We are in the process of development of a user-friendly excel based simulation software for plant optimization requirements. The presentation outlines a brief overview of the program and the steps involved.
2. THREE EXTREME
APPROACHES FOR
MONITORING PLANT
PERFORMANCE
1. Design a plant based on lab. tests and prescribed
models and presume all is well
2. Perform a very expensive and comprehensive
‘campaign’ where all units are measured in great
depth.
3. Carry out Metallurgical Accounting analysis whereby
product stream assays are compared with predicted
flows; then try and identify why the plant is operating
sub-optimally but with insufficient data
3. INTRODUCING THE 4TH
APPROACH
MMPlantMonitor
• Implement an intelligent sampling strategy ** that is cost-
efficient, and allows maximum understanding of the plant
with available data.
• Use ore variability to advantage
• Allow simulation based on actual operational parameters to
provide a user-friendly interface
**based on ‘Information Theory’
4. MMPLANTMONITOR’S 9
STEPS TO IMPROVE PLANT
PERFORMANCE
1. Define the flowsheet (Visio)
2. Define the operating parameters
3. Collect the data
4. Collate the data (relational database/Access)
5. Perform mineral mass balance (MMVisioBal)
6. Infer ore characteristics in detail (patented ‘Information
Theory’ approach) MMVisioBal2DPlus
7. Model identification (can be determined autonomously from the
data)
8. Simulate the plant (MMVisioSim)
9. Optimise the plant (MMOpt)
5. WHAT IS
MMPLANTMONITOR’S
NICHE?
• The ability to identify the real ore characteristics and unit
behaviour.
• Use ore variability to advantage.
• Use already measured variables rather than introduce costly
sampling strategies.
• For example, if we measure size/bulk assay, do we need to
measure assays within sizes?
• MMPlantMonitor is also ideal for taking advantage of
measured flowrates
6. MIDAS TECH
INTERNATIONAL
A new Company Midas Tech International Pty. Ltd. has been formed to
make MMPlantMonitor available to the industry
Direct Contacts:
Michael Hayes: MichaelH@MidasTech.net
Stephen Gay: StephenG@MidasTech.net
South African Contact:
Basdew Rooplal: basdewrooplal@gmail.com
or roooplalba@yahoo.com
Cell: 0829273642
Tel: 032-5513624
7. SERVING THE INDUSTRY
Midas Tech Int. understands the need for:
User-friendly interfaces (eg. MS Excel)
Affordable software.
Integrated approach (the whole plant not just
subcircuits)
Customising or extensible simulation
Provide the whole set of required software.
Yet also allow compatible with other engineering
software
Allow easy transfer of data to colleagues (MS
Excel/Visio/Access)
The need for education courses (simulation)
The need for training courses.
8. COMMERCIAL
JUSTIFICATION
• It is reasonable that strategic changes to operation facilitate
increased revenues of 3-5% (if not higher).
• For a small Mine $100 M per year translates to increased
profit of $3M per year
• For many current mines this is enough to convert a non-
profitable mine to a profitable mine
• Midas Tech targets ROI in 1st year (based on total cost
inclusive of internal costs) of about 300%.
• That is a payback period of 4 months.
9. PATHS TO MOVING
FORWARD
• Contact to Basdew (Africa)
• Arrange course on simulation (both public and inhouse)
• Speak directly to Midas Tech International
• Arrange for Company Representatives to visit and discuss
your requirements