Maximizing Plant Flow Production & Profitability ______________________________ AggFlow Training Session Charlotte, North Carolina February 18-19, 2009 ______________________________
Presented by Bob Bartok Vice President, Paschal Associates BS Metallurgical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology MBA, Indiana University
Hosted by Brian Lewis President & Inventor, BedRock Software
Helping Producers Maximize Profitability
Day 1 - Agenda 08:15
New User Orientation AggFlow as a Benchmark Basic Operations, Selecting Equipment, Connecting Flow Streams, Running the Plant Sample Problems & Exercises
09:45
Break
10:00
Opening Remarks to Full Training Group Establishing Goals & Objectives AggFlow – The Plant Process Benchmark
10:05
Developing a Plant Layout Getting Started, AggFlow Definitions, Setting User Preferences Equipment, Flow Streams, Monitors, User Interface; AggFlow Tricks & Tips Sample Problems & Exercises
12:00
Lunch
13:00
In Depth Crushers; Database Assumptions; Interpolation of Gradations, Calculation Methods Screens: Database Assumptions, Calculation Methods, Screen Area Efficiencies Running The Plant; Red Flags, Maximizing Plant Flows, Applying Specifications Reports, Graphs, Using Color & Making Notes on Worksheets Sample Problems & Exercises
14:45
Break
15:00
Advanced Features Apply specifications, Modes, Blending, Dust Calculations and Conveyors Creating Multi-page Plants, Importing & Exporting to Excel, Internet Features Sample Problems & Exercises
16:30
Day 1 Wrap-Up and Q&A
17:30
AggFlow Management Team Reception
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Day 2 - Agenda 08:15
Day 1 Review Developing a Plant Layout, Crushers, Screens, Reports & Graphs, Advanced Features
08:30
Wash Equipment Sand Screws, Classifying Tanks, Cyclones & Separators, Black Box Sample Problems & Exercises
09:30
Water Mass Balance Calculations Using Water in a Plant, Pumps, Water Pipes, Slurry Pipes, Adding Water Sources, Spray Bars, Use of Water in Product, Clarifiers & Thickeners, Water Loss Sample Problems & Exercises
10:45
Break
11:00
Measurements Sample Buckets, Belt Scales, Measuring Flow Rates & Gradations Measuring Crushers, Screens, Stock Piles and Validating Calculations in Plant Data Sample Problems & Exercises
12:30
Lunch
13:30
Fine-Tuning Your Calculations & Plant Designs Calculation Levels 1, 2 & 3 Bottlenecks AggFlow Cannot Account For
14:30
Final Steps to Improve & Increase Production Establishing Benchmarks Comparing Measured Values to Calculated values Screens, Crushers, HSI’s, Cones Sample Problems & Exercises
15:30
Day 2 Wrap-Up and Q&A
14:30
Departure
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Helping Producers Maximize Profitability
New User Orientation AggFlow As A Benchmark
Users Around the Globe Employ AggFlow for: Total Plant Flow Simulation & Analysis
Gradation Definition
Aggregate Mass Balance Calculations
AggFlow Equipment Categories
Water Mass Balance Calculations
Placing Equipment On The Worksheet
Independent Equipment Selection
Selecting & Adjusting Specific Equipment
Conduct “What-If?” Scenarios
Connecting The Equipment With Flow Streams
Experiment with Different Equipment & Settings
Apply Monitors To See Results
Switch to Different Operating Modes Instantly
“Run” The Plant
Justify New Investment by Comparing Set-ups
Your Best Resource: Select Help, then Open Manual
Fine-Tune Equipment Operation
Simple Plant Setup
Identify Plant Inefficiencies & Bottlenecks
Example #1: Setup and Experiment a Simple Plant Reduce Calculation Time Improve Fuel Consumption & Emissions Customize Plant Calculations and Reports
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Helping Producers Maximize Profitability
Introduction To AggFlow BedRock Mission: Help Producers Maximize Profitability
Review processes in existing plants; Find plant process & production bottlenecks
More TPH from same equipment
Assist in correct equipment choices
Accurately target plant production and product mix to meet sales forecast
AggFlow History
Story of the thumb that controlled profitability
Continuous development since 1993
Currently employed in 63 countries
Installed on your computer is the latest version of AggFlow (200811) Includes Water Mass Balance Calculations & French/Spanish Translation
In This Training Class
We encourage interaction and discussion with your neighbor
We welcome feedback, suggestions & observations during the class
Please do each sample as it will be expanded upon throughout the class
Feel free to repeat and experiment with different options in the samples
OUR GOAL: Tomorrow Afternoon You Will Be Highly Proficient Using AggFlow
Make AggFlow your plant process benchmark
Layout any type of plant
Identify and resolve bottlenecks
Make AggFlow accurate for your plant
Know what questions to ask to improve overall efficiency
Produce plant files, equipment and production reports & graphs
Optimize Plant Production and Maximize Profitability
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Developing A Plant Layout What AggFlow Is & What AggFlow Is Not: How To Use This Tool
Benchmark
Extremely Sophisticated Calculation Tool (Aggregate : Water)
AggFlow is not artificial intelligence – It does not think for itself
What You Need to Start Using AggFlow:
Initial feed gradation This is hard to measure given the sizes are typically larger than 8 inches. The most important factor in the feed gradation is the value passing the first screening point. For example, if the feed is going to a grizzly feeder with a 5 inch bar opening, then you want an accurate value for the 5 inch percent passing value. Example #2: See: Feed Source Secondary Surge Pile Gradation.pdf
Major equipment in the plant Note: AggFlow plant flow calculations can be performed with or without modeling the conveyors.
Crusher makes, models and settings
Screen sizes and mesh openings
Overall flow of material through the equipment in the plant
AggFlow Menu Definitions File Edit
View Run
Database Selected Object
Summary Modes
Windows
Help
Setting User Preferences User Units Washing Screen Area Display Titles Lines-Grid Display Size Ranges Saving The Plant
HTTP Setup
Tolerance
Update
Create a Plant From The Hand Drawn Flow Sheet Example #3: See: Rough Sketch.pdf
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Developing A Plant Layout (continued) Equipment Placement & Layout
Effect of initial feed on plant accuracy
Equipment descriptions - top level
Flow Stream Layouts
Initial connections
Adjusting bend points
Orthogonal lines
Add Monitors To See Results
“Run” The Plant
User Interface
Zoom features
Multiple selections using shift key
Copy/paste blocks
Graphical Undo
Plant Configuration Advisor – How to use it
AggFlow Tricks
Multiple windows can be open at once
Read the bottom panel for information!
Always keep your program updated
Use your best resource – Open the manual!
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Crushers Crusher Database Assumptions
Model Selection
Manufacturer limits
Book gradations
Interpolation of Gradations
Reduction Ratio Monitoring
Calculation Method
You are in complete control of the output gradations. AggFlow does not calculate automatically. AggFlow does not calculate an output gradation based on changes to input gradations You must specify the output gradation by adjusting the equipment set-up in the program
AggFlow actually ignores the input gradation and relies completely on your output specifications
AggFlow does pay attention to the incoming flow rate and ensures mass balance
Some Impact Crushers Track Input Size Range
Sample of Making Larger Rocks Out of Smaller Rocks
Put sand and gravel into a jaw Example #4: Sand to Jaw Example #5: Bad HSI
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Crushers (continued) Common Mistakes
Modeling mistakes Not sized correctly Not set correctly
Operational mistakes Not maintained Not fed correctly (Crushers & Screens) Not loaded near capacity Book crusher data not correct for equipment application
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Screens Vibrating Screen Database Assumptions
Model Selection
Adjust as needed
Add new size to database
Calculation Methods
VSMA
Open VSMA sheets
Cedarapids
Deister
Scalper calculation
DBD discussion & efficiency
Screen Area Efficiency
Screen carry over
Set specific size
Adjust sizes and screen efficiency
Refer to results to investigate effects of size and efficiency changes
Using Screen Efficiency To Model Different Mesh Openings
Using the screen efficiency override method
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Screens (continued) Missing from VSMA
Non-wire deck area requirements
Open area adjustment
Varies from one manufacturer to the next
Multi-openings same deck
Non standard screens
Pep screens
Banana screens
Refer final design to manufacturer
Common Mistakes
Modeling mistakes
Not sized correctly
Equipment not set-up correctly
Other constraints; conveyors, chutes and feeders
Misapplication of equipment
Operational Mistakes
Equipment is not maintained
Screen is not fed correctly
Screen operating parameters
Wrong media
Wrong flow direction
Water amounts
No correction for screen operational parameters
Under loaded screens Example #6: Under Loaded Screen
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Running The Plant Red Flags Note: AggFlow highlights problem areas and equipment exceeding warning levels by turning the equipment in the worksheet red. However, the program will continue to perform calculations as if there was no problem. Therefore, you can choose to address, or ignore, red flags at anytime.
Warning Levels
Three warning levels: Alarms; AggFlow alerts you when calculated results may not match field results Warnings; Items to be aware of, will not likely affect calculations or results Missing Limits; Manufacturers have not supplied crusher limits and AggFlow has no limits here Example #7: Warning Levels
Maximize Plant Production Feature
Runs the plant to maximize crusher capacities
Does not take into account screens & conveyors
Apply Specifications
Product Mix
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Helping Producers Maximize Profitability
Reports, Graphs, Using Color & Making Notes on Worksheets Saving Settings
Save multiple files (unlimited)
AggFlow View Results defaults to last view saved
Automatic Save (set time period in User Preferences)
File Recapture – in a system crash, AggFlow will provide the option to recapture/save unsaved files
AggFlow File Protection
Turns the Specific AggFlow worksheet into read only (find it under FILE, then Protection)
3-Deck Screen Example
View results & reports for a 3-deck screen.
PDF Reports
Worksheet and results
Title Block Info
Company and name stay with sheet
Run version – identifies the last time the plant was run in the printout
Spreadsheet Reports
Provides complete report and equipment list in spreadsheet format
You can select individual or a selection of line items (hold the SHIFT key)
Coloring and Making Notes on the Worksheet
Highlight, color and make notes on the worksheet
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Advanced Features Apply Specifications
Specification database Example #8: Goal - Figure out how to get sample to meet spec
Modes
Modes allow unlimited number of plant setups within each plant file Example #9: Goal 1 – Use Modes to optimize the same plant for two different products Example #10: Goal 2 – Use Modes to add a splitter and a new crusher to an existing plant
Blending
Simple Blend Demo
Linear programming info Example #11: Goal – Determine how many products this plant can make
Dust Calculations Example #12: Simple Dust Example
Conveyors
Calculation methods Example #13: Simple Conveyor Example
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Advanced Features (continued) Creating Multi-Page Plants
Linking Pages
Review of Equipment That Can be Linked
Looping Back to First Page
How Big Can Plants Get?
See: bigPlant.pdf Example #14: Split plant into three pages
Monitor “Layers” Example #15: Monitors - Create a TPH and a Settings Monitor Layer
Import/Export to Excel Example #16: Export AggFlow data to Excel, change it, Import the data back to AggFlow
Internet Features
Get Automatic Updates (regularly!)
Send emails & plant files from within program
Automatic error reporting
Send plant files directly to AggFlow Team for review/help
Send support requests and suggestions to AggFlow Team from within program
Create PDF, JPEG and TIFF files
DAY 1 Wrap-Up – Q&A
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Helping Producers Maximize Profitability
Day 1 Review Developing a Plant Layout Initial feed gradation; Major equipment in the plant; Crusher makes, models & settings; Overall flow of material; Equipment & flow stream layouts; Monitors; Running the plant; Customizing AggFlow with user preferences; Reports & printouts.
Crusher Selection
Database assumptions; Model selection; Reduction ratios; Calculation methods; Common modeling and operational mistakes.
Screens
Database assumptions; Model Selection; Calculation methods; Screen area calculations & efficiencies; Calculation methods; Common modeling and operational mistakes.
Running The Plant
Red flags; Warning levels; Running with Screen area adjustments; Product mix.
Reports & Graphs
Saving settings; PDF reports; Titles & printout labels; Spreadsheet Reports.
Advanced Features
Applying specifications; Modes; Blending: Dust calculations; Conveyors; Multi-page Plants; Monitor Layers; Importing/exporting to Excel; Internet Features.
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Wash Equipment Sand Screw
Basic operation and AggFlow simulation
Classifying Tank
Cyclones & Separators
Black Box – Dewatering Screen Example of Creating a Wash Plant Example #17: Create a Wash Plant from Sketch
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Water Mass Balance Calculations Using Water in an Accurate Plant
Input water into feed
Converting flow streams to slurry pipes
Adding Water Sources
Screen spray bars
Use of water in product
Fresh Water Piping
Pumps
Clarifiers & Thickeners
Water Loss in an Accurate Plant Example of Creating a Plant with Water Mass Balance Calculations Example #18: Add Water Mass Balance Features to Wash Plant
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Measurements Sample Buckets
Quality Control Samples plugged in the flow calculations Example #19: Install Sample Buckets Example #20: Demo Excel Interface
Belt Scales Example #21: Install Belt Scales
Measure Flow Rates and Gradations
Feed material gradation
Variability in feed gradation and making it accurate
Flow Rate
Typical Flow Primary in-feed not measured
Optimum Flow Detailed gradation below 4 to 7 inches % of oversize material
Crushers
Typical None
Optimum Input gradation Output gradation
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Measurements (continued) Screens
Typical None
Optimum Output gradations
Stock Piles
Typical Gradations
Optimum Gradations and rates
Methods to Validate Calculations with Plant Data
Statistical history
Field measurements
Observations Example #22: Real Life Examples of Measurements
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Helping Producers Maximize Profitability
Fine-Tuning Your Calculations & Plant Designs Why Do So Many Operations Continue Along With Known Bottlenecks?
Calculation Levels
Level 1 Setup with generic data If you have average material with standard compression crushers this gets you to level 2 If you have impact crushers you may or may not get to level 2 Data varies greatly from one manufacturer to the next You may need crusher samples to get past this point Results may be off - but experts report that incremental change is usually very good
Level 2 Take plant measurements to verify results May identify problems Experienced aggregate manager uses this model to identify improvements and problems
Level 3 You have enough data to totally optimize production with accurate results You reach a point where "what if" calculations are consistently accurate and reliable. Use your experience to estimate where that point is.
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Fine-Tuning Your Calculations & Plant Designs (Continued) Bottlenecks AggFlow Cannot Account For Or Calculate
Material From the Pit Transport Equipment Feeders Stock Pile Capacity Surge Pile Capacity Segregated Material Flow Transfer Chutes
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Final Steps To Improve & Increase Production Establish Benchmark Example #23: Sample Plant File Example #24: Determine Bottlenecks
Compare Measured Values to Calculated Values
Actual settings do not match current design
Make sure crushers as doing as expected
Screens
Monitor efficiency
Size adequate?
Change mesh openings
Lower rate
Crushers
Try to maintain design capacity Example #25: Sample File Reviews Example #26: Evaluate Sample for Accuracy
HSI With Standard Data
Cone With Standard Data
DAY 2 Wrap-Up – Q&A
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