Magnetic Beacon Ore Flow Tracking in Block Caving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for monitoring ore flow in block caving mining operations are not effective, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the implantation of a magnetic beacon in the ore body, generating a magnetic signal, and remotely monitoring this signal with a magnetometer to track the beacon's position and derive ore flow patterns, using a combination of rotating magnetic fields and multiple magnetometers for precise location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring technologies are used for ore flow, then the monitoring system is simple to implement, but the measurement precision and reliability of ore flow tracking are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or physical monitoring systems with a magnetic field-based tracking system. Magnetic beacons embedded in ore blocks generate magnetic fields that are detected by magnetometers, enabling precise tracking of ore flow without mechanical contact or complex physical sensors in the harsh mining environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic beacons as intermediary objects embedded within the ore blocks. These beacons serve as mediators between the ore material and the monitoring system, carrying magnetic identifiers that enable indirect but precise tracking of ore block positions and movements through magnetic field detection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetometers are used to track the beacon position accurately, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function across multiple magnetometers positioned at different locations around the ore body. Each magnetometer independently detects the magnetic field from the beacon, and the combined data from multiple sensors enables precise three-dimensional position determination through geometric calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point or linear monitoring to three-dimensional spatial monitoring by positioning magnetometers in multiple dimensions around the ore body. This multi-dimensional arrangement of sensors enables accurate localization of the beacon in x, y, and z coordinates through triangulation and geometric calculations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for accurate tracking of ore flow, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs by providing detailed flow patterns and improved mining planning.
Implementation Method 1
generating an magnetic signal with the beacon; remotely monitoring the magnetic field in the area ore body with a magnetometer to identify the signal from the beacon
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and system for monitoring the flow of ore in block cave mining operations by inserting an active magnetic beacon 1 into an ore body 22 and generating an alternating magnetic signal with the beacon 1. The ore is monitored with a magnetometer (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) to detect the magnetic flux emitted by the beacon 1 thereby determining a position of the beacon. Successive recordings of the position of the magnetic beacon are taken as it moves along with the ore as it “caves”. In this way, flow patterns of the ore may be revealed.