Metso Corporation's press release on September 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. local time
Development of automation technology improves the utilization of real time data
As raw materials and other resources become scarcer and plants look for new ways
to be more efficient with energy use and operations, Metso is developing its
offering in intelligent processes and service solutions to help customers meet
these challenges.
In minerals processing and aggregate production, today's top drivers are safety,
productivity and cost efficiency. Automation and intelligent solutions enable
plants to improve both their financial and environmental performance. Metso
provides these industries with a unique combination of in-house expertise on
processes, plant-wide automation and energy-efficient equipment and processes.
Recently, Metso DNA systems have been ordered, for example, from SSGPO in
Kazakhstan, Codelco El Teniente in Chile and Norilsk Nickel Kolskaya GMK in
Russia.
"In hard economic times when plants have no extra money for new machine
investments, they can get more out of their existing equipment and processes
through automation and intelligent solutions. Productivity and cost efficiency
can be improved by optimizing process performance and minimizing lost time,"
says Kari Heikkilä, Director, Minerals Processing Systems, Automation, Metso.
According to Heikkilä, Metso is currently developing solutions that will embed
automation even further within the machines, enabling them to intelligently
communicate with each other. Active R&D within Metso and collaboration with
recognized research institutes keeps the company at the forefront of technology.
Better availability and productivity
By enabling better process control and visibility, an advanced automation system
keeps processes running smoothly. Accurate online measurement information and
diagnostics show how the machines and the plant are working; a single piece of
data can make or break the process. For example, condition monitoring solutions
installed on large machines enable preventive maintenance and help avoid costly
unplanned downtime, resulting in better machine reliability and availability.
"You have to measure a process in order to control it. Plant stability is the
key to good overall capacity, high-quality end products and safe operation,"
Heikkilä continues.
Declining ore grades and complex ores with more impurities mean getting more out
of less and cause headaches in minerals processing. Minerals recovery can be
optimized and production boosted through seamless integration between Metso's
systems, online data, equipment, services and innovations. It also enables the
reduction of energy and water consumption, resulting not only in cost efficiency
but also in a lower environmental impact.
Towards zero accidents
Safety is a high priority, and having zero accidents is every plant's goal.
Automation removes operators from the vicinity of the machines to the safe
control room environment. The level of safety is increased through better
information distribution.
"Automation also helps with the shortage of skilled mining employees. As plants
are often far from urban areas, recruiting staff can be difficult," Heikkilä
points out. "Automation reduces the need for experts, thus lowering costs.
Remotely operated machinery can be run from a faraway location. And Metso's
remote support can be reached 24/7."
References around the world
Metso's flagship system for minerals processing and aggregate production is
Metso DNA. It is a scalable system that can be expanded step by step from one
subprocess to another to build a complete plant-wide system including advanced
process controls, analyzers and information management. It can also be
integrated flexibly with other suppliers' systems. The system is complemented by
a wide technology and service offering.
"Over the years, we have delivered systems to mining customers, for example, in
Scandinavia, Europe, Russia, Brazil and Chile," Heikkilä lists. Project
deliveries are always secured with Metso's local customer service that focuses
on life-cycle support. The role of service and performance agreements is
constantly growing.
One of Metso's longest-standing mining customers is Yara Siilinjärvi, located
close to Kuopio, Finland. It is the only phosphate mine in Western Europe and
has boosted its productivity with the Metso DNA automation system since 1979.
Cooperation between the two companies for more than 30 years has ensured
reliable, high-quality production at the plant. With accurate measurements and
analyses, the plant has been able to optimize both the process and use of raw
materials, thus preventing any overuse of expensive materials. Being able to
control the entire production chain has increased control accuracy and improved
both the quantity and quality of the plant.
Metso's mining and construction professionals specialise in always bringing the
right technology, processes, machinery and services to our customers in the
aggregates production, construction, mining and minerals processing and in metal
and waste recycling. Expect results.
www.metso.com/miningandconstruction
The Automation segment's process automation and flow control solutions meet the
growing needs of Metso's customer industries to improve production process
efficiency as raw materials and energy sources become scarcer and their costs
increase. Our global network of service experts delivers business solutions to
our customers that improve their productivity, lower risks and optimize costs.
www.metso.com, www.twitter.com/metsoautomation
Metso is a global supplier of technology and services to customers in the
process industries, including mining, construction, pulp and paper, power, and
oil and gas. Our 30,000 professionals based in over 50 countries contribute to
sustainability and deliver profitability to customers worldwide. Metso's shares
are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.
www.metso.com, www.twitter.com/metsogroup
For further information, please contact:
Kari S. Heikkilä, Director, Minerals Processing Systems, Automation, Metso
kari.s.heikkila(at)metso.com, tel. +358 40 552 8372
