ABB launches SmartMill, an advanced control solution embedded within a variable-speed drive. SmartMill utilizes real-time data for continuous control of individual grinding mills.
ABB’s SmartMill reportedly optimizes grinding operations by adapting the actual mill speed and feed rate to current conditions in real time. The speed is varied according to an advanced control concept that keeps the mill’s solid feed as high as possible, while monitoring signals such as power consumption, motor torque and bearing pressure and mill speed.
SmartMill is a standalone solution for individual mills and incorporates a variable-speed drive system as standard, while accessing all mill operation and maintenance features, such as automatic positioning, creeping speed and the frozen charge protection and remover function.
For inputs, SmartMill uses power, torque and load, which the controller uses to predict future mill behaviors. The outputs can take into account several mill variables, such as feed rate, mill rotation speed, ore hardness and purity, total load and water addition rate. SmartMill provides full stability to individual mills, without the need for additional controllers or sensors. This leads to increased grinding efficiency, reduced energy consumption, higher throughput, better influence over particle size, fewer shift-to-shift variations and extended liner lifetime, according to the company.
