IM 2021 January 21 | Page 24

PROCESS CONTROL
Connected Assets allow operators to boost
operational efficiency , make more timely decisions ,
reduce downtime and improve information transparency . Using remote access and monitoring tools , operators can analyse data from different plant
sources , including field instruments , processes , DCS , control applications and network devices . Analytics
allow the operators to identify abnormal conditions and predict potential failures . They can also access
plant systems and applications safely ; and create key indicator dashboards to assist the operations team .
Almost 2,000 Codelco employees have completed competency management training to build their knowledge of control system technology , advanced control applications and process operations . Training sessions are conducted on-site , in the Kairos Mining Remote Operations Centre and via the web to ensure employees are getting more out of Codelco ’ s installed systems .
Emerson ’ s Technology Innovation Centre for mining
Emerson has had a direct presence in the Chilean market since 1997 , through representatives and sales channels . In 2015 , Emerson opened the Technology Innovation Centre for Mining , dedicated to the development , commercialisation and implementation in Chile and all over the world , of innovative
automation solutions for the industry , focused on
critical asset reliability and optimising key processes in the mining value chain , with high impact on productivity , cost reduction , and safety .
The company states : “ The resident staff of the Innovation Centre is composed of industry technologists and engineers that have a vast experience and knowledge of the industry to offer automation consulting and a high specialisation services , with a focus on customer requirements . The local team in Chile works with the support of Emerson ’ s global network of offices , technology experts , manufacturing plants and service centres .”
The company told IM that the solutions developed and proven in some of the largest mine companies around the world cover all the mining value chain , from the mine to the port , including diverse applications such as chutes and hydrocyclone optimisation , critical asset condition monitoring with machine learning and data analytics and heap leach irrigation optimisation .
“ The experience of our personnel and their extensive knowledge of the industry allows us to help our customers meet their most complex challenges , helping them improve the efficiency of their processes , increase the productivity of their operations , optimise the performance of their assets and meet the most demanding environmental and safety standards .”
IM spoke with Felipe Cabrera , one of the most
experienced mine process control experts globally with over 37 years in the industry working in technology companies and now as Mining Sales Director for the Emerson Automation Solutions Southern Cone organisation .
He said that Emerson has over 130 years of experience in the industry , and its Plantweb™ digital ecosystem has been a key pilar to introduce digital transformation to many sites and industries , including mining which is a growing market for the company . This builds on its already leading market position in supplying smart sensors and valve controls to mining across a range of product brands from its Rosemount™ sensor portfolio to Fisher™ control valves and regulators and Bettis™ actuators . It has also added to this strength the addition of the isolation valves business in 2015 . These are constantly being updated with the latest technology and are supplied to numerous global mine sites on a regular basis . But on the wider plant control scale it also offers Distributed Control Systems , DCSs , ( DeltaV™ ) and SCADA solutions , and the recent addition of the Intelligent Platforms control systems business , which includes PLCs solutions that have a great application opportunity in underground mines monitoring and remote control . All this has come together in a complete offering to the mining sector . Cabrera says : “ We now have the full scope of sensor instrumentation , overall plant control systems and
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22 International Mining | JANUARY 2021