Level Measurement for Supply Bins and Additive Silos in Metal Ore Processing

Materials found in production supply day bins and additive silos may include products produced by different stages of the mining process such as copper concentrate powder, alumina, silica granules, or fly ash. This could also include materials that are brought into the mine to be used as additives in production such as cement, lime, bentonite clay or other dry materials. In both situations, it is important to know how much material is available for production or if it needs to be re-supplied. Automation of the inventory management is highly desired so that production needs are met. In production and additive bins, the level may change quickly as the silos empty and refill making a responsive level measurement critical to determine adequate supplies for production. In addition, the dry materials are very dusty making measurements difficult.