Protean system boosts processes at Impala Platinum refineries
January 2008
SCADA/HMI
Accurate accounting is important in all aspects of minerals processing, particularly so in the area of refining. Impala Platinum, the second largest platinum producer in the world, has benefited since implementing the Infor Protean production and inventory module, supported by ApplyIT. The system for metals accounting improves productivity by monitoring process performance, yields, identifying declining performance and continually monitoring plant inventory and work in process.
"Our previous system involved numerous registers and data had to be captured manually by our clerical staff," says Pravin Naidoo, metal accounting manager at Impala Platinum refineries. "We needed a system that was automated, flexible and catered to all of our operational needs. The Protean system met these requirements, giving us the ability to better control and have more confidence in our metal accounting ability," says Naidoo.
ApplyIT assisted Impala Platinum through skills transfer and training during system design and implementation. Maintenance support is on-going and performance is continually being optimised as new requirements and deficiencies become apparent. Tangible benefits that have been identified include:
* Interactive access to process performance information.
* Creation of mass balance reports for process optimisation and change.
* Monitoring of process efficiencies and yields at all stages of refining.
* Analysis of the deportment of metals.
* Accurate mass balancing per batch and processing stage.
* Precise production forecasting through reliable measurement of work in progress and inventory.
"The Protean metal accounting system has become a critical management tool," says Naidoo. "It has improved our ability to manage and control the refining process and has improved productivity."
Karl Frenz, business unit manager for ApplyIT's Gauteng region, says the key to the system's successful implementation was centred on a committed and knowledgeable project team with a philosophy of attention to detail during system planning and design. Ongoing support has also been instrumental in ensuring the system remains relevant and adapts to Impala Platinum's changing business requirements. "The system is continually being adapted to meet the company's evolving needs and to provide it with ongoing metals accounting benefits," concludes Frenz.
For more information contact Karl Frenz, ApplyIT, (0)12 349 2822, [email protected]
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