Nkomati

NKOMATI

CASE STUDY

INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT ENHANCEMENT
Nkomati Logo - IME Solutions

The Nkomati mine is a large mine in the north-east of South Africa near Machadodorp in Mpumalanga.

Nkomati represents one of the largest nickel reserves in South Africa, having estimated reserves of 408.6 million tonnes of ore grading 0.33% nickel.

dominik-vanyi- Nkomati - IME Solutions

What was Nkomati’s problems and needs?

Focus areas of the operation include recovery, production rate, quality, equipment availability and reliability. A complex ore body places special demands on decision-making within the processing plants. Nkomati identified the need to extract maximum value from process data.

Investment in instrumentation, control and laboratory analysis generate masses of data. Nkomati requested a service driven solution backed by a structured methodology and technology to extract knowledge from data. Furthermore, the service should communicate information in a way that facilitates training and development of Nkomati staff to enable better and more consistent decision-making. The ultimate goal is to implement a platform to facilitate pro-active management of adverse conditions for process and equipment.

How did Time-in-State®(TIS) help Nkomati?

Time-in-State® (TiS) started working with Nkomati in 2011 and Nkomati have been using their services since. During the service interval Time-in-State® have been used to execute optimization, improvement, root-cause-analysis, deriving process recipes, providing input into strategic planning, training, real-time equipment monitoring, and real-time process monitoring. The project has generated multi-million dollar returns.

How the process ended in success.

Time-in-State® (TiS) provides the needed technology and services to monitor process and equipment used by Nkomati. The implementation delivers almost immediate feedback regarding compliance with strategic objectives and provides early warning of deteriorating plant performance (e.g. more than 12 hour early warning of mill motor failure or advance warning of conditions that may affect mill performance in an hour’s time).

Time-in-State® automatically interprets data to present information that facilitates effective prioritization of tasks and appropriate deployment of scares resources. Laboratory / mineralogy data, process data (levels, flows, temperatures, electrical current, etc.) and costs are all synchronised and interpreted to provide clarrity of the conditions that deliver optimal performance.

Time-in-State® delivered multi-million dollar returns based on initiatives associated with process improvement, cost, energy efficiency, risk mitigation, quality, throughput and equipment performance advances.

 Date

2020/09 /12

Category

Case Study
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Sappi - IME Solutions

Cape Kraft Mill

The Time-in-State intervention was an eye opener to our operational staff at the mill. Time-in-State facilitated workshops and got all departments together to explain the process. The key departments involved were production, engineering, process, logistics, and Sheq. The Time-in-State process allowed us to identify the control parameters to run a controlled process. We knew how to permanently contain these variables, but the solutions were costly. We then opted for a zero cash outlay solution and chose to control the process for only 80% of the time. The other 20% was when the operator could leave the workstation for inspections etc. It took 2 months to change the BOP’s and the behaviour. I can recommend this improvement process with Time-in-State to any industry. Cape Kraft will certainly make use of his services again shortly.

Jonathan Hermanus

General Manager
Neopak Logo - IME Solutions

Neopak

IME has been servicing Neopak since 2015 continuously. During this interval, IME deployed its Time-in-State technology and services to monitor various aspects of the process and equipment. Utilising this technology made it possible to obtain early warning of deteriorating performance. This technology contributed not only towards a better understanding of equipment/process behaviour and process interruption. This predictive capacity is by far one of the strongest features of IME’s TiS methodology. Neopak rates the quality of the technology and services as very effective in providing great value.

Peter Frandsen

Control and Automation Engineer
Anglo Platinum - IME Solutions

BRPM contractor plant, a joint venture with Anglo Platinum

IME utilised their Time-in-State technology and services to identify very specific operating and equipment conditions that associate with higher performance. The PoC was deployed in the milling section of the process, which is a constraint in the process. The technology proved it’s applicability by identifying early warning of a gearbox failure in the matrix of data. The same approach was used to detect the drifting of an instrument measurement – the control system and maintenance personnel didn’t detect this issue. This detection potentially prevented a major process interruption. These events demonstrated effective process monitoring and management of TiS technique.

Oscar Mgcina

Group Metallurgical Engineer
Nkomati Logo - IME Solutions

Nkomati

IME deployed their services to monitor various items of equipment. By utilising this technology, it was possible to obtain early warning signs of deteriorating performance of equipment. In the absence of this technology, the equipment may have failed to result in substantial production losses. Nkomati highly rates the quality of technology and IME’s services. We feel it was highly effective and provided excellent value.

Manie Potgieter

Head of Department: Concentrate Production
ABB South Africa Logo - IME Solutions

ABB South Africa

IME Solutions has delivered services to ABB since 2010. During this period IME has deployed its Time-in-State technology and services to monitor various aspects of the process and equipment. By utilising this technology, it was possible to obtain insights into plant and equipment performance. The information facilitated the quantification of risk exposure, plant and equipment performance training relative to the optimum state, and general performance improvement. The technology and services were used at various operations including Sappi, Arcelor Mittal, and Skorpion Zink. We rate IME’s quality of services very highly as they provided excellent value towards mitigating risks and optimising our plant process.

Stiaan Burden

Operations Manager

GET IN TOUCH

To optimise every aspect of your plant and keep it effectively and continuously running, talk to us. Email ime@imesolutions.biz or view the contact details below.
Dr Kobus van der Merwe Cellphone: +27 82 656 5601 Email address: Kobus@imesolutions.biz
Andre Labuschagne Cellphone: +27 79 988 9469 Email address: Andre@imesolutions.biz
Looking for more information?
Please fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch.
Read More
time-in-state-abb-case-studies-ABB - IME Solutions

ABB South Africa

ABB SOUTH AFRICA

CASE STUDY

INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT ENHANCEMENT

ABB South Africa is a pioneering technology leader that works closely with utilities, industry, transportation and infrastructure customers to write the future of industrial digitalization and realize value.

IME Solutions (architects of Time-in-State®) has delivered services to ABB on an ad hoc basis since 2010.

time-in-state- ABB South Africa-case-studies-img - IME Solutions

During this interval Time-in-State technology and services enabled monitoring of process and equipment. By utilizing this technology, it was possible to gain insight into plant and equipment performance. This information facilitated the quantification of operational risk exposure, plant and equipment performance rating relative to optimum state and delivered performance improvement.

The technology and services were used at various operations including Sappi, Arcelor Mittal, Skorpion Zink and Nampak. ABB rates the quality of services very high and the technology as very effective. The combination of technology and services provide excellent value towards mitigating risks and optimizing processes.

How did Time-In-State (TiS) help ABB South Africa?

Time-in-State guided ABB in gaining insight into the production process to support the services they provide with the aim of improving equipment performance. Time-in-State® (TiS) provided insight into operational risks that may impact performance contracts, prioritized focus areas and helped to identify “low hanging fruit”.

ABB’s engagement model consists of various phases – Time-in-State® (TiS) serves as a value add during feasibility studies and contract executions.

How that ended in success.

Time-in-State®(TIS) complemented ABB’s services – it provided actionable information that contributed towards increased performance and operational risk mitigation.

 Date

2020/09 /12

Category

Case Study

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CASE STUDIES

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05 September 2022

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TESTIMONIALS

Sappi - IME Solutions

Cape Kraft Mill

The Time-in-State intervention was an eye opener to our operational staff at the mill. Time-in-State facilitated workshops and got all departments together to explain the process. The key departments involved were production, engineering, process, logistics, and Sheq. The Time-in-State process allowed us to identify the control parameters to run a controlled process. We knew how to permanently contain these variables, but the solutions were costly. We then opted for a zero cash outlay solution and chose to control the process for only 80% of the time. The other 20% was when the operator could leave the workstation for inspections etc. It took 2 months to change the BOP’s and the behaviour. I can recommend this improvement process with Time-in-State to any industry. Cape Kraft will certainly make use of his services again shortly.

Jonathan Hermanus

General Manager
Neopak Logo - IME Solutions

Neopak

IME has been servicing Neopak since 2015 continuously. During this interval, IME deployed its Time-in-State technology and services to monitor various aspects of the process and equipment. Utilising this technology made it possible to obtain early warning of deteriorating performance. This technology contributed not only towards a better understanding of equipment/process behaviour and process interruption. This predictive capacity is by far one of the strongest features of IME’s TiS methodology. Neopak rates the quality of the technology and services as very effective in providing great value.

Peter Frandsen

Control and Automation Engineer
Anglo Platinum - IME Solutions

BRPM contractor plant, a joint venture with Anglo Platinum

IME utilised their Time-in-State technology and services to identify very specific operating and equipment conditions that associate with higher performance. The PoC was deployed in the milling section of the process, which is a constraint in the process. The technology proved it’s applicability by identifying early warning of a gearbox failure in the matrix of data. The same approach was used to detect the drifting of an instrument measurement – the control system and maintenance personnel didn’t detect this issue. This detection potentially prevented a major process interruption. These events demonstrated effective process monitoring and management of TiS technique.

Oscar Mgcina

Group Metallurgical Engineer
Nkomati Logo - IME Solutions

Nkomati

IME deployed their services to monitor various items of equipment. By utilising this technology, it was possible to obtain early warning signs of deteriorating performance of equipment. In the absence of this technology, the equipment may have failed to result in substantial production losses. Nkomati highly rates the quality of technology and IME’s services. We feel it was highly effective and provided excellent value.

Manie Potgieter

Head of Department: Concentrate Production
ABB South Africa Logo - IME Solutions

ABB South Africa

IME Solutions has delivered services to ABB since 2010. During this period IME has deployed its Time-in-State technology and services to monitor various aspects of the process and equipment. By utilising this technology, it was possible to obtain insights into plant and equipment performance. The information facilitated the quantification of risk exposure, plant and equipment performance training relative to the optimum state, and general performance improvement. The technology and services were used at various operations including Sappi, Arcelor Mittal, and Skorpion Zink. We rate IME’s quality of services very highly as they provided excellent value towards mitigating risks and optimising our plant process.

Stiaan Burden

Operations Manager

GET IN TOUCH

To optimise every aspect of your plant and keep it effectively and continuously running, talk to us. Email ime@imesolutions.biz or view the contact details below.
Dr Kobus van der Merwe Cellphone: +27 82 656 5601 Email address: Kobus@imesolutions.biz
Andre Labuschagne Cellphone: +27 79 988 9469 Email address: Andre@imesolutions.biz
Looking for more information?
Please fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch.

GET IN TOUCH

To optimise every aspect of your plant and keep it effectively and continuously running, talk to us. Email info@tismetrics.com or view the contact details below.
Dr Kobus van der Merwe
Cellphone: +27 82 656 5601
Email address: Kobus@tismetrics.com
Looking for more information?
Please fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch.



    Read More
    Milling-Cct-Neopak-Case Study - IME Solutions

    Neopak

    NEOPAK

    CASE STUDY

    INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT ENHANCEMENT
    Neopak Logo - IME Solutions

    Neopak exists to open eyes of the world to the unlimited possibilities of paper packaging by delivering smart paper packaging solutions that enhance our customers’ brands and profitability.

    At Neopak, we support a vision. A vision of lasting relationships, world-class efficiency, meaningful innovation, thoughtful leadership, business partnering and a fresh take on old habits.

    Milling-Cct-Neopak-Case Study - IME Solutions

    What were the Problems and Needs of Neopak?

    Paper breaks or other process interruptions, equipment failure and quality negatively impact profitability. Neopak’s challenge was to change from reactive management to pro-active management of conditions that precede poor performance. Knowledge and experience are prerequisites of implementation to pro-active management – the question was whether process data analysis delivers insight and enhance operational personnel knowledge / understanding of the process.

    Neopak also expressed its need to utilise production process data to determine its operational risk exposure. Overall, Equipment Effectiveness (OOE) was implemented but failed to identify what section or module in the plant caused poor performance. The need existed to generate a quantitative measure to describe performance at modular level. For example, what is the ability of the stock blending section to comply with specific operating conditions, or how well did the respective drying sections comply with predefined baselines.

    Time-in-State®(TiS) functionality provided an opportunity to quantify modular performance. After deriving baseline definitions across the plant, it will be possible to track compliance of every section (module) contribution to performance. If all sections (modules) comply with their respective baseline definition, the chances of meeting production targets will increase.


    How did Time-In-State®(TiS) Help Neopak?

    Time-in-State®(TiS) illustrated how much value can be extracted from processing data. The technology facilitated a modular breakdown of the production process. Optimum Operating Envelope (OOE) is a new performance metric that enables performance measurement within sections / modules. E.g. it is possible to report that a specific gearbox and motor complied 93% with OOE. This is done by using a multi-variable time based status assessment providing insight into changing behaviour – the same approach applies the process modules such as the blending section.

    Time-in-State® facilitated systems thinking, innovation, training and continuous improvement.


    The Success

    Time-in-State® delivered an accurate assessment of operational risk exposure. For example, after defining the Optimum Operating Envelope (OOE) for the blending section Time-in-State (TiS) indicated that this section complied with the optimum envelope for only 47% of the time. Neopak launched specific intitiatives using results produced by Time-in-State® analytics. The blending of section compliance with OOE consequently increased to 65% within five weeks. This improvement translated into improved production output.

    Time-in-State®(TiS) allowed Neopak to obtain early warning detection in deteriorating performance and detected conditions leading up to the poor performance and process interruption. It ensures an increase in growth and success in Neopak’s growth and sustainability.

     Date

    2020/09 /12

    Category

    Case Study

    MORE
    CASE STUDIES

    An In-depth look into our past projects and how IME assisted in reaching engineering optimisation.
    05 September 2022

    Nkomati

    05 September 2022

    ABB South Africa

    05 September 2022

    Royak Bafokeng Platinum

    05 September 2022

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    05 September 2022

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    Nkomati

    TESTIMONIALS

    Sappi - IME Solutions

    Cape Kraft Mill

    The Time-in-State intervention was an eye opener to our operational staff at the mill. Time-in-State facilitated workshops and got all departments together to explain the process. The key departments involved were production, engineering, process, logistics, and Sheq. The Time-in-State process allowed us to identify the control parameters to run a controlled process. We knew how to permanently contain these variables, but the solutions were costly. We then opted for a zero cash outlay solution and chose to control the process for only 80% of the time. The other 20% was when the operator could leave the workstation for inspections etc. It took 2 months to change the BOP’s and the behaviour. I can recommend this improvement process with Time-in-State to any industry. Cape Kraft will certainly make use of his services again shortly.

    Jonathan Hermanus

    General Manager
    Neopak Logo - IME Solutions

    Neopak

    IME has been servicing Neopak since 2015 continuously. During this interval, IME deployed its Time-in-State technology and services to monitor various aspects of the process and equipment. Utilising this technology made it possible to obtain early warning of deteriorating performance. This technology contributed not only towards a better understanding of equipment/process behaviour and process interruption. This predictive capacity is by far one of the strongest features of IME’s TiS methodology. Neopak rates the quality of the technology and services as very effective in providing great value.

    Peter Frandsen

    Control and Automation Engineer
    Anglo Platinum - IME Solutions

    BRPM contractor plant, a joint venture with Anglo Platinum

    IME utilised their Time-in-State technology and services to identify very specific operating and equipment conditions that associate with higher performance. The PoC was deployed in the milling section of the process, which is a constraint in the process. The technology proved it’s applicability by identifying early warning of a gearbox failure in the matrix of data. The same approach was used to detect the drifting of an instrument measurement – the control system and maintenance personnel didn’t detect this issue. This detection potentially prevented a major process interruption. These events demonstrated effective process monitoring and management of TiS technique.

    Oscar Mgcina

    Group Metallurgical Engineer
    Nkomati Logo - IME Solutions

    Nkomati

    IME deployed their services to monitor various items of equipment. By utilising this technology, it was possible to obtain early warning signs of deteriorating performance of equipment. In the absence of this technology, the equipment may have failed to result in substantial production losses. Nkomati highly rates the quality of technology and IME’s services. We feel it was highly effective and provided excellent value.

    Manie Potgieter

    Head of Department: Concentrate Production
    ABB South Africa Logo - IME Solutions

    ABB South Africa

    IME Solutions has delivered services to ABB since 2010. During this period IME has deployed its Time-in-State technology and services to monitor various aspects of the process and equipment. By utilising this technology, it was possible to obtain insights into plant and equipment performance. The information facilitated the quantification of risk exposure, plant and equipment performance training relative to the optimum state, and general performance improvement. The technology and services were used at various operations including Sappi, Arcelor Mittal, and Skorpion Zink. We rate IME’s quality of services very highly as they provided excellent value towards mitigating risks and optimising our plant process.

    Stiaan Burden

    Operations Manager

    GET IN TOUCH

    To optimise every aspect of your plant and keep it effectively and continuously running, talk to us. Email ime@imesolutions.biz or view the contact details below.
    Dr Kobus van der Merwe Cellphone: +27 82 656 5601 Email address: Kobus@imesolutions.biz
    Andre Labuschagne Cellphone: +27 79 988 9469 Email address: Andre@imesolutions.biz
    Looking for more information?
    Please fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch.
    Read More
    time-in-state-royal-case-studies-img-02 - IME Solutions

    Royal Bafokeng Platinum

    ROYAL BAFOKENG PLATINUM

    CASE STUDY

    INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT ENHANCEMENT
    Royal Bafokeng Platinum Logo - IME Solutions

    Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPLAT) is a 48% black-owned and controlled, mid-tier platinum group metals (PGMS) producer.

    Royal Bafokeng Platinum originated from a joint venture between Anglo American Platinum and Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBH) known as the Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine Joint Venture (BRPM JV)

    Royal Bafokeng Platinum - IME Solutions

    What motivated Royal Bafokeng Platinum to use Time-In-State®(TiS)?

    Royal Bafokeng Platinum’s operation at Rasimone generates huge amounts of data – RBPlat identified the need to extract latent information from process data with the aim to facilitate operational performance improvement. Experience based knowledge is biased because cause-and-effect relationships are distorted – distortions occur because process changes and distortions take time to propagate through the process.

    Multiple sources can introduce process disturbances and there is a time lag before disturbances are observed in downstream processes. Without the ability to interpret data it is very difficult to determine where the disturbance originated and secondly what the cause of the disturbance was. Operational personnel consequently form opinions that contain only elements of truth. RBPlat required a platform that consistently interpret data and visualize results in a format that delivers team learning.

    From an equipment performance point of view RBPlat expressed the need for early warning of deteriorating performance in order to facilitate condition based maintenance on certain equipment. 

    A prerequisite of the big data and IoT project was that it has to align with and support their ’14 Elements of a World Class Journey’ management objectives.

     

    How did Time-In-State®(TiS) Help Royal Bafokeng Platinum?

    The first activity aimed to quantify operational risk exposure – Time-in-State®(TiS) Analytics indicated that the Primary Mill & Classification circuit complied with the Optimum Operating Envelope (OOE) definition for 40% of the time. Time-in-State® identified specific issues around density management within the milling circuit as well as gearbox conditions.

    Visualization of conditions assisted the client team to gain insight into latent variable inter-relationships. Time-in-State® presented early warning of deteriorating gearbox conditions more than 20 days in advance. The technology also successfully detected conditions that could have resulted in a mill overload – the latter facilitated timely corrective actions.

     

    The Success

    Time-in-State®(TiS) helped prevent major process interruptions averting multi-million dollar losses. Royal Bafokeng Platinum subsequently signed a long term agreement with Time-in-State. 

     Date

    2020/09 /12

    Category

    Case Study

    MORE
    CASE STUDIES

    An In-depth look into our past projects and how IME assisted in reaching engineering optimisation.
    05 September 2022

    Nkomati

    05 September 2022

    Neopak

    05 September 2022

    ABB South Africa

    05 September 2022

    ABB South Africa

    05 September 2022

    Nkomati

    05 September 2022

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    TESTIMONIALS

    Sappi - IME Solutions

    Cape Kraft Mill

    The Time-in-State intervention was an eye opener to our operational staff at the mill. Time-in-State facilitated workshops and got all departments together to explain the process. The key departments involved were production, engineering, process, logistics, and Sheq. The Time-in-State process allowed us to identify the control parameters to run a controlled process. We knew how to permanently contain these variables, but the solutions were costly. We then opted for a zero cash outlay solution and chose to control the process for only 80% of the time. The other 20% was when the operator could leave the workstation for inspections etc. It took 2 months to change the BOP’s and the behaviour. I can recommend this improvement process with Time-in-State to any industry. Cape Kraft will certainly make use of his services again shortly.

    Jonathan Hermanus

    General Manager
    Neopak Logo - IME Solutions

    Neopak

    IME has been servicing Neopak since 2015 continuously. During this interval, IME deployed its Time-in-State technology and services to monitor various aspects of the process and equipment. Utilising this technology made it possible to obtain early warning of deteriorating performance. This technology contributed not only towards a better understanding of equipment/process behaviour and process interruption. This predictive capacity is by far one of the strongest features of IME’s TiS methodology. Neopak rates the quality of the technology and services as very effective in providing great value.

    Peter Frandsen

    Control and Automation Engineer
    Anglo Platinum - IME Solutions

    BRPM contractor plant, a joint venture with Anglo Platinum

    IME utilised their Time-in-State technology and services to identify very specific operating and equipment conditions that associate with higher performance. The PoC was deployed in the milling section of the process, which is a constraint in the process. The technology proved it’s applicability by identifying early warning of a gearbox failure in the matrix of data. The same approach was used to detect the drifting of an instrument measurement – the control system and maintenance personnel didn’t detect this issue. This detection potentially prevented a major process interruption. These events demonstrated effective process monitoring and management of TiS technique.

    Oscar Mgcina

    Group Metallurgical Engineer
    Nkomati Logo - IME Solutions

    Nkomati

    IME deployed their services to monitor various items of equipment. By utilising this technology, it was possible to obtain early warning signs of deteriorating performance of equipment. In the absence of this technology, the equipment may have failed to result in substantial production losses. Nkomati highly rates the quality of technology and IME’s services. We feel it was highly effective and provided excellent value.

    Manie Potgieter

    Head of Department: Concentrate Production
    ABB South Africa Logo - IME Solutions

    ABB South Africa

    IME Solutions has delivered services to ABB since 2010. During this period IME has deployed its Time-in-State technology and services to monitor various aspects of the process and equipment. By utilising this technology, it was possible to obtain insights into plant and equipment performance. The information facilitated the quantification of risk exposure, plant and equipment performance training relative to the optimum state, and general performance improvement. The technology and services were used at various operations including Sappi, Arcelor Mittal, and Skorpion Zink. We rate IME’s quality of services very highly as they provided excellent value towards mitigating risks and optimising our plant process.

    Stiaan Burden

    Operations Manager

    GET IN TOUCH

    To optimise every aspect of your plant and keep it effectively and continuously running, talk to us. Email ime@imesolutions.biz or view the contact details below.
    Dr Kobus van der Merwe Cellphone: +27 82 656 5601 Email address: Kobus@imesolutions.biz
    Andre Labuschagne Cellphone: +27 79 988 9469 Email address: Andre@imesolutions.biz
    Looking for more information?
    Please fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch.
    Read More