ABB offer PRISE for maximum efficiency
New service provides systematic approach to control plant processes at optimal levels
ABB, the power and automation technology specialists, have introduced 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 service, which is called PRISE (Process Improvement Services), recognizes 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. ABB say the new service is a good example of their ‘Next Level’ strategy leveraging the Internet of Things, Services and People.
ABB have been advancing technologies for the Internet of Things, Services and People for more than a decade via their control systems, communication solutions, sensors and software. The company’s technologies allow customers to make more intelligent use of data to optimize their operations and increase productivity and flexibility, with PRISE extending the offering in this field.
By first analyzing existing processes, ABB experts will determine current levels of performance and deliver a report with an estimate of potential improvements. Because it is critical to know what properties influence process performance, PRISE will also identify missing instrumentation and provide detailed measurement procedures to ensure that the right things are being measured.
Since only well performing PID-loops will allow the execution of an optimal control strategy, PRISE utilizes 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.’
PRISE can be applied to a variety of mining processes, including crushing, grinding, flotation, thickening, dewatering, leaching or stockpile management. A long-term service agreement will ensure that the increased performance it delivers will always be sustained.
