Stockpile Mass Estimation via Layered Density Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the mass of stockpiles, particularly those containing particulate materials, face challenges such as the need for expensive and unsafe drilling techniques, and limitations in measuring stockpiles that cannot be easily accessed, as well as safety concerns associated with using nuclear sources for density determination.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate the mass of a stockpile by obtaining a surface profile, defining layers, estimating the density of each layer based on material characteristics, and calculating the mass using the volume and density of each layer, which can account for the weight of material above, allowing for the use of simulated loads and statistical analysis to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drilling and weighing techniques are used to determine density, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stockpile is divided into multiple horizontal layers, with the top layer used for sampling and density measurement, while the weight of this layer is applied to simulate compression on underlying layers. This segmentation allows density to be measured safely from the accessible top layer while accounting for compression effects on deeper layers through calculation rather than physical measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The top layer acts as an intermediary that provides accessible sample material for density measurement. By measuring density from this intermediate layer and applying the weight simulation principle, the invention avoids the need for complex drilling equipment while still obtaining accurate density data for the entire stockpile.
2Measurement precision
If nuclear depth density gauges are used to determine density, then measurement precision is improved, but safety risks and regulatory restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive and hazardous nuclear depth density gauges with simple, safe sampling equipment. By taking physical samples from the top layer and measuring their density in a laboratory setting, the method achieves accurate density measurement without requiring costly nuclear instruments or dealing with safety regulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the nuclear physics-based measurement system with a mechanical sampling and weighing system. Instead of using nuclear radiation to measure density in place, the method uses mechanical extraction of samples, laboratory weighing, and calculation to determine density, eliminating all nuclear safety concerns.
3Productivity
If a single bulk density value is used for the entire stockpile, then calculation simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different density values to different layers of the stockpile, recognizing that density varies with depth due to compression effects. The top layer has a measured density value, while underlying layers have calculated density values that account for the weight of material above them. This local differentiation of density values significantly improves mass estimation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional approach (single bulk density value for the entire stockpile) to a multi-dimensional approach by dividing the stockpile into multiple layers with different density values. This dimensional expansion in the vertical direction allows the model to capture density variations with depth, improving overall measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If drilling access to uppermost points is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary sampling from the top layer before attempting to measure deeper layers. By first obtaining density data from the accessible top layer and calculating the weight of this layer, the method creates a foundation for estimating densities of underlying layers without requiring physical access to those deeper positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a computational model that copies and extends the density measurement from the accessible top layer to the inaccessible underlying layers. By using the measured density and weight of the top layer as a basis for calculating densities at depth, the method achieves precision for the entire stockpile without requiring physical access to all measurement points.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention resides in a method or system configured to estimate the mass of material in a stockpile. The surface profile of the stockpile is obtained and a plurality of layers are defined in the stockpile. Each layer extends parallel to the surface profile. Density characteristics of the stockpile material are obtained, from database records or measurement tests. The volume of each layer is estimated. The density of each layer is estimated, according to the density characteristics of the stockpile material. Using the volume of each layer and the density of each layer the mass of the stockpile is calculated.