Product category:
Level and tank contents instrumentation
News Release from: Siemens Automation and Drives | Subject: Coal handling
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 22 May 2007
Siemens, at the face of the coal
handling industry
The coal handling sector continues to be a highly competitive environment, within which faster processes, flexibility, efficiency and cost effectiveness are a necessity
Carl Pinches, Industry Marketing Manager at Siemens, addresses the issues of detection and loading, and discusses how accurate, effective measurement can help to avoid costly time interruptions to the processing system Coal handling is an extremely competitive business and it is now more important than ever for businesses to protect their competitive advantage and drive efficiencies throughout the handling processes
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 10 Apr 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Through the accurate and precise monitoring of production rates, accurate dosing and pinpoint measurement, maximum productivity can be achieved throughout the processing stages.
Success in the coal handling sector is centred on the issue of effective measurement and control of the handling systems right through from the primary crusher process through to the load-out.
Throughout the process chain, coal and all other process related materials require level measurement, weighing and process protection.
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By ensuring that effective measurement and control is maintained at each stage of this process, it is possible to further increase availability, reduce waste, save time and increase output, all of which can contribute to the bottom line.
Process protection devices act as an early warning device to avoid process interruptions and breakdowns.
Acoustic and motion sensors are able to identify changes in motion and speed, protecting equipment by detecting any absence of motion as well as under/over-speed situations.
An acoustic sensor has the added advantage of being able to non-invasive detect inaudible, high frequency acoustic emissions that are generated by friction and the impact of materials in motion.
Immediate early warning alerts from remote locations are an essential element of an effective operation and can help to achieve greater processing efficiency.
Motion detection enables faults to be detected as soon as they occur through the adoption of motion sensing probes, minimising downtime and enabling rapid control and rectification of faults.
Bucket elevators and other feed conveyors are at the heart of most operations.
In the event of a conveyor slow-down, a stoppage or even chain breakdown, the resulting effect on productivity and production levels could be extensive.
For this reason it is essential that any incidents or potential problems are communicated to the control centre immediately.
The motion detection ensures that the mechanical conveying systems maintain their set speed throughout the handling process to ensure productivity is maintained.
With an accurate and efficient loading and weighing system in place, it is possible to make significant time and cost savings.
On site, if trucks are over-loaded with material, it can be very time consuming to unload the excess materials or add additional materials if a truck is under-loaded.
The operation of an accurate weighing system at the loading point will ensure that vehicles are loaded correctly in the first instance, resulting in a more time efficient process.
Siemens dual load cell technology provides accurate measurement of flow rate, totalised weight and belt load and conveyor speed enabling the coal handling process to run at optimum efficiency.
The final loading weight can then be verified at the weighbridge.
The concept of continuous level measurement for the bulk solids handling is based predominantly around non-contact technologies, providing accurate and repeatable measurement of solids, liquids, slurries and foam from within the harshest environments.
These robust technologies were developed from feedback received from field engineers on site and provided a unique opportunity to design and develop instruments specific to the needs of the primary industries.
The instruments are designed to work in the harshest environments and to ensure reliable and continuous level measurement despite the presence of extreme dust, moisture, corrosion, vibration, flooding or extreme temperature, making them ideal for the coal handling environment.
The effective implementation of the correct process control is essential in order for companies to increase yield rates and stay ahead of the global competition.
These systems ensure that downtime is minimised where ever possible.
Many applications are easily retro-fitted avoiding the need for wider equipment upgrades and specialist training.
Siemens is also able to configure systems to match the operating requirements, providing a bespoke industry offering as part of the solution.
Siemens sensors and devices can be used across a variety of sectors and are compliant with the requirement of the heavy and primary industries.
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