MÉTODO E SISTEMA DE LIMPEZA E DESCONTAMINAÇÃO DE MINÉRIO DE PÁTIO

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATING YARD ORE. Field of invention

[01] This invention patent refers to a method and system for cleaning and decontaminating ore from a yard, the field of application being the separation of solids and sorting, applied to mining and other industries that require the classification and separation of solid materials into different sizes. Fundamentals of the invention

[02] Effective waste separation is a critical component in the recycling chain, allowing the recovery of valuable materials that would otherwise be discarded. There are several separation methods, such as sedimentation, which uses the difference in density between solids and liquid to separate particles; filtration, which employs filter media to separate solids suspended in liquids; and centrifugation, which uses centrifugal force to separate solids from liquids.

[03] As prior art we can cite patent CN219377474U, being A vibratory spiral sand and gravel separator, characterized by comprising a vibratory screen (1), a guide chute (4) disposed below the lower discharge port of the vibratory screen, a spiral sand lifter (5), a liquid collection tank (6), a cyclone (8) and a spiral extractor (9) for surface sand, wherein the discharge port of the guide chute (4) leads to a first feed hopper (51) of the spiral sand lifter (5), a first overflow port (511) is disposed in the upper part of the side wall of the first feed hopper, the first overflow port is connected to the liquid collection tank (6) by means of an overflow connection pipe (7), the liquid collection tank is provided with a first water pump to draw water from mud,The water outlet of the first water pump is connected to the cyclone feed port (8), the discharge port at the bottom of the cyclone is connected to the second feed hopper (91) of the spiral extractor (9) and the extractor in, Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 6 / 60 / 20 spiral (9) for surface sand is supplied with a discharge port for surface sand.

[04] Another patent is CN209189198U, being a type of concrete sandstone separator, is characterized by: separate screen drum (2), first rotating shaft including cabinet (1), sandstone (3), first helical blade (4), first motor (5), feed hopper (6), stone receiving hopper (7), water and sand receiving hopper (8), sand is sent to barrel (9), second shaft (10) and second helical blade (11) and second motor (12);

[05] A deficiency in the use of known systems occurs due to risks to operator safety. This risk arises during the removal of boulders trapped in the grates, because as the removal is manual, operators are constantly exposed to the risk of accidents, such as crushing or loss of fingers and hands.

[06] Another point related to operator safety concerns unfavorable ergonomic conditions, since they need to bend their bodies, making a great effort to move heavy materials.

[07] These factors alone already generate physical disorders through Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMD), work incapacity, among others. For the employer, the operator's absence generates, in addition to financial and labor-related problems, tarnishes their image in the eyes of society. Absence from work also burdens public coffers, but the main person affected is the operator, and those who depend on them.

[08] Another problem is the transfer of contaminants, since these are present in the received material and are transferred to the ports, which can cause damage, such as tears in conveyor belts, increasing operating costs and maintenance time.

[09] Production losses due to blocked grates in transfer chutes completely paralyze the production process. Until the blockage is Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 7 / 60 / 20 removed, generates significant delays, loss of productivity and consequently financial losses.

[010] Combined with these factors, the lack of automation in the process generates a need for human intervention, which is necessary to perform repetitive tasks that in this case can be dangerous, impacting efficiency and increasing labor costs.

[011] Static, or fixed, screens installed on ore transport lines do not guarantee efficient contaminant retention. They allow the passage of unwanted particles from both internally produced material and ore received from third parties. Furthermore, when boulders (large blocks of ore) become trapped in these screens, blockage occurs, resulting in the stoppage of the transport line and compromising the entire operational flow. In current equipment, a screen blockage interrupts 100% of production until the material is removed.

[012] Given the shortcomings of the equipment presented, opportunities arise for innovation and technological improvement, where the present patent application presents as characteristics improved operational safety, a total contaminant retention system, increased productivity, reduced operating costs, sustainability and technological innovation, as well as scalability and standardization. These characteristics are fundamental to meeting the growing demands for technological solutions that not only optimize industrial processes, but also contribute to the preservation of the environment and the safety of operators.

[013] Such advances provide a practical and adaptable solution to the problems encountered in conventional operations, offering competitive advantages in the market.

[014] To remedy the aforementioned inconveniences and provide a solution to the problems encountered in the state of the art, we present the solutions implemented in the aforementioned patent application. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 8 / 60 / 20 Brief description of the drawings

[015] Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the assembly with two motors;

[016] Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the assembly with two motors;

[017] Figure 3 shows the top view of the assembly with two motors;

[018] Figure 4 shows the front view of the assembly with two motors;

[019] Figure 5 shows the rear view of the assembly with two motors;

[020] Figure 6 shows the side view of the assembly with two motors;

[021] Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of the assembly with individual motors per shaft;

[022] Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of the assembly with individual motors per shaft;

[023] Figure 9 shows the top view of the assembly and represents the mounting with individual motors per shaft;

[024] Figure 10 shows the front view of the assembly and represents the assembly with individual motors per shaft;

[025] Figure 11 shows the rear view of the assembly and represents the assembly with individual motors per shaft;

[026] Figure 12 shows the side view of the assembly and represents the mounting with individual motors per shaft;

[027] Figure 13 shows a front perspective view of the axis with a spiral;

[028] Figure 14 shows a view of Section AA, from Figure 6; Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 9 / 60 / 20

[029] Figure 15 shows detail “X” from figure 14;

[030] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the adjustable support for the automatic lubrication system (80); Description of the invention;

[031] The present invention relates to equipment designed for the efficient cleaning and removal of contaminants in the ore stockpiling process. This solution was developed to address critical operational challenges in highly complex industrial environments, with an emphasis on mitigating risks to workers, reducing impacts on equipment, and maximizing productivity. The proposed system combines automation, precision, and sustainability, integrating functionalities that eliminate the need for manual interventions in hazardous situations, such as the removal of boulders retained in screens. It proposes to automatically redirect contaminants to a controlled disposal compartment.

[032] It presents a product with robust and reliable performance, which directly contributes to improving the quality of stored material, ensuring its integrity and suitability for subsequent transport and processing. This pioneering approach aligns with contemporary demands for safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible industrial operations. It is applied to feeder hoppers in railcar loading yards and mining stockpiles, as well as to feeder hopper outlets for ore loading at ports, landfill decontamination, and other applications.

[033] The present invention has as its main objective the development of an innovative equipment for the efficient removal of contaminants and unwanted particles from stockpiled ore, ensuring higher quality in the transport and feeding process of the hoppers, seeking to solve critical problems in the operation, such as the accumulation of boulders and debris that cause blockages, Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 10 / 60 / 20 production stoppages and risks of accidents during the manual removal of these materials.

[034] With the implementation of this equipment, the aim is to eliminate the need for human intervention in the removal of large blocks of ore or contaminating materials, significantly reducing workers' exposure to risky situations, such as crushing of limbs and inadequate ergonomic effort. The automation of this process will directly contribute to operational safety, promoting a safer and more ergonomic work environment.

[035] In addition to safety, the invention aims to optimize the efficiency of the production flow, preventing contaminants from being transferred along the transport chain to the ports. This not only minimizes the risk of mechanical damage to conveyor belts, but also reduces costs associated with corrective maintenance and replacement of damaged components. Therefore, the invention enables a cleaner and more sustainable storage process, aligned with best environmental and operational practices.

[036] Another key point of this innovation is the positive impact on productivity. Currently, blocked grates in transfer chutes result in a complete halt to operations until the obstacles are manually removed. The purpose of this patent is to eliminate this dependency, allowing the flow of ore to continue without unnecessary interruptions.

[037] The use of the present invention enables the standardization and scalability of the process, allowing the system to be replicated in other hoppers and integrated into different points of the production circuit. This represents a significant advance in operational management, facilitating the quality control of the ore from storage to its final destination. In addition, the adoption of this equipment contributes to the reduction of operational costs, since it minimizes corrective interventions, increases the lifespan of conveyor belts and improves the logistical efficiency of the plant. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 11 / 60 / 20

[038] Eliminating the need for screens in conveyor transfer chutes, combined with effective contaminant control, reduces waste and improves the overall performance of the plant.

[039] With this innovation, a significant improvement in the safety, reliability and productivity of mining operations is expected. The automated equipment not only eliminates one of the main bottlenecks in ore storage, but also establishes a new standard for the industry, aligned with contemporary demands for operational efficiency, workplace safety and environmental sustainability.

[040] In order to solve the problems found in the state of the art with regard to improving operational safety, the automation of the boulder removal process is implemented, eliminating the need for human intervention, drastically reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring better working conditions.

[041] With regard to total contaminant retention, the equipment includes a helical or rotary screening system, designed to selectively direct contaminants to an independent outlet. This ensures that contaminants are completely retained at the source, i.e., within the system itself, without transfer to ports or other logistical stages, thereby eliminating the risk of damage to equipment and improving the quality of the stored material.

[042] To increase productivity and reduce downtime, the proposed system achieves this goal by preventing clogging of the grates and by allowing failures to be isolated in a single hopper (reducing production by only 25%, instead of 100%). The system optimizes workflow and reduces the impact of unexpected downtime. To this end, the separation of the boulders is done in real time, without the need to stop the flow.

[043] In terms of cost, it reduces operational costs through less frequent manual interventions, production stoppages and corrective maintenance on the conveyor belts. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 12 / 60 / 20 conveyors contribute to significant savings over time. In the current model, large contaminants can escape conventional screens and cause tears and damage to conveyor belts. The present invention minimizes this risk by isolating the contaminants before they enter the main ore stream.

[044] The present system is concerned with sustainability and technological innovation by contributing to cleaner and more efficient operations, aligning with the demands for greater sustainability in the mining sector, in addition to adding value to the plant with modern and automated equipment.

[045] In order to provide a product with scalability and standardization, the proposed solution can be replicated in other hoppers of other mining companies, allowing the standardization of processes and greater operational control throughout the plant, thus contributing to cost reduction through modularity.

[046] Advantages of using the present invention include the elimination of operational risks, as it removes the need for human intervention in the removal of boulders and contaminants, drastically reducing the risk of accidents such as crushing of hands and fingers. Improvement of ergonomic conditions for workers, avoiding excessive physical exertion and manual handling of heavy materials, eliminating or minimizing the risks of RSI and WRULD.

[047] Another advantage lies in the increased efficiency and productivity, since by using the system presented in the present invention, unexpected production stoppages can be avoided, as the equipment prevents grid blockage and clogging in the transfer chutes, and if a problem occurs, the impact will be restricted to a single hopper, reducing production loss to only 25%, instead of interrupting the entire operational flow. In this way, we can optimize the feed rate of the hoppers, ensuring a continuous flow of ore without obstructions.

[048] Another advantage over the others is the reduction in operating and maintenance costs, since the present system minimizes wear on conveyor belts by preventing contaminants from advancing in the process, reducing expenses on repairs and equipment replacement. This results in Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 13 / 60 / 20 reduction of time and costs associated with operational downtime for manual cleaning of grates and removal of unwanted materials.

[049] The automation and modernization of the process, implemented by the invention, introduces an automated system for separating and disposing of contaminating materials, reducing the dependence on manual labor for repetitive and dangerous tasks, allowing greater control and traceability of the ore cleaning process, improving the management of the industrial plant.

[050] Improved ore quality and sustainability ensure that contaminants are fully retained at the source, preventing unwanted residues from being transferred to ports or subsequent stages of the process. In this way, it reduces environmental impacts by avoiding waste and minimizing the transport of contaminated materials.

[051] Scalability and application in various mining areas is an implementation that allows the present invention to be installed in different hoppers and plant feed points, enabling standardization and expansion of the solution for the entire operation. It can adapt to different types of ore and operating conditions, increasing the versatility of the process.

[052] As for improvements in safety and compliance with regulatory standards, the present invention aligns with occupational safety and health standards, eliminating workers' exposure to unnecessary risks. In this way, it contributes to meeting environmental and operational requirements, ensuring a safer and more sustainable operation.

[053] The present invention has a direct and positive impact on mining, combining safety, productivity, economy and technological innovation.

[054] The system proposed by this patent has a robust and highly efficient structure, composed of several elements designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the industrial environment in mining operations and ensure reliable and long-lasting performance, bringing benefits to both the manufacturer and the customer. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 14 / 60 / 20

[055] The system consists of a metal structure, a set of rotating helical shafts, a drive system, screening and separation elements, a control and automation panel, geared motors, an automatic lubrication system, bearings and bushings, and a flexible anti-vibration system.

[056] The metal structure serves as the structural base of the equipment, ensuring the necessary strength to withstand impacts and vibrations during operation. It supports the dynamic loads of the process and protects the internal components against excessive mechanical stress, providing stability to the system, allowing the operation to occur efficiently and safely.

[057] The set of rotating helical shafts are manufactured from steel, treated and tempered to ensure greater wear resistance, playing a fundamental role in material handling and in the efficiency of the contaminant removal process, guaranteeing smooth and reliable operation. They are responsible for moving the material along the system, ensuring a continuous flow of ore without obstructions. They contribute directly to the efficient removal of contaminants, separating unwanted materials from the ore, and are designed to resist wear and torsion, ensuring a longer service life for the equipment.

[058] The drive system is implemented using chains, sprockets, or a motor and shaft assembly, where the drive can be made using standardized chains and single or double sprockets, and each shaft can also be driven by a geared motor dedicated to that shaft, ensuring efficient power transmission. The drive system is designed to withstand the mechanical stress required by the process without compromising the equipment's performance.

[059] This system transmits the mechanical force necessary for the operation of the equipment, ensuring that the shafts rotate in a synchronized and efficient manner. The drive can be made by chains and sprockets, ensuring robustness and resistance to mechanical stress, or by individual geared motors, allowing greater control and fine speed adjustment. Because it is equipped with adjustable regulation, Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 15 / 60 / 20 can adapt to different particle sizes, this allows the equipment to operate in different load regimes, adapting to process variations.

[060] The screening and separation elements have a cleaning system, equipped with helical rotors, designed to facilitate the separation and retention of contaminants without compromising the flow of the ore. These helical rotors can be manufactured in hardox (or similar) and can be coated with PU (polyurethane), TPU or natural rubber or a mixture of ceramic with rubber or PU, increasing wear resistance due to the high abrasiveness of the ore, but not limited to these materials.

[061] These elements act in removing contaminants from the ore, ensuring that unwanted particles are separated before proceeding to subsequent stages of the process. Helical rotors create a dynamic effect that facilitates the retention of impurities without compromising the flow of the ore. The use of wear-resistant materials (such as hardox, polyurethane and rubber) ensures greater durability and efficiency in highly abrasive environments.

[062] The control and automation panel is equipped with an electronic control system, frequency inverters and a human-machine interface (HMI). This panel allows precise adjustments to the speed and operation of the equipment, optimizing energy consumption and providing intuitive and safe control of operations.

[063] The panel allows for precise management of the equipment, enabling adjustments to speed, torque, and overall operation. The human-machine interface facilitates operation and monitoring, offering intuitive and optimized control for operators. The use of frequency inverters allows the equipment to adapt to different operating conditions, reducing energy consumption and optimizing process efficiency.

[064] The drive system uses high-performance geared motors, suitable for the operating requirements, and controlled by inverters. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 16 / 60 / 20 frequency. This configuration allows speed adjustments as needed for the process, ensuring greater efficiency and operational stability.

[065] These geared motors are responsible for supplying power to the rotating shafts, ensuring the continuous and stable movement of the system. With adjustable power between 7.5 kW and 22 kW, but not limited to these, they allow the equipment speed to be adapted according to operational needs. Control via frequency inverters enables efficient operation, reducing wear and increasing the system's lifespan.

[066] To minimize wear and extend the service life of moving components, the equipment features an automatic lubrication system for chains and bearings, reducing friction and the need for frequent maintenance. This system ensures continuous lubrication of moving components, reducing friction and excessive wear. It extends the service life of chains and bearings, minimizing the need for manual maintenance and preventing unexpected downtime. It contributes to energy efficiency by reducing power consumption due to lower resistance to movement.

[067] The automatic lubrication system consists of an automated assembly designed to ensure the continuous and controlled application of lubricating oil to the moving components of the equipment, with a special focus on the lubrication of the transmission chains.

[068] This system consists of an applicator roller made of porous material, such as technical foam or industrial felt, which is positioned in direct contact with the component to be lubricated. The roller acts as a distributor, absorbing and applying the lubricant uniformly during equipment operation.

[069] Connected to the roller is an elongated tubular body, 4 mm in diameter, similar to a hose or duct, responsible for conducting the oil to the point of application. This hose is fed from a dedicated oil reservoir, which is driven by an electric motor controlled by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The PLC allows precise programming of the cycles. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 17 / 60 / 20 lubrication, according to defined operational parameters, such as time, frequency and oil volume.

[070] The system was designed to reduce the need for manual intervention, ensure greater reliability in lubrication and minimize failures related to inadequate chain maintenance. Its structure is compact, easy to maintain and adaptable to different mounting geometries.

[071] The system's bearings and bushings are responsible for supporting loads and impacts during operation, ensuring free and stable rotation of the shafts. Designed to withstand impacts of up to 500 kg, they ensure the robustness required for heavy mining operations. They contribute to the longevity of the equipment, preventing premature failures due to overload or excessive wear.

[072] The equipment features a RECIMAC type flexible coupling system, which connects the motors to the transmission system, absorbing vibrations and minimizing wear on mechanical components. This coupling ensures greater durability of the system, reducing premature failures and guaranteeing stable operation.

[073] This coupling absorbs vibrations and misalignments in the power transmission system, protecting the geared motors and other mechanical components. It minimizes wear on shafts and bearings, ensuring smoother and more stable operation. It reduces operating noise and improves system efficiency by minimizing unnecessary stress on the motors.

[074] Regarding operation, the developed equipment operates continuously and automatically to separate contaminants from the ore during feeding of the hoppers. The system operates by feeding the equipment, driving the helical shafts, separating the contaminants, controlling and monitoring the process, removing the contaminants, lubricating and protecting the components. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 18 / 60 / 20

[075] In the equipment feeding stage, the raw ore, containing contaminants such as boulders and unwanted materials, is dumped into the equipment's metal structure, designed to withstand impacts and vibrations. The structure's robustness ensures the system's stability, allowing the other components to operate without external interference.

[076] In the screw drive stage, the drive system comes into operation, transmitting power to the rotating screw shafts via chains and sprockets or directly by dedicated geared motors. Depending on the equipment configuration, each shaft can be driven individually by a geared motor, allowing for more precise control of speed and material flow. High-performance geared motors, controlled by frequency inverters, ensure uniform shaft rotation and allow for adjustments as needed for operational requirements.

[077] In the contaminant separation stage, as the ore advances through the system, rotating helical shafts move and screen the material. Screening and separation elements, such as helical rotors coated in hardox, polyurethane, TPU or rubber, act in the sorting of contaminants. The helical shape of the shafts creates a dynamic flow, ensuring that fine, impurity-free materials proceed to transport, while larger contaminants are retained and separated.

[078] In the process control and monitoring stage, during operation, the control and automation panel monitors system parameters, adjusting axis speeds and optimizing energy consumption. The human-machine interface (HMI) allows operators to monitor operation in real time and make adjustments as needed. If any failure or maintenance requirement occurs, the panel issues alerts, ensuring that interventions are carried out quickly and efficiently.

[079] The step of removing retained contaminants consists of transporting them to a specific disposal area, preventing them from proceeding to further steps. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 19 / 60 / 20 subsequent pages of the process. The shape and coating of the helical rotors prevent the accumulation of residue and facilitate the self-cleaning of the system.

[080] During the lubrication and component protection phase, the automatic lubrication system keeps chains and bearings properly lubricated, reducing friction and extending component life. High-capacity bearings and bushings absorb impacts from ore particles weighing up to 500 kg, ensuring mechanical strength and durability. The flexible anti-vibration coupling reduces excessive stress on the motors and transmission system, minimizing wear and increasing operational reliability.

[081] The equipment's operation is based on the efficient interaction of its components, guaranteeing a continuous process of contaminant separation without the need for manual intervention. The combination of robust structure, reliable drive, efficient screening, and automated control ensures superior performance, optimizing safety, productivity, and the quality of the transported ore. The object of the invention can be applied in versions with individual motors per shaft, or with two motors for the entire system, but can vary in length and width according to the number of helical shafts and the desired particle size.

[082] The preferred form is the application with two motors for the entire system, a second preferred form is individual motors per shaft, where the quantity, arrangement and shape will vary in relation to the project dimensions, as well as the number of helical shafts, propeller pitch, shape and construction material.

[083] The equipment operates continuously and automatically to ensure the efficient separation of contaminants present in the ore before transport to the next stages of the production process. The material is fed into the system, where the rotating helical shafts come into operation, promoting the movement and sorting of the ore. During this process, the helical rotors selectively retain contaminants, preventing unwanted materials from advancing to the main conveyor. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 20 / 60 / 20

[084] The retained contaminants are then directed to a cross conveyor, which independently transports them to a disposal bin, ensuring efficient and organized removal. This process eliminates the need for manual intervention, increasing operational safety and reducing production line interruptions.

[085] Operation control is performed by an automation panel, allowing real-time adjustments to shaft speed and opening regulation at the material separation level, enabling adjustment of material passage according to the desired size. This regulation allows adaptation to different particle sizes, making the process more versatile and efficient. In addition, an automatic lubrication system ensures the durability of the components, minimizing wear and extending the equipment's lifespan.

[086] In this way, the invention provides an innovative solution for mining, optimizing the quality of the processed ore, increasing production efficiency and reducing operating and maintenance costs.

[087] As a way of validating the proposed objectives, efficiency tests of the separation system are carried out to analyze the capacity of the rotating helical shafts to retain contaminants without compromising the flow of the ore. Durability tests of the materials used are also conducted, evaluating the wear of the screening and separation elements, considering different compositions such as hardox, PU, ​​TPU, rubber and encapsulated ceramic. Mechanical and structural resistance is tested through impact and load tests to verify the integrity of the metallic structure and bearings under real operating conditions. Tests are conducted by monitoring the operation of the geared motors and the transmission system (chains and sprockets) to validate their robustness and energy efficiency.Tests on the HMI panel to ensure precise adjustment of operation and optimization of the speed of moving components, and verification of possible risks related to the maintenance and operation of the equipment, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 21 / 60 / 20

[088] Another improvement is that the present patent has its system adapted to operate with different types of ores and materials, such as coal and coke, with separation of impurities in the beneficiation and transport phase; Bauxite and calcium, for particle size control and removal of foreign bodies; industrial sand and aggregates, for the elimination of impurities before processing in the glass and construction industries; composting and biomass in applications in environmental sectors for sorting waste and organic materials.

[089] Expanding the range of opportunities in the use of the system can be done by adjusting the helical rotors by changing coatings to less abrasive materials or adapting the separation openings according to the type of material processed.

[090] Another preferred approach is through a modular design, allowing the installation of multiple units in parallel, ensuring scalability to meet different production demands. With the modular aspect, the system can have a compact version for smaller operations, adjusting the dimensions of the structure and the power of the geared motors, or a large-scale industrial version, increasing the number of helical shafts and the drive power to support rates exceeding 4,000 t / h. It can also be integrated directly into the ore receiving hoppers, eliminating the need for conventional grates. It can also be installed in all hoppers of a terminal, and in case of eventual system failures, these would only affect a single hopper, as the grates in the transfer chutes would no longer be necessary, reducing the production rate by only 25%, instead of a total interruption of the process.

[091] Keeping up with the market regarding advanced automation and integration with Industry 4.0 is also one of the objectives of this system, as it already includes a control and automation panel, which can be expanded to remote monitoring and intelligent control through load and pressure sensors to optimize actuation according to the material load, IoT (Internet of Things) monitoring, allowing real-time performance analysis, predictive diagnostics to identify wear before mechanical failures, remote control and integration with Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 22 / 60 / 20 mining management systems, ensuring greater operational efficiency. These improvements increase equipment reliability and reduce operational and maintenance costs.

[092] Another way to expand the system is to extend it to other industrial sectors, where it can be applied to cement plants for separating impurities in furnace feed; in steelmaking with particle size control and cleaning of raw materials for blast furnaces; in metal recycling through the selection and separation of metallic waste before smelting; in agribusiness, through the sorting and cleaning of grains and seeds. This expansion, through adjustments, ensures greater versatility to the invention, expanding its applications and commercial potential.

[093] By using the present invention, it will be possible not only to increase operational efficiency and flexibility, but also to reduce costs, making the system a competitive differentiator in the mining and materials processing market.

[094] The present invention redefines the process of separating contaminants in ore transport, replacing static screens with a dynamic, safe and highly efficient system. It automates the removal of boulders, reduces operational risks, eliminates unnecessary downtime and prevents damage to equipment, resulting in a more productive, safe and sustainable process.

[095] In accordance with the related figures, the METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATING YARD ORE comprises a metal structure (10) fitted with a housing (20), characterized by being fitted with a segmenting assembly (30), guide plates (40), drive system (50), a plurality of sets of rotating shafts (60), automatic lubrication system (80), and control panel;

[096] SYSTEM according to the first claim, characterized in that the metal structure (10), housing (20) provided with a plurality of detachable covers (21), supports (22) where drive assemblies (50) are positioned, guide plates Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 23 / 60 / 20 (40) where the spiral rotating shafts (60) are positioned and mounted by means of flanges (65) and through holes; the housing (20) houses the segmenter (30), which is formed by an assembly provided with point-like bodies (31) and these and lateral reinforcements (33);

[097] SYSTEM, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating shafts (60) are formed by a tubular body (61), provided with a spiral blade (62); on one side it contains a metal cover (63), recessed in relation to the edge and with circular holes where fastening elements are mounted; on the opposite side, a flange (64) is mounted, concentric to the tubular body (61), provided with holes, where fastening elements are mounted; this tubular body (61) is mounted by means of the flange (72), and the cover (63) with the inner flange (71) on the fixed shaft (70); and this in turn is provided with toothed wheels (73), which in turn are connected to a traction system; and that the automatic lubrication system (80) is mounted together with the drive system;

[098] SYSTEM, according to the first claim, characterized in that the automatic lubrication system (80) consists of a split adjustable support (81a) and (81b), wherein by means of the base (81a) it is fixed to the equipment at one end, and at the other, it is provided with an adjustment system (82) by means of a plurality of circular holes, which allows connection to the second body (81b); this is provided with a shaft (83), and on this shaft is mounted at least one porous polymer applicator roller (84), centered by means of centering toothed wheels (86), which is positioned in direct contact with the element to be lubricated (85); connected to the roller (84), there is an elongated tubular body, which conducts the lubricating fluid to the point of application; this tubular body is fed from a dedicated oil reservoir, which has an electric motor drive controlled by PLC;

[099] SYSTEM, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the system automatically and selectively redirects contaminants to at least one disposal compartment; Petition 870250033477, dated 04 / 28 / 2025, page 24 / 60 / 20

[0100] SYSTEM, characterized by the possibility of being operated by an automation panel and through which the speed of the axes and opening regulation at the level of separation of materials can be adjusted in real time;

[0101] SYSTEM, characterized by the possibility of being integrated directly into ore receiving hoppers, eliminating the need for conventional grates. It can also be installed in all hoppers of a terminal;

[0102] SYSTEM, characterized by the possibility of being directly integrated into ore receiving hoppers, and by the fact that the control of the assembly is remotely activated, is equipped with remote monitoring and intelligent control by means of load and pressure sensors; and that IoT Monitoring allows real-time performance analysis, predictive diagnosis, remote control and integration with mining management systems;

[0103] METHOD, characterized by comprising the steps of feeding the equipment, actuating the helical rotors, lubrication, movement and separation of materials, retention of contaminants in the rotors; and that the retained contaminants are transported by the transverse conveyor belt, and subsequently deposited in a disposal container for transport; the decontaminated material passes through the system and follows the loading flow, and after this it goes to the decontaminated material loading system;

[0104] METHOD, according to claims 1, 4 and 9, characterized in that in the automatic lubrication system the roller (84) acts as a distribution medium, absorbing and applying the lubricant uniformly during the operation of the equipment, and the PLC performs the programming of the lubrication cycles, according to operational parameters, such as time, frequency and oil volume.

Claims

1. METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATING YARD ORE, comprising a metal structure (10) fitted with a casing (20), characterized by being fitted with a segmenting assembly (30), guide plates (40), drive system (50), a plurality of sets of rotating shafts (60), automatic lubrication system (80), and control panel; 2. SYSTEM according to the first claim, characterized in that the metal structure (10), housing (20) provided with a plurality of detachable covers (21), supports (22) where drive assemblies (50) are positioned, guide plates (40) where the spiral rotating shafts (60) are positioned and mounted by means of flanges (65) and through holes; the housing (20) contains the segmenter (30), which is formed by an assembly provided with point-like bodies (31) and these and lateral reinforcements (33); 3. SYSTEM, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotating shafts (60) are formed by a tubular body (61), provided with a spiral blade (62); on one side it contains a metal cover (63), recessed in relation to the edge and with circular holes where fastening elements are mounted; on the opposite side, a flange (64) is mounted, concentric to the tubular body (61), provided with holes where fastening elements are mounted; this tubular body (61) is mounted by means of the flange (72) and the cover (63) with the inner flange (71) on the fixed shaft (70); and this in turn is provided with toothed wheels (73), which in turn are connected to a traction system (74); and that the automatic lubrication system (80), mounted together with the drive system and traction system (74); 4. SYSTEM, according to the first claim, characterized in that the automatic lubrication system (80) consists of a two-part adjustable support (81a) and (81b), wherein by means of the base (81a) it is fixed to the equipment at one end, and at the other, it is provided with an adjustment system (82) by means of a plurality of circular holes, which allows connection to the second body (81b); this is provided with a shaft (83), and on this shaft is mounted at least one porous polymer applicator roller (84), centered by means of centering toothed wheels (86), which is positioned in direct contact with the element to be lubricated (85); connected to the roller (84), there is an elongated tubular body, which conducts the lubricating fluid to the point of application; This tubular body is fed from a dedicated oil reservoir, which is driven by an electric motor controlled by a PLC; 5. SYSTEM, according to the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it automatically and selectively redirects contaminants to at least one disposal compartment; 6. SYSTEM, characterized by the possibility of being operated by an automation panel, through which the speed of the axes and the opening adjustment at the material separation level can be adjusted in real time; 7. SYSTEM, characterized by the possibility of being directly integrated into ore receiving hoppers, eliminating the need for conventional grates. It can also be installed in all hoppers of a terminal; 8. SYSTEM, characterized by the possibility of being directly integrated into ore receiving hoppers, and by the fact that the control of the assembly is remotely activated, is equipped with remote monitoring and intelligent control through load and pressure sensors; and that IoT Monitoring allows real-time performance analysis, predictive diagnostics, remote control and integration with mining management systems; 9. METHOD, characterized by comprising the steps of feeding the equipment, actuating the helical rotors, lubrication, movement and separation of materials, retention of contaminants in the rotors; the retained contaminants are transported by the transverse conveyor belt, and subsequently deposited in a disposal container for transport; the decontaminated material passes through the system and follows the loading flow, where it goes to the decontaminated material loading system; 10. METHOD, according to claims 1, 4 and 9, characterized by the fact that in the automatic lubrication system the roller (84) acts as a distribution medium, absorbing and applying the lubricant uniformly during the operation of the equipment, and the PLC performs the programming of the lubrication cycles, according to operational parameters, such as time, frequency and oil volume;

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