Optimization of reclaiming voxels for quality grade target with reclaimer minimum movement

Abstract

This paper presents the first part of study on the proposed automatic optimal reclaiming system. The proposed system focuses on how the reclaimer reclaims iron ore from stockpiles to fulfill quality grade target aiming for minimum reclaimer overall movement. For example, iron ore can be excavated from open-cut pits, stacked onto stockpiles and reclaimed later using bucket wheel reclaimer (BWR) for export to customers. Stockpiles here are represented by combinations of voxels each possessing certain quality distribution. The supply of iron ore closest to the target grade with lower operation cost is the main concern for the ore producer. Currently, BWRs are operated manually to meet quality grade demand involving the checking of quality periodically during reclaiming operation. In result, there is excessive movement of the large machine leading to higher energy consumption. In this paper, the combination of voxels is identified from available stockpile voxels considering BWR minimum movement to fulfill quality and quantity demand of iron ore. Achieving the desired grade with maximum efficiency will result in increasing productive rates and less impact on global warming by significantly reducing energy consumption.

Automatic quality estimation in blending using a 3D stockpile management model

“…Subsequently, based on algebraic functions of the stockpile and torus, the points are separated and the N in is obtained. Finally, the volume of the voxel V voxel is calculated using (11).…”

“…They partitioned the model into a number of sections (triangular/trapezoidal prisms) which are called voxels in their paper and assumed the quality variations in these voxels satisfied a normal distribution [11,12]. Together with other operational constrains, they proposed a trajectory optimization algorithm that achieved the customer-required quality with minimum energy consumption.…”

3D stockpile modelling and quality calculation for continuous stockpile management

“…Furthermore, Lu and Myo modelled a stockpile as an ideal triangular prism for the purpose of quality control. This model was then used to optimize the BWR reclaiming trajectory to meet the target grade required by customers (Lu and Myo, 2010a). The stockpile was then partitioned into a group of small prism-shaped voxels by a sequence of horizontal and vertical planes.…”

The study of BWR cutting trajectory for optimal stockpile-voxel profile design

“…In both approaches, stockpile is considered as a single entity with average grade. In contrast with the conventional approach, Simine CIS [4] and Lu & Myo [5,6] proposed the approach treating stockpile as a combination of volume elements with specific grade. The details of these approaches are discussed in the literature review section.…”

“…The other study was conducted by Lu and Myo in 2010 using stockpile information produced from SPSim simulator [5,6]. They proposed the approach in which stockpile is divided into rectangular box shaped voxels with specific quantity and mineral composition percentage.…”