2
intelligence. For example, the new three sensor mill shell
vibration system, described later in this paper, will yield
approximately 10,000 data points of new useful informa-
tion for every minute of operation for a mill rotating at 10
RPM.
While various instruments are available on the market
to measure vibration on the mill shell, the MillSlicerVIP
system (Figure 1 and 2), which contains five sensors strate-
gically placed on the mill, was selected for this study. Three
sensors are located on the mill shell while two others are
placed at the feed and discharge trunnions of the mill. The
shell-based sensors yield a 360-degree vibration profile of
what is occurring in real-time simultaneously at the feed,
middle, and discharge positions in the mill. This informa-
tion, when processed with advanced analytics, allows one
to estimate more accurately several internal mill variables
such as Fill Level, Liner Damage, Impact Angle, Toe Angle,
Impact on Toe, and the relationship between the ball charge
and the ore charge within the mill. Note: These measure-
ments and correlations with traditional process variable sig-
nals are discussed further in several dedicated sections of
this paper.
In addition to the shell-based sensors, two fixed non-
moving sensors are positioned at the trunnion feed and
discharge points of the mill. These sensors provide informa-
tion on processing issues such as ore blocking, pooling, and
pegging. Together, all five sensors enable real-time monitor-
ing of both the slurry flow through the mill and current
grinding efficiency in the chamber.
ADVANCED ANALYTICS MEASUREMENTS
(AAM)
The vibration profiles provided by the three shell sensors
when combined with standard process measurements
(throughput, power, bearing pressure, solids, feed size, etc.)
provide new insights into mill operation via the Advanced
Analytics Measurements (AAM). These are multi-variable
models based on both vibration and typical process data Figure 1. MillSlicerVIP schematic
Figure 2. MillSlicerVIP field installation components
intelligence. For example, the new three sensor mill shell
vibration system, described later in this paper, will yield
approximately 10,000 data points of new useful informa-
tion for every minute of operation for a mill rotating at 10
RPM.
While various instruments are available on the market
to measure vibration on the mill shell, the MillSlicerVIP
system (Figure 1 and 2), which contains five sensors strate-
gically placed on the mill, was selected for this study. Three
sensors are located on the mill shell while two others are
placed at the feed and discharge trunnions of the mill. The
shell-based sensors yield a 360-degree vibration profile of
what is occurring in real-time simultaneously at the feed,
middle, and discharge positions in the mill. This informa-
tion, when processed with advanced analytics, allows one
to estimate more accurately several internal mill variables
such as Fill Level, Liner Damage, Impact Angle, Toe Angle,
Impact on Toe, and the relationship between the ball charge
and the ore charge within the mill. Note: These measure-
ments and correlations with traditional process variable sig-
nals are discussed further in several dedicated sections of
this paper.
In addition to the shell-based sensors, two fixed non-
moving sensors are positioned at the trunnion feed and
discharge points of the mill. These sensors provide informa-
tion on processing issues such as ore blocking, pooling, and
pegging. Together, all five sensors enable real-time monitor-
ing of both the slurry flow through the mill and current
grinding efficiency in the chamber.
ADVANCED ANALYTICS MEASUREMENTS
(AAM)
The vibration profiles provided by the three shell sensors
when combined with standard process measurements
(throughput, power, bearing pressure, solids, feed size, etc.)
provide new insights into mill operation via the Advanced
Analytics Measurements (AAM). These are multi-variable
models based on both vibration and typical process data Figure 1. MillSlicerVIP schematic
Figure 2. MillSlicerVIP field installation components