This new service from ABB provides systematic approach to control plant processes at optimal levels. ABB is introducing a package of services that identifies performance gaps in open-pit mining processes and provides solutions to reduce process variations that will help lower operating costs, increase product quality, prevent waste and protect valuable equipment, the company says.
The service called PRISE – Process Improvement Services – recognises the increasing pressures facing human operators who monitor multiple complex processes and predict and control their behaviour based on an overwhelming amount of data. The PRISE packaged offering removes the problem of operator overload by providing essential information while steering all processes in an optimal way. This new service is a good example of ABB`s Next Level strategy leveraging the Internet of Things, Services and People – see the article Garpenberg’s brain in the August issue of International Mining magazine.
By first analysing existing processes, ABB experts will determine current levels of performance and deliver a report with an estimate of potential improvements. Because it’s critical to know what properties influence process performance, PRISE will also identify missing instrumentation and then provide detailed measurement procedures to ensure that you are measuring the right things.
Since only well performing PID-loops will allow you to execute an optimal control strategy, PRISE uses tools and procedures developed by ABB to scan and tune critical loops, setting the foundation for increased overall performance.
The final cornerstone of the service is advanced process control to first stabilize processes, then drive them to their performance limits in a consistent and permanent way.
“Reducing variability, while pushing the process to its limits, is not something a human being can accomplish in the same way PRISE can,” said Dominik Groenveld, Global Product Manager for PRISE. “PRISE eliminates shift to shift variations by permanently and smoothly controlling plant processes at optimal levels – at all times and in all situations.”
A long-term service agreement will ensure that the increased performance delivered by PRISE will always be sustained.
PRISE can be applied to a variety of mining processes, including crushing, grinding, flotation, thickening, dewatering, leaching or stockpile management.
ABB has been advancing technologies for the Internet of Things, Services and People for more than a decade via its control systems, communication solutions, sensors and software. Its technologies allow industry, utility and infrastructure customers to make more intelligent use of data to optimise their operations, increase productivity and flexibility.
