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Determining the controls of high-grade mineralisation at Vera Nancy requires careful data collection and assessment on a global and specific deposit basis. The techniques developed over 60 years ago to analyse structure, grade and width data are just as applicable today and can be enhanced using modern geological modelling software. High ore grades at Vera Nancy are controlled by both the primary geometry of the mineralised structure and the intersections of the main mineralised veins with subordinate splay veins. The main mineralised structure dilated as a consequence of extensional tectonics while the splays acted as conduits bringing oxidising surficial fluids into mixing zones precipitating high gold grades. Near-mine exploration is focussed on identifying zones of vein flexure and splay interaction to locate the relatively small high-grade shoots. Data modelling in a 3D environment is an essential process for understanding the geometry of the system being explored.

Jan 1, 2000

By R J. Holmes

An accurate knowledge of the chemical, mineralogical and physical characteristics of ores and mineral products that are mined, processed and traded is crucial to effective resource utilisation, plant design, process optimisation and finally quality control to ensure that contract specifications are met. However, all too often the responsibility for sampling is entrusted to managers and personnel who do not fully appreciate the significance and importance of collecting representative samples for analysis, and everyone seems satisfied as long as some material is collected and returned to the laboratory for analysis. Furthermore, sample stations incorporated into the design of new plants are often the first casualties when cost cutting exercises commence. This needs to change, because there is little point in accurately analysing samples if they are not representative in the first place. The resultant analyses can be next to meaningless and the effort taken to analyse such samples is to a large extent a waste of time and resources.Ultimately, a poor knowledge of the characteristics of ores and mineral products limits the ability of mining companies to optimise the life of ore resources and plant performance, and failure to meet final product specifications can have disastrous consequences, including price penalties and more seriously loss of sales contracts. It is high time that sampling is given the attention it deserves as the first critical step in the quality measurement chain.CITATION:Holmes, R J, 2013. The importance of sampling in the mineral industry, in Proceedings MetPlant 2013 , pp 34-49 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).

Jul 15, 2013

By Anuj K. Singh, Shuvranshu Rout, Manos De

"Foundation for tracks of coke transfer car and dust extraction pipe was designed as series of isolated foundations spaced at 11.0m along length of coke oven battery resting on soil at depth of 2.5m. In one region the foundations are close to adjacent 12m deep underground junction house. Five foundations in this zone were constructed on backfilled soil without proper compaction instead of engineering soil fill or concrete fill. The foundations settled under loads and the supported frame structure tilted after equipment erection and during trials endangering the safety of the structure and equipment operation. The distorted structure had to be rectified in-situ by arresting settlement. In order to stabilize the foundation and supported structure the supporting soil had to be strengthened in situ without any dismantling, reconstruction and adverse effect to equipment operation. This paper presents the case study on the evaluation of defects for the foundation failure and analysis of the problem, proposed rectification of the situation by appropriate soil stabilization scheme, monitoring of the stabilization operations and verification of effectiveness of the rectification work by measurement of settlements. The implemented solution has ensured safety of the structure and equipment without any adverse impact on normal operation.INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUNDNew Coke Oven Battery was being installed for an integrated Steel Plant. The hot coke from oven is pushed out after completion of coking process through a coke transfer car onto a hot coke receiving car. The coke transfer car runs on rail track parallel to the line of ovens forming the coke oven battery. One rail is supported on the structure of the operating platform of the battery and the second rail rests on independent structure of track beams. A large diameter pipe for extraction of the dust emitted during coke pushing operation is also supported on the same structure that supports the track beams. The entire structure rests on columns spaced at approximately 11.0m along the length of the battery. The columns transfer load to ground through individual foundations resting on competent subsoil strata.Two sets of foundations for the rail track beam support and dust extraction pipe support are adjacent to deep underground junction house of coke carrying conveyor. The depth of the pit for the junction house is 12m. The layout and arrangement of the foundations in this region around the junction house (JH-1) is shown in the “Figs. 1a, 1b”."

Jan 1, 2017

By L. H. Harrison

In coal mines equipped with electrically driven mechanical mining equipment, the problem of protection for electrical circuits and machinery important, because the hazards of fires and explosions resulting from electrical failures is greater than in most other industries. There is need for better methods and improved protective devices for this service. Studies and tests designed to determine possible value of the short-circuiting contactor as an electrical device for coal mine service were investigated. Preliminary made to determine the operating characteristics of the device, after which tests were made under actual service in three coal mines. Ordinarily, electrical protection in coal mines is divided into three classes, as follows: 1. Overload protection that is intended to protect against damage from overheating and excessive mechanical strain due to overloading. 2. Short-circuit protection that provides a means of de-energizing the equipment instantly when an accidental short circuit occurs in the equipment or on the power system. Short cm protection tends to damage from fires and, explosions resulting in the dissipation of large amounts of electrical energy in a short circuit. 3. Ground fault protection that, in its various forms, is intended, to maintain the frames of electrical equipment at or near the same potential surfaces in contact with the earth for the purpose of safe-guarding human life.

Jan 1, 1951

By Louis A. Panek

Determining the change of stress in rock based on measurements of the deformation of a drill hole is a procedure that is increasing in popularity. A closely related procedure involves the applicat10n of this principle to determine the existing stresses in a rock medium, by cutting free (core drilling) an annulus containing the drill hole. In this Bureau of Mines report, expressions are derived from which one can calculate the stress ellipsoid--the three-dimensional change of stress, or the existing three-dimensional stress field, as the case may be. Study of these equations shows that the stress components in three dimensions can be determined by measurements in only two drill holes, and yields general principles that are useful in planning an efficient program of drilling and measurement. Procedures are given for calculating the least squares estimates of the stress components and their standard errors, and for evaluating or comparing calculated values by means of standard statistical inferences.

Jan 1, 1966

By Russell J. Miller

A high-pressure intensifier system was designed, constructed and field tested as part of a program to determining the feasibility of applying high-pressure water jets on conventional mechanical rock excavation equipment to increase advance rates. Also developed were a high-volume swivel, capable of transferring the high-pressure water to a rotating cutterhead and manifold system for locating and protecting the jets on the cutterhead. Field tests were conducted in a granite quarry near Skykomish, WA, approximately 90 miles east of Seattle. The concept of improving excavation rates by using water jets to assist mechanical cutting was proven to be successful, with an average increase in excavation mete of 50 to 60%. For some tests, the excavation rate was more than doubled. Machine torque requirements were reduced approximately 25% when the water jets were used. It was suggested this was due to reduced cutterhead friction in the presence of the water jets. A comprehensive economic analysis was undertaken as part of a concurrent study to determine the degree of cost benefits attainable from increased advance rates. Very significant savings were seen to be possible. It was concluded that the basic concept of combining a water jet capability with a mechanical excavating machine is definitely possible.

Jan 1, 1976

By Bien Ferrer

In most smelting operations, there is a strong incentive to improve safety, reduce downtime and extend the campaigns of furnaces and related equipment. An asset management strategy that is based on information, rather than simple throughput metrics and intuition, can be developed to improve uptime and unlock value currently unrealized at existing smelters. Advances in digital technology, including data analysis, modelling and monitoring for hot pyro-metallurgical vessels, make it possible to assess the current condition of an asset, as well as to make more informed projections about its future condition, using on-line and historical data. This would allow practices around asset management to be more proactive and less reactive, with the end-result of optimized uptime. ‘Digital Asset Management’ describes a concept in which digital technology is used to support an asset management strategy and accelerate decision-making by providing information on what, why and how an asset should be designed, operated or maintained. With the overall goals of effective resource utilization, optimized operations, capital efficiency and social acceptance, Smelter 4.0 is a program of holistic improvement and is underpinned by the effective use of data to drive decisions. This paper focuses on Asset Reliability, which is one of the improvement pillars of Smelter 4.0, and introduces a methodology that is aimed at closing the gap between recorded data and evidence-based decision-making through Digital Asset Management.

By Rogers F. Davis

This publication has been prepared to supply manufacturers and industrial users a listing of mobile diesel-powered equipment and subassemblies approved and certified by the Bureau of Mines for use in noncoal mines. Testing of diesel-powered equipment is one phase of the Bureau's program of health and safety that concerns approval of electrical and diesel equipment designed to prevent explosions, fires, shocks, or toxic hazards in underground mines, when such equipment is used and maintained properly. Manufacturers submit machinery and component parts to the Bureau for study of their design, safety features, and use. Equipment must pass exacting tests and must meet strict requirements established through research and experience and listed in the Bureau's permissible schedules before the Bureau approves it as permissible for safe use in mines.

Jan 1, 1963

Xstrata CopperÆs Mount Isa Copper Operations is located in mineral rich north-west Queensland and is one of the largest sources of copper in the world. This world-class underground operation is planned to produce over 6.6 million tonnes of copper ore in 2007 from the X41 and Enterprise Mines. With an underground mining history of over 50 years and underground reserves of over 83 million tonnes at 2.6 per cent copper, mine planning for the future becomes an exciting challenge for the technical team due to the older nature of certain areas. The 1100 Orebody of the X41 mine was one of the first places that copper mining occurred, with its discovery in 1953 - 1954 and mining commencing in the 1960s. Sublevel open stoping mining methods have been employed since that time as the means of extraction, using a primary-secondary sequence to maximise stope turnaround time. Large Transverse Pillars within the 1100 orebody were not mined out in order to provide access for ventilation, power, orepasses and other services. The Panel Pillar, 4180XC and 4010XC pillars are three such Transverse Pillars in the 1100 orebody that will be mined as a final retreat. This paper discusses the technical challenges and issues associated with the extraction of Q390 stope, one of the stopes located in the Panel Pillar, and the design solutions to overcome these issues. Managing the exposure of backfilled stopes of variable fill strength, ensuring the stability of the crown, stope walls and drawpoints, managing vertical openings, re-establishing service networks, and stope filling are the critical issues given consideration for the final design of Q390 stope and other such stopes within a Transverse Pillar. Communication and coordination between the different departments in the mine are essential for the necessary work to be completed in a timely manner to bring pillar stopes into production.

Jan 1, 2007

By Holt, Grover J.

PRIOR to :1937 any discussion of mining and transportation in the iron mines of Minnesota would have been limited largely to conventional methods which have been used for years in the iron ore industry. Today, however, an inspection trip to the crest of almost any open pit on the ranges will re- veal great progress underground mining and the transportation of underground ore have also developed rapidly and if and when underground mining of iron ore again becomes generally economically feasible; these mining methods will probably witness a transformation equal to that which has taken place in the open pits.

Jan 1, 1941

"Tell us how you got involved in mining?I was first exposed to mining at a young age, as a consequence of my dad and his passion for the industry and rock collecting. Even though he graduated with a degree in mining engineering from Washington State University, my dad spent most of his career working as a structural engineer for the Boeing Company. At the time, Boeing supported a range of employee activities and clubs, including one devoted to mineral prospecting, small-scale dredging and rock hounding. My dad was extremely active in the Prospectors Club, where as a family, we spent a good part of my youth tramping around the Pacific Northwest digging for mineral specimens and panning for gemstones and gold. On my mother’s side of the family, I had relatives that mined in Dawson City and Fairbanks, AK which left a family legacy of sorts. I loved the stories that my dad and a close buddy of his, who was a geologist, would tell about various operations and towns, as well as the wild times at the annual Northwest Mining Association (NWMA) meeting in Spokane, WA. My first recollection of ever being at a commercial operation was during a tour of the Bunker Hill Mine with my dad when I was 7 or 8 years old; this had to have been shortly before the May 1972 fire at Sunshine. That visit of the mine and processing facilities made a permanent impression on me. While I always knew there was something special about the Silver Valley, I began to understand why. To this day, I still get the same feeling when I visit historic mining districts like Leadville, Morenci, Virginia City, Butte, Silverton and Barkerville. During our summer excursions to Helena, MT to dig sapphires, we would usually make visits to Butte and watch mine operations inside the Berkley Pit and surface activities at the Kelly and Mountain Con. In high school, I did well in math and science and began entertaining thoughts of pursuing a degree in engineering. Above all, I wanted to go to a college in the West that had a good academic reputation, where I could also play football. As a 6-ft, 190-lb nose guard, my options for a Division I scholarship were pretty slim, and there weren’t that many technical schools in the Northwest that were Division II that offered athletic scholarships. As fate would have it, I was unexpectedly contacted by Marv Kay, a legendary coach at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), and was recruited to play ball. Fortunately, I had a couple of high school friends who were already attending CSM, and I had just secured a summer internship with Asamera Minerals in Wenatchee, WA. It was as if all the stars had aligned, and, with the support of my parents, I made the decision to attend Mines. Despite the stress of getting through CSM during a period when the mining industry was in freefall, it was a great decision to attend Mines, and I’m thankful for all the opportunities, friendships, and faculty mentoring I received as a student"

Mar 1, 2019

By Álvaro Lúcio

This paper outlines the DPC process as na economic and environment friendly option for the use of cultivated forest as a source of raw material for metallurgical charcoal.The DPC process was specially developed to bring logistic, environmental, technical, economic and global energy efficiency when compared to termal1 the existing biomass carbonization process. The DPC process utilizes the volatile materials (condensable and non condensable) as a source of the energy required by the carbonization process guarantying its complete combustion. As result the DPC process avoids the burning of termal1 the loaded wood, obtaining a higher charcoal to biomass yield, and avoids the emission to the atmosphere of polluting gases. Gases emitted by the carbonizing wood have na energy termal1e enough to dry the wood soon after its harvesting. By avoiding the storage in the field during na average of 150 days, the resulting economy is quite significant. As a termal1e1 the higher charcoal to biomass yield na termal1e1e economy is obtained through the reduction of the cultivated forest term. This paper emphasizes the economic advantages of the DPC process.

Aug 16, 2017

Microorganisms have been widely used for hydrometallurgical operation and effluent treatments(Smith, et. al., 1991a; Gadd, et. al., 1986; Darnall, 1986; Paponettis, et. al., 1991; Mihaylov, et. al., 1991; Rusin, et. al., 1991; Noble, et. al., 1991; Yang, et. al., 1991). In recent years there is a growing interest in using microorganism for flocculation of minerals fines and flotation collector (Smith, et. al., 1991b, 1991c; Misra, et. al., 1991a, 1991b, 1992a, 1992b). It is envisioned that the utilization of nonpathogenic microorganism and/or extracellular surfactant derived from microorganism as a flotation collector will replace some of the environmentally toxic flotation collectors and at the sometime improve flotation efficiency. The selection screening, and judicious selection of appropriate microorganism as flotation collector has been a challenge to process engineers. Over the past five years, continued research at the University of Nevada has shown that certain microorganism Mycobacterium phlei (M. phlei) can be a good flocculating agent and has potential to be used as a flotation collector (Dubel, et. al., 1992; Misra, et. al., 1991a, 1991b, 1992a, 1992b; Smith, et. al., 1991d; Chen, et. al., 1992a, 1992b)).

Jan 1, 1993

By Richard J. Bielicki

The possibility of replacing the brattice cloth closest to the coal mine working face with an air curtain mounted on top of a continuous-mining machine or with a diffuser fan was explored by the Bureau of Mines. Preliminary tests conducted at a full-scale model working face with the brattice end set at 18 feet showed that the air curtain improved face ventilation only slightly and was not nearly as effective as placing the brattice at 10 feet. A 2,000-ft3/min diffuser was more effective than the air curtain. It is concluded that the air curtain probably could not function as a line brattice extension, although the diffuser fan may have some potential.

Jan 1, 1975

By K. Muehlenbachs, J. U. Stemler

"Abstract - The Boston deposit is a recently discovered Archean lode-gold deposit located approximately 700 km northeast of Yellowknife, in the southern portion of the Hope Bay volcanic belt. Primary H2O-CO2-NaCl fluid inclusions associated with gold mineralization at Boston are of low salinity (4.6 ± 1.4 eq. wt.% NaCl, n = 182) and contain pure CO2. Homogenization temperatures of liquid-phase inclusions average 270° ± 33°C (n = 141), but some fluid inclusion assemblages contain coexisting liquid- and vapor-phase inclusions that homogenize near critical conditions, suggesting phase separation. In these groups, liquid-phase inclusions homogenized at 299° ± 25°C (n = 24), and vapor-phase inclusions homogenized at 338° ± 28°C (n = 18). These temperatures overlap within error, and a median temperature of ~320°C is taken as representative of trapping conditions within the veins. An approximate pressure of 2-3 kbar was estimated from fluid inclusion isochores at this temperature. Stable isotopic compositions of carbonate minerals from the mineralized zones range from -4.7‰ to -3.1‰ in d13C, and from 11.2‰ to 12.8‰ in d18O; quartz ranges from d18O = 12.8‰ to 14.9‰; and pyrite ranges from d34S = 2.1‰ to 3.5‰. The d18OH2O, d13CCO2, and d34SH2S values of the fluid calculated from these minerals at 320°C are 6‰-9‰, -2.4‰ ± 0.6‰, and 1.5‰ ± 0.5‰, respectively, and are intermediate between metamorphic and magmatic compositions. A unique source for the fluids cannot, therefore, be constrained from these data. Petrographic and geochemical data for the Boston deposit are consistent with data from other Archean lode-gold deposits worldwide, implying that the Boston deposit formed in a similar environment and from similar types of fluids. These results suggest that the Hope Bay volcanic belt may represent a major new mesothermal gold belt in this part of Nunavut. Sommaire - Le gîte Boston a été récemment découvert à environ 700 km au nord-est de Yellowknife dans la partie sud de la ceinture volcanique de Hope Bay, il s’agit d’un gîte d’or filonien d’âge Archéen. Les inclusions fluides primaires de H2O-CO2-NaCl associées à la minéralisation aurifère du gîte Boston présentent une faible salinité (4.6 ± 1.4 eq. pds.% NaCl, n = 182) et contiennent du CO2 pur. La température d’homogénéisation des inclusions à phase liquide est en moyenne de 270° ± 33°C (n = 141), mais certains assemblages d’inclusions contiennent des phases liquides et gazeuses coexistantes qui s’homogénéisent dans des conditions quasi critiques, suggérant qu’elles résultent d’une séparation de phase. Dans ces groupes, les inclusions de phase liquide s’homogénéisent à 299° ± 25°C (n = 24) et les inclusions de phase gazeuse s’homogénéisent à 338° ± 28°C (n = 18). Ces températures se recoupent à l’intérieur des limites de l'erreur de mesure, et nous considérons qu’une température médiane de ~320°C est représentative des conditions de piégeage dans ces veines. Les isochores permettent d’estimer une pression d’environ 2-3 kbar à cette température. La composition des isotopes stables des carbonates dans les zones minéralisées s’étend de -4.7‰ to -3.1‰ pour d13C et pour de 11.2‰ à 12.8‰ pour d18O; les valeurs de d18O pour le quartz varient de 12.8‰ à 14.9; et les valeurs de d34S dans la pyrite vont de 2.1‰ à 3.5‰. Les valeurs de d18OH2O, d13CCO2, et d34SH2S du fluide calculé à partir de ces minéraux à une température de 320°C est de 6-9‰, -2.4‰ ± 0.6‰, et 1.5‰ ± 0.5‰ respectivement, reflétant des conditions intermédiaires entre des compositions métamorphiques et magmatiques. Il n’est donc pas possible d’identifier une source unique pour ces fluides à partir de ces données. Les données pétrographiques et géochimiques du gîte Boston sont similaires à celles d’autres gîtes d’or filoniens ailleurs dans le monde, ce qui implique que le gîte Boston s’est formé dans un environnement similaire à partir des mêmes types de fluides. Ces résultats suggèrent que la ceinture volcanique de Hope"

Jan 1, 2006

By A. Rahimi

Refractory castables based on alumina-silicate aggregates are commonly used in casting wheel components and launders. In this research the recycling process of waste magnesia chrome bricks for production of refractory castable lining for launders and casting wheel ladles at Iranian Sarcheshmeh copper complex (I.S.C.C.) is discussed. The smelting plant of ISCC consumes 4,000 tons refractory materials and produces 2,000 tons waste refractories annually. In order to reduce the environmental pollutions and gain the economical advantages, the recycling of waste refractories proved to be a solution [1]. In ISCC, 800 tons alumina or alumina-silicate refractory castables are used for linings of anode furnace ladles and launders annually [2]. In the present work, the spent bricks from reverberatory, converter and anode furnaces were analyzed in term of microstructural changes from hot zone to the cold end to evaluate the changes in texture and chemical composition. Different formulations based on recycled magnesia chrome aggregates and various particle size distribution and cement content were tested. Economic recycled magnesia chrome refractory mixture was prepared after crushing and sizing the non-deteriorated regions of wasted bricks. After evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of samples, one ton of refractory castable was prepared and successfully installed in the casting wheel ladles.

Jan 1, 2007

By T. Hidayat, D. Shishin, V. Prostakova, M. Shevchenko

The chemical compositions of copper feed streams are becoming increasingly complex following the growing demand for metals and corresponding shortages of primary sources. The optimisation of process conditions requires an accurate description of phase equilibria and thermodynamics. Integrated experimental and thermodynamic modelling research program on the characterisation of the complex, multi-component, multi-phase gas-slag-matte-speiss-metal-solids Cu2O-PbO-ZnO-Al2O3- CaO-MgO-FeO-Fe2O3-SiO2-S-(As-Bi-Ni-Sb-Sn-Ag-Au) system is being carried out to support companies undertaking the pyrometallurgical primary production and recycling of copper. The experiments involve high temperature equilibration in controlled gas atmospheres, rapid quenching and direct measurement of equilibrium phase compositions with quantitative microanalytical techniques, including electron probe X- ray microanalysis and Laser Ablation ICP-MS. The thermodynamic modelling is undertaken using FactSage computer package with advanced thermodynamic solution models. The continuing development of research methodologies has resulted in significant advances in research outcomes. Implementation of the results of these fundamental studies involves an ongoing collaboration of researchers and industry technologists. An overview of recent progress in research, implementation and applications in industrial practice are given in the paper. INTRODUCTION Rapidly developing technologies increase the demand for various metals in number and volumes. Modern technological devices such as mobile phones, computers, other electronic devices, have dozens of metals—all those metals have to be a) produced and b) recycled. The fast transition in mobility from fossil energy delivered through combustion to renewable energy first stored in bakeries and delivered through electric engines introduce a significant change in the metal demand in terms of both type and volume of metals. Pyrometallurgy is playing a key role in supporting these changes in our industrialised society.

Jan 1, 2019

By Howard N. Eavenson

The mines of the United States Coal & Coke Co. are located in the Pocahontas coal field, in McDowell County, West Virginia. Twelve plants have been opened and equipped, of which, by reason of the present business depression, only nine are now in operation. These twelve plants serve eighteen mines; some of the plants having several openings, in either the same seam or in different seams, tributary to the same tipple. Only nine of these mines are now being worked at the plants in operation. Construction work was begun in 1902, and coal from the first three plants started was shipped in December of that year. An additional plant was opened in 1903, two in 1904, two in 1905, two in 1907 and the last two in 1908. On Jan. 1, 1915, the plants have been in operation an average period of 8.8 years. The rules of the company, which have been in operation since work was first begun, are similar to those in use by the H. C. Frick Coke Co. at its mines in Pennsylvania, in which " Safety First" was incorporated as early as 1907; and it has always been the policy of both companies to look carefully after the safety of their employees. Although the field is an extension of the old Pocahontas field, the mines, located upon a new branch railroad, are away by themselves, and, as is usual in such cases, the class of labor attracted at first was temporary in character. The rapid development of the mines required the employment of many new men and officials each year; and, while the accident record from 1904 to 1909 was as good as the average of the field, it was felt to be not as good as it could be made, and a determined campaign was inaugurated for preventing accidents of all kinds. Fig. 1 shows the tonnage of coal produced per fatality, both total and for inside accidents only, at our mines; the tonnage per fatality of all West Virginia mines, and of those in the Pocahontas field. The purpose of this paper is not one of congratulation on the results so far accomplished, since the operating officials are not at all satisfied that the maximum is in sight, to say nothing of its having been reached; but to describe the organization and methods that have produced these

Jan 1, 1915

By Tom Watts

This paper will focus on the design, manufacture and use of pump safety systems on MMUs (Mobile Manufacturing Units – Bulk Trucks) with progressive cavity pumps. The practice of pumping bulk blasting agents is highly regulated and the explosives manufactures have done an excellent job of hazard and operability studies allowing criteria to be established for the safe pumping.

Jan 1, 2009

"The mining industry uses many types of mineral and metallurgical plants to produce saleable product from ore mined. Plant design history has left current operations with a mixture of manual operation and various forms of automated process controls. Consequently, we typically see high variability in the continuous operations together with a shortfall in the attainment of full capacity, or higher utilisation of consumables.At a level of best practice, ‘Operational Performance Excellence’ focuses on process control, using automation and control systems to deliver process optimisation. This more sophisticated delivery is a great deal more difficult than the first stage of equipment selection / installation. It includes the appropriate selection of the right instrumentation, control system, key process knowledge, individuals with a solid control engineering background / experience, and the essential backing / support of the operations management team together leading to higher value delivery. Robust solutions can be realised, considerably minimising process variation, thus leading to process optimisation. This approach results in an easier, efficient and safer process while providing considerable returns for the plant owners.How variable are your processes, and do you maintain optimised process performance with dedicated resources, modern instrumentation, ‘best practice’ control systems and performance monitoring tools? In this paper, these questions and their possible answers are discussed."

Jan 1, 2014