Precision Machines with Unusual Dimensions

The toughest environmental conditions such as extreme temperature differences, dust load and vibrations are the order of the day in the projects at Sandvik Mining & Construction, based in Leoben, Austria. For this reason, in the engineering of machinery for prospecting raw materials and extracting ores, the company relies on the automation technologies and global support of Rockwell Automation. For its client ArcelorMittal Gent, Sandvik equipped two drum reclaimers (Fig.) for continuous conveyingof iron ore material to the nearby steelworks with integrated architecture
solutions from Rockwell Automation. These fully automatic reclaimers are operated unmanned, ensuring raw material feed around the clock, 365 days a year, and guaranteeing smooth transfer of material from one stockpile to another at a constant rate. A ControlLogix PAC (Programmable Automation Controller) is used as the central control unit. The reclaimer designed by Sandvik
has a total weight of several hundred t and is designed to handle up to 2,500 t material per hour. 35 PowerFlex drives and extensive sensors are fi tted in the drum, the core component of the machine, and in the moving gear. The moving gear alone, which effects advance of the reclaimer, and is responsible for a variable reclaim rate, is equipped with 16 drive motors with magnetic clutch. The entire operation of the reclaimer is based on integrated CIP communication. The Common Industrial Protocol ensures smooth communication on all levels. Two networks are used for different duties. A ControlNet structure is used for connection of the individual racks and remote PLCs and converters and to activate visualization. On the other hand, Sandvik uses DeviceNet to collect and transfer critical measured data with regard to the weighing system and the long travel encoder at the moving gear. Easy operation of the plant is ensured by clearly arranged PanelView 1000 or 550 HMIs installed in the operator room and the power supply and equipment room.

Info: www.rockwellautomation.de and www.sandvik.com