SIMULATING OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS ON MINE COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS

Authors

  • Brandon Friedenstein Was affiliated with North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria. Presently employed by Embedded IQ.
  • Charl Cilliers Affiliated with North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria.
  • Johann Van Rensburg Affiliated with North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/29-3-2049

Abstract

Compressed air systems are one of the most significant energy users on mines, with a contribution of about 20 per cent to the total electrical energy consumption on a mine. Research has shown that these compressed air networks are systemically inefficient. Improving the efficiency of these systems would result in a significant reduction in energy costs. A simulation methodology was developed and investigations were conducted into compressed air systems. A compressed air system was subsequently modelled, and a proposed means of improvement was simulated, analysed, and quantified. A South African gold mine was used as a case study. The results showed that, by reducing air usage at refuge bays, an average power reduction of 0.9 megawatts could be achieved. The improvement in efficiency could potentially lead to R6.3 million in annual energy cost savings. The study shows how simulations can help to improve efficiency and profitability in the mining industry.

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Author Biographies

Brandon Friedenstein, Was affiliated with North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria. Presently employed by Embedded IQ.

Mr Brandon Friedenstein holds a Master’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the North-West University. He is currently employed by Embedded IQ as a software engineer.

Charl Cilliers, Affiliated with North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria.

Dr Charl Cilliers holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the North-West University. He is currently a post-doctoral student at the North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria.

Johann Van Rensburg, Affiliated with North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria.

Dr Johann van Rensburg is a registered professional engineer and holds a PhD in electrical engineering from the North-West University. He is currently a lecturer at the North-West University’s Centre for Research and Continued Engineering Development (CRCED) in Pretoria.

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Published

2018-11-09

How to Cite

Friedenstein, B., Cilliers, C., & Van Rensburg, J. (2018). SIMULATING OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS ON MINE COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 29(3), 69–81. https://doi.org/10.7166/29-3-2049

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 3 (2018)

Section

Special Edition

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