RRJ 5

Reference

Gomez, K. (2011, April 18). 3D Imaging Technology Increases Efficiency of Flotation Processes in Mining. PACE. Retrieved April 27, 2011 from http://www.pacetoday.com.au/news/3d-imaging-technology-increases-efficiency-of-flot

Summary

             In this article, the author talks about 3D imaging increasing efficiency of flotation processes in mining. According to the author, there is a possibility of using measurement devices based on resistance tomography to create 3D images from inside pipelines and tanks. The technology comes out with a new device to control flotation processes. He mentioned that the purpose of flotation is to blow bubbles of air, and the mineral particles keep the bubbles. According to the author, Jukka Hakola, Numcore’s vice president of sales and marketing, said that problems show up if the froth cannot carry the load of mineral particles or the process. The author said based on tomography, the Numcore system produces a conductivity curve for monitoring the froth bed. The result can be viewed multidimensionally using color. He mentioned that the Numcore measurement devices monitor the size and quantity of air bubbles and the solid content of the froth bed. As he said, the changing of the solid content and bubble size in the froth bed can cause the froth to become collapsed, and the problem can be solved. According to the author, the system shows the operator with factual data on what is happening in the flotation cells, and this will facilitate the operator to look inside the process. According to the author, Hakola said that Numcore has developed measurement technology to better serve. Also, he said that their sensors are used in two plants which have been able to figure out which parameters need to be controlled, and how they can prove the benefits for the customer. According to the author, Seppo Lahteenmaki, Processing Mill Manager, said that the system has improved and functioned reliably. Then the author moved to another related topic which is the help from mathematical modeling, and he said that Numcore measurement devices are realized either as a flow through sensor or probe-type sensor for installation inside large pipelines or tanks. Also he said that it is possible to measure conductivity differences between the stages by supplying a weak alternating current (AC) to the electrodes of the sensor. According to the author, Hakola said that their CoreApus flow-through sensor can analyze material flows inside small pipelines, but because processing tanks are large, they have to develop the probe-type sensor CoreHydra to analyze larger areas of the tank. Also he said that both sensors can measure interface between liquids and solids, but CoreAbus can imagine rapidly flowing liquids. Then the author mentioned that the difference between this system and the previous one is that you can analyze why and how something is happening in the process, and how you can prevent an event if necessary. Then the author talked about some general information about Numcore Company.

Reaction

            I enjoyed reading this article because it is interesting and very close to my major. There are some points that I want to talk about. First, I learned from this article that sometimes it is wonderful to read some articles about your major, especially the things that you did not study and get from your college or university, such as new instruments, devices, and machines, then you find them when you work in any company. In that time, you will find that you have a background about what you are going to deal with. Second, the article was talking about a new system that provided 3D imaging technology to increase efficiency of flotation processes. As the author said, the difference between this system and the previous one is that you can analyze why and how something is happening in the process, and how you can prevent an event if necessary. I think Numcore made a great system. It is a wonderful step for the future because this system will make it easier for the operator to figure out what is happening in the pipelines and tanks during the processes, and it gives them accurate information about what is happening. Also, the system provides 3D images from inside the pipelines and tanks, so the operators do not have to go and check from the field because they can see what is happening from the computers. Finally, this system is a great deal; however, in these days, there are many new technologies that the companies have came out with, so the customers get confused which one is the best for them. I think many factories are working in good condition, and make a lot of money, so they do not need these new systems because if they buy these systems, they will find new systems after a while. Then what they are going to do? Of course they want to exchange the systems that they bought with the new one, so they will lose a lot of money. I believe that it does not matter to buy new systems if my factory works in a good condition. Also, if I want to buy something, I have to be sure that will help me and I will not exchange it as soon as there is something new that shows up.