Bulk Material Unit Tracking via Virtual Repository Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing bulk material in ore mines with high throughput rates, typically in the range of a few tons per minute, are inadequate for real-time management and efficient processing, as they fail to effectively track and process bulk material from its origin to processing points.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a database to store material properties and positions of bulk material units on a conveyor facility, enabling real-time tracking and adaptation of transport paths and processing based on material properties, with virtual modeling of repositories to optimize processing and reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional bulk material management methods are used in high throughput ore mines, then the existing infrastructure can be maintained, but real-time management and timely processing decisions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model that copies the physical repository and tracks bulk material units digitally. This virtual representation enables real-time monitoring and management of bulk material without interfering with the high-speed physical throughput, resolving the contradiction between fast processing and timely management decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical tracking methods with an information-based system using databases and virtual models. This substitution enables real-time data capture and processing of bulk material properties and positions, allowing timely management decisions to be made alongside high throughput operations
2Loss of information
If bulk material is stored in repositories without virtual modeling, then storage capacity is sufficient, but tracking and management of material properties and positions become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bulk material into discrete trackable units and creates corresponding database entries for each unit. This segmentation enables detailed tracking of material properties and positions without requiring complex continuous monitoring, reducing information loss while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual model serves multiple functions: tracking material properties, monitoring positions, determining transport paths, and enabling processing decisions. This multi-functionality reduces information loss across different management aspects without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Method, device and computer program for managing units of bulk material of an ore mine with a throughput of a few tons of bulk material per minute, wherein a material property of each unit, in particular on a conveyor system, is determined, an entry for each unit containing the respective material property of the unit and the position of each unit are stored in a database, and additional includes at least one (i) determining a transport path downstream for the each unit based on the respective entry in the database, (ii) adapting the subsequent processing of each unit based on the material property of the unit, and creating a virtual model of the repository if a unit is supplied to a repository, where a position of each unit is stored, together with its respective material property, in the database.