The footprint rheological it is a visual representation that functions as a DNA or fingerprint of a mining process. Unlike a single value, or a daily average, the laboratory in-situ KRHEO capture millions of data that allow you to build a footprint: a complete map that reflects how he has behaved the pulp ore over thousands of moments in time.
To analyze the footprint rheological is the first step towards the intelligent mining. Its value lies in that it allows you to understand the operational limits of the real plant and reveal the causes of inefficiency. The goal is to identify the optimum point of the mining operation: the “golden zone” within the footprint, where it reaches the perfect balance to operate with the highest percentage of solids as possible, while maintaining at the same time the Yield Stress in a safe and controllable.
At this point, the trail no longer be just a historical record and becomes a predictive tool thanks to RHEOTHINK and the ability of our hardware KRHEO. Our ai software not only displays this historical map, but transforms them into actionable insight, given that learns the patterns of each operation, anticipating how it will evolve the process and recommends adjustments to guide the operation in real-time to the optimal zone, making the experience of the past in future profitability, that has meant the saving of millions of dollars to various mining of Copper and Molybdenum.
What we are seeing in a footprint rheological?
Each dot on this map represents the exact condition of the pulp in an instant of time, defined by two of its most distinctive properties. By plotting all of these measurements together, we get a “cloud” of points that reveals the patterns, limits and tendencies of their operation.
In essence, tells the full story of their daily process, allowing us to diagnose your current state and identify the path to greater efficiency.
To read this map, we must understand its two main axes:
Horizontal axis (Percentage of solid, %): Measures how concentrated is the pulp. A value further to the right means that there is more mineral and less water. Operate with a high percentage of solids is ideal to maximize production and to save water, but also carries risks.
Vertical axis (Yield Stress, Pa): It is the key measure of the rheology. Represents the minimum force necessary for the pulp begins to flow. Think about the toothpaste: it remains still until you squeeze the tube with sufficient strength. That strength is the Yield Stress. A Yield Stress is high (more points above the graph) indicates that the pulp is very thick and difficult to move, which increases the energy consumption and the risk that the pipes are blocked (embancamiento). A Yield Stress under points (more below) means that the pulp is more fluid and easy to carry.
The cloud of points is the footprint itself during a day of operation. The shape and dispersion of this cloud tells us how stable is the process. A solid cloud indicates a stable operation, while a very scattered reveals a large variability.
