similar amplitudes but are due to dissimilar geo logic targets. The discrimination can be important in the selection of IP anomalies for follow-up.Time domain spectral IP survey results are presented over three known gold deposits in northern Saskatchewan-Tower Lake, Jojay Lake and Laurel Lake. The surveys were initiated and supported by Cameco-A Canadian Mining and Energy Corporation (formerly the Saskatchewan Mining and Development Corporation-SMDC) and were carried out by JVX Limited using the Scintrex IPR-II receiver and attendant spectral analysis software."

Jan 1, 1989

By V I. McCallum

In 1954, Falconbridge Nickel Mines Limited began the program of deepening the Falconbridge mine workings for 2,000 feet below the bottom, or 4025, level in order to provide twelve new levels for production. Involved in this program were a production-sized internal shaft, .crushing, pumping and hoisting installations, the integration of the new shaft operations with those of existing shafts, and considerations of ventilation requirements and ground support at depth. This paper describes the major items of equipment, and the depth development of No. 9 shaft as a whole, and also emphasize the planning phases of the program. The factors involved and reasons for the equipment and layouts chosen are given. Introduction and History THIS paper describes the planning and development of that portion of the Falconbridge mine between the 4025 and 6050 mining levels. This mine, the oldest of several being operated by Falcon-bridge Nickel Mines Limited in the Sudbury district, has been a continuous producer for over thirty years.

Jan 1, 1964

By Paul M. Clifford, David M. Baird

The Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland consists of a Precambrian core of gneisses and granitic rocks, cut by numerous diabase dykes. This complex is surrounded by an envelope of sedimentary rocks of Cambrian to Carboniferous age. Radiometric dates from two granite masses in the core give a mini-mum age of -945 m.y. (Grenville) for the last major tectonic activity. This Grenville deformation conferred upon the core substantially its present structure which has controlled later events to a marked degree. Block movements of the core, dominantly in a vertical sense, have ex-posed it to erosion at intervals. The nature and distribution of the flanking sedimentary rocks and the present relief of the peninsula suggest four such movements. THE Great Northern Peninsula extends some 150 miles north-northeast from the northwest corner of the main body of the island of Newfoundland. It separates the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the Atlantic Ocean, except for the 12 mile wide

Jan 1, 1962

The Carboniferous sedimentary rocks of southwestern Newfoundland merit investigation because of petroleum, salt and gypsum possibilities and indications of base metallization along the equivalent of the Horton-Windsor con-tact. In this paper, Lower Mississippian (Anguille) strata are divided into three formations: (1) the Cape John below, (2) the Snakes Bight and (3) the Seacliffs. A correlation between these formations and the Craignish, Strathlorne and Ainslie formations of the Horton group? in western Cape Breton Island is suggested. The criteria for the Anguille subdivision are essentially lithological, but preliminary study of included spore assemblages suggests more precise interformational correlations between Anguille and Horton sequences. The re-measured lower portion of the type section of the Codroy group is presented to define more clearly the stratigraphic position of numerous gypsum and limestone beds. Because of rapid facies changes within the Codroy group a simplified two-fold division into upper and lower units is proposed on the grounds of

Jan 1, 1964

By J. E. Udd, L. P. Geldart, B. B. Dhar

"Solutions for the stress distributions around simulated underground openings have been limited to calculations of boundary stresses for simple openings in which the boundaries may be expressed in mathematical terms. Studies involving circles, ellipses and ovaloids are re-ported in the literature.The stresses on the boundary of an opening and those at a distance from it in the medium are of concern to the engineer. The former may be related to the greatest concentrations of stresses encountered; the latter have a bearing on the identification of the ""zone of influence"" of the opening.Recent advances, in the form of a derivation for the stresses at a distance from an opening of elliptical shape, together with a solution derived previously for stresses in depth around ovaloidal openings, have been combined with computer programming techniques to provide complete solutions for a wide range of cases and variables. Some typical results which, it is hoped, may have some application to the design of underground openings are given herein."

Jan 1, 1970

By Y. Zedan

Cutting fluids play important roles during machining, including the reduction of friction and temperature. Using a cutting fluid, however, degrades the quality of the environment and increases machining costs. The aim of the present research work is to study the effect of cutting fluids and their interactions with cutting parameters on the quality of holes during the drilling of 6061-T6 aluminum alloys. The lubrication types and modes investigated are dry machining, flood lubricant machining and minimum quantity lubrication machining (MQL), while the part quality criteria include the surface finish, the dimensional accuracy, and burr forms and sizes. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to investigate the formation of built-up edges (BUE) in the drill flutes as well as the surface texture of drilled holes. It was found that dry machining and MQL machining can produce parts having quality levels comparable to those obtained in wet machining, when using the optimal cutting conditions.

Jan 1, 2011

By Carrasco .. P. J. A., R. Parada, I. Saavedra, F. Parada, R. Parra, E. Balladares

In most of the smelters, the management of flue dust has a double objective: the control of minor elements in the anodes and the management of volatiles compounds that can cause contamination due to fugitive gas emissions. This is a special concern when high content of Va elements (As, Sb & Bi) are present in concentrates. We present the results of the experimental study to prove the principle of a novel process that recovers, via volatilization, the As, Sb and Bi in the flue dust as gaseous sulfides, due to a previous sulfidization. In the case of as control any further classical treatment for its stabilization is possible from the gas. The clean calcine can be returned to the smelter avoiding any concentration of these minor elements in the circuit. This process is now tested at pilot scale and shows better indices on carbon footprint than the classical hydrometallurgical process for flue dust.

Jan 1, 2011

This paper states how alloy and welding advances have made possible the rapid development of the use of aluminum in the construction of equipment for earth moving and off -highway rock hauling. The main details are given regarding the construction and field testing carried out on an aluminum prototype body. The test results of strain gauge readings are analysed, and a description is given of how these have been applied in subsequent designs. The increase in the number of aluminum units put into the various types of service in Canada, as well as the problems encountered, is described, and the experience gained from five years of field service is discussed in some detail. An assessment is also made of the durability of the e units. The economics of using aluminum, together with the current development position, are reviewed, and predictions are made for considerable future increases in the use of aluminum units in open-pit and off-highway operations.

Jan 1, 1964

By S. Lun Sin

In this study, the effect of silicon on the microstructure, mechanical properties and hot tearing susceptibility of permanent mould cast AZ91E magnesium alloy was investigated. Varying amounts of silicon (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt.%) were added to AZ91E in the form of an Al-53 wt.% Si master alloy. The phase formation, grain size and solidification behavior of each alloy were characterized and related to their tensile properties and hot tearing susceptibility. The results showed that the addition of silicon resulted in the formation of Mg2Si particles. The presence of these particles led to an increase of the hardness, but was detrimental to the tensile strength and elongation of AZ91E. However, silicon significantly reduced the hot tearing susceptibility of AZ91E. This was attributed to the reduction of the grain size and the decreased freezing range of AZ91E, which contributed to improve the interdendritic feeding during the last stage of solidification.

Jan 1, 2011

By M. Nakai, G. Itoh, R. Yamada, A. Kurumada

In order elucidate the mechanism for poorer fatigue properties of 7000 series aluminum alloys than those of 2000 series alloys, the effect of the test environment on the fatigue crack growth of the two series alloys was investigated, considering the relationship to hydrogen embrittlement. Two 7075-type and four 2024-type alloys were T6-tempered and T4-tempered respectively, and subjected to fatigue crack growth tests in moist and dry environments. When tested in moist air, fraction of intergranular crack path was higher in the 7075-type alloy with coarse equi-axed grains than in the 2024-type alloy with similar microstructure. This was in accord with the larger crack growth rate in the 7075-type alloy. Both the intergranular crack path fraction and the crack growth rate were decreased by changing the environment to the flow of nitrogen gas. Thus, the large fatigue crack growth rate of the 7075-type alloy is attributable to hydrogen embrittlement.

Jan 1, 2015

By Russell F. Palmer

"THE PRACTISING MINING ENGINEER has little time for the expression of opinion on abstract questions concerning the definition and future of mining engineering. The following comments indicate some of the thoughts and suggestions of those who have found mining engineering a very satisfying field of endeavour. The future of mining engineering has been under discussion for perhaps twenty years. It is significant that the University of Saskatchewan program was in- 88 traduced at the time that some traditional mining schools were questioning the need for mining engineers. One Canadian university, and some American schools, actually abandoned the field at this time, some ten years ago.Five years ago, Mining Magazine sponsored an international debate on training for the future, and concurrently, the CIM undertook a major survey of the mineral industry's manpower needs. The current CIM discussions should prove more fruitful, as they are directed toward mining engineering alone, rather than the broad, and confusing, spectrum of all professionals and semi-professionals of the mineral industry."

Jan 1, 1972

By M MacMillan

THE following is a brief description of the method of hoisting ore automatically at the No. 14 shaft of Mcintyre Porcupine Mines, Limited, Schumacher, Ontario. All ore and waste below the 3875-ft. level is hoisted up No. 14 shaft from the 7000-ft. level to the 3000-ft. level. Seventy to seventy-five per cent of the mining is done in this area. The shaft consists of four compartments: a man way, a ventilation compartment and two skip compartments. The hoist, located on the 3500-ft. level (see Figure l), is an 80-in.-diameter, 4-rope friction winder, utilizing two 6-ton front-dump skips in balance. The hoist is powered by a 1,100-h.p. A.C. motor, the maxi-mum speed being 2,400 ft. per minute. The operation can be either manual, push-button automatic from the pocket, or fully automatic. Men can be raised or lowered in the skips, using a collapsible aluminum platform placed inside the skip box.

Jan 1, 1963

By R. Daignault et G. O. Allard

The Chibougamau area represents a part of the Abitibi greenstone belt. The rocks constitute a volcanic pile (Roy Group) overlain by a volcano-detritic sequence (Opemisca Group). Three important periods of tectonic deformation have been distinguished. The first one produced folds with north-south horizontal axes. The second one is responsible for the isoclinal east-west folds, and the associated regional schistosity. Reverse faulting contemporaneous with this period of deformation, produced two distincts effects. In some cases the faults cause a repetition of the stratigraphic sequence. Whereas in others the faults truncate second period folds. Domes and basins interference pattern are produced by the superposed effect of Di and D2 deformations. The motion of these two periods would be more or less contemporaneous. The deformation could be generated by rising diapirs of early plutons combined with the progressive formation of troughs by gravitational subsidence of denser strata. The rising diapirs of late granitoid plutons produces a wraparound of the host strata.

Jan 1, 1984

By C. H. Bucknam

Net carbonate value (NCV) characterization methods for acid generation potential measurement originated from studies on the Carlin Trend during the 1990&apos;s and have been subsequently standardized through cooperation of the Acid Drainage Technology Initiative Metal Mining Sector and the American Society of Testing and Materials International. The paper describes the evolution and standardization of the NCV methods, the importance of mineralogy in interpreting the results and application of the methods to implementation of the Global Acid Rock Drainage (GARD) Guide.

Jan 1, 2011

By L. Yuan, J. H. Rowland, R. A. Thomas, D. Bahrami, G. P. Cole

"The past several decades have seen a steady increase in the use of atmospheric monitoring systems (AMS) in underground mines as sensor technology has advanced and costs for this technology have decreased. The AMS is a reliable tool for early mine fire warning by detecting gaseous products of combustion in underground mines. During a mine fire emergency, mine decision makers rely heavily on the prompt and accurate knowledge of the ventilation and fire situation in the mine, such as fire location, fire size, and the spread of smoke to make effective and efficient decisions on firefighting strategies and miner evacuation. Meanwhile, a prediction of the potential for fire development at a later time, such as whether the currently designated mine escapeways will be contaminated by smoke and toxic gases with the progress of the fire, is critical for effective decision-making to save lives that are in danger. The AMS monitoring data, including carbon monoxide (CO) concentration, airflow rate, smoke, etc., can provide information as to whether the smoke has reached the locations where AMS sensors are installed and if a mine-wide smoke spread has occurred. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has undertaken a task to integrate real-time AMS monitoring data with the mine fire simulation program, MFIRE, to simulate and predict the spread of smoke and toxic gas in a ventilation network based on the real-time AMS data. This paper reports the developed real-time method for characterizing the size and location of an underground mine fire and for predicting the spread of contaminants throughout the mine ventilation network using sensor data from the AMS.INTRODUCTIONNIOSH conducts research to develop workplace solutions to improve detection of and reduce the risk of hazardous conditions in underground mines. The advancement of senor technology and the increasing demand for real-time mine parameters monitoring have led to extended applications of atmospheric monitoring systems (AMS) in underground mines worldwide. In the United States, AMS is primarily used for early mine fire warning by detecting carbon monoxide (CO) in fire hazard areas, such as belt entries. Mine fires can grow rapidly, and time is the critical element. Prompt detection, timely and accurate warnings to those miners potentially affected, and a proficient response by underground miners can have a tremendous impact on the social and economic consequence of a small underground mine fire (Conti et al., 2005). The early detection of a mine fire could gain time for the first responders to put out the fire before it develops into a disaster. An AMS system with CO sensors has especially played an important role in the early detection of mine fires. The continuous monitoring of an underground mine atmosphere with an AMS could generate a large amount of data in a mine fire event. However, the current application of AMS is mainly limited to sending out an alarm when monitored CO concentration exceeds a certain level. An opportunity arises as to whether these data can be further used in fire emergency response. In order to make effective decisions on firefighting strategies, mine workers’ seeking refuges, evacuation and escape, and the timing on when to send rescuers, decision makers need accurate and timely knowledge of the ventilation and fire situation in the mine. Information about the fire intensity, where in the mine the smoke and toxic gases have spread, and whether designated mine escapeways have been compromised by smoke and toxic gases from the fire would greatly increase the effectiveness of these decisions. However, the monitored AMS data only provides atmospheric conditions in the vicinity of sensor locations. What is concluded from the monitored AMS data highly depends on the decision makers’ capability and experience. Predictive insight into fire growth and smoke transport would greatly help decision makers during a fire emergency."

Jan 1, 2019

By J. E. Nesset

The past 50 years have been a golden era, not just for the CMP but also for the development and success of Canadian technologies in the field of mineral processing. The CMP has played a critical role of technology transfer agent, and the success of these technologies is also linked to the success of the CMP itself. The presentation will cover, in brief, the growth of the CMP from its origins as the Canadian Gold Metallurgists in 1964, with some 39 attendees, to the present day when the annual meeting sees 500 and more from a dozen countries. Also covered will be selected technology success stories from the 50th anniversary volume to be given to all delegates ‘Canadian Contributions to Mineral Processing Technology 1968-2018’. The volume itself highlights some 40 technologies that have been divided into five categories; process water treatment and minesite environment, technology innovations, innovations in operations, technology providers and university contributions. Some international perspectives will also be shared.

Jan 1, 2018

By J. Schmidt

The development of set of laboratory experiments, intended to help undergraduate students meet Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board requirements for Engineering Design outcomes, is described.The laboratory, which is part of a third year level course in hydrometallurgy, is aimed at advancing the ability of students to generate and use experimental results to design an industrial copper leach/SX/EW plant. Emphasis is placed on the students demonstrating the ability to use of their engineering knowledge in weighing the pros and cons of the various process options that they test in converging to a final flowsheet. INTRODUCTION Over the past number of years the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board, CEAB, has dramatically shifted the way that they evaluate undergraduate programs. In the past, the focus was on measuring of the quantity and quality of material the students were intended to learn as well as the methods and resources used to deliver that material. Now, rather than principally evaluating the inputs of programs, the focus is more on measuring the quality of the outputs from the programs, i.e. the quality of graduating students. In this regard, the CEAB has developed a list of twelve attributes that learners must develop in the course of their studies. Engineering programs must, not only demonstrate that their curriculums provide opportunities to develop these attributes, but must measure student proficiency in each of these attributes as they progress toward graduation. One particular graduate attribute that Laurentian University’s Bharti School of Engineering has encouraged its faculty members to develop content for is “design”. Engineering Canada (2018) defines this attribute as “an ability to design solutions for complex, open-ended engineering problems and to design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate attention to health and safety risks, applicable standards, and economic, environmental, cultural and societal considerations”. The previous laboratory component for the hydrometallurgy course was a collection of unconnected experiments covering leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning. Like in other undergraduate courses, students would perform stand-alone experiments, make the specified measurements, do the specified analyses of the results, and report the findings, all as strictly detailed in the lab manual. The vision for the new lab was to create an experience that would more closely mimic an industrial research program whereby students would start with a given feed material and would progress through a series of connected experiments. Emphasis is placed on the student demonstrating competency in, not only, generating and analyzing experimental data, but also in using the data along with their engineering knowledge to design and evaluate the pros and cons various plant configuration options. Principally, students are asked to weigh cost, safety, and environmental concerns in converging to their final flowsheet. In designed the leach circuit, students must weigh the costs/benefits of varying leach temperature. Higher leach temperatures will yield faster and more complete copper dissolution, which will allow for the specification of relatively smaller leaching circuits, saving capital costs. However, hotter acid solutions are more dangerous to handle and require increasing amounts of energy to heat the slurry, increasing operating costs. In solid/liquid separation, students must weigh the pros and cons of the addition of a flocculent to assist settling. The flocculant will allow for the design of a thickener circuit that employs units with a relatively smaller area, but will result in a thickener underflow with a lower pulp density, which may necessitate a larger number of thickeners. In addition, the environmental concerns of producing a tailings product that contains an organic contaminant should be addressed. In solvent extraction, students must specify the number of stages of loading and stripping, as well as organic and aqueous flowrates to produce suitable raffinate and rich electrolyte streams. Finally, in electrowinning, students will compare the costs/benefits and risks of the use of precious metal coated titanium dimensionally stable anodes (DSAs) versus conventional Pb based anodes.

Jan 1, 2019

By D. Turk, P. Lefebvre, J. Sargent, K. Major

"Stillwater Mining Company recovers platinum and palladium from their Nye Montana operations. Mining first commenced at Nye in 1987 at a milling rate of 455 t/d (500 stpd). The plant was expanded in 1995 with the replacement of the ball mill and the addition of flotation capacity to increase mill throughput to 1820 t/d (2000 stpd). The applications for platinum and palladium have increased in recent years particularly in the automotive industry and the supply of the metals has remained fairly constant with prices for both platinum and palladium increasing and remaining very stable. In 1997 Stillwater initiated the expansion of their operations to increase production of platinum and palladium. Projects were initiated to expand production at the Nye operations, increase smelter and refining capacities at the Columbus facilities and to develop the extension of the orebody at the East Boulder site. This paper will discuss the changes at the Nye concentrator which were completed to increase production from 1820 t/d (2000 stpd) to 2730 t/d (3000 stpd) and eliminate some of the process bottlenecks.IntroductionStillwater Mining Company is mining the only significant primary source of PGMs outside of South Africa. The J-M Reef is an extensive mineralized zone containing PGMs that has been traced over a strike length of about 43 km (27 miles) in the southwest region of Montana. Stillwater controls the entire PGM mineralized zone.Johns-Manville geologists discovered palladium and platinum in the early 1970’s. In 1979, a Manville subsidiary entered into a partnership with Chevron, USA to develop the project. In 1 987, operations at the Stillwater property near Nye, Montana commenced."

Jan 1, 2000

By Heikki Laurila, Sirkka-Liisa Jämsä-Jounela, Jarkko Karesvuori

"Artificial Intelligence includes excellent tools for the control and supervision of industrial processes. Several thousand industrial applications have been reported worldwide. Recently, the designers of the A1 systems have begun to hybridize the intelligent techniques, expert systems, fuzzy logic and neural networks, to enhance the capability of the A1 systems. Expert systems have proved to be ideal candidates especially for the control of mineral processes.As successful case projects, an expert system based on on-line classification of the feed type using neural data analysis is described in this paper. The essential feature of this expert system is the classification of different feed types and their distinct control strategies at the plant. In addition to the classification, the expert system has a database containing information about how to handle the determined feed type. This self-leaming database scans historical process data to suggest the best treatment for the ore type under processing. The system has been tested in the Outokumpu Finnmines Oy, Hitura mine. Other projects have been reported to be in progress.INTRODUCTIONIn the past ten years considerable researches have been done in the application of artificial intelligent methods in process industry. The technologies of fuzzy logic, neural networks and expert systems have received several thousand applications worldwide: monitoring and analysis of process operations, fault diagnosis, supervisory control, feedback control and scheduling and planning of operations. Recently, the designers of these systems have begun to hybridize these intelligent techniques to enhance the current capability of expert system. Complex signal processing, neural networks, fuzzy logic and rule-based systems are also implemented to develop new so-called smart or intelligent sensors, actuators or components. Field buses are playing a more and more important role in automation systems and in imbedded systems. The development of field buses has allowed the distribution of smart components over networks."

Jan 1, 2000