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WipWare Photoanalysis System FAQs

WipWare Photoanalysis logo, black background, FAQ with question marks in the center

We’ve put together some photoanalysis systems FAQs based on questions from our customers.

Does WipWare Technology give Real Time analysis results?

WipWare Image Analysis Systems produce real-time 24/7 results that allow personnel to identify, evaluate, and optimize troublesome areas of their process while maintaining production.
Our systems are installed in many different applications around the world. These applications vary from analyzing wood chips to detecting oversize material or contamination in diamond mines. The applications are endless.
From Mine to Mill
The term Mine to Mill highlights the importance of fragmentation data on both the blasting and processing end of operations. This term applies well to WipWare line of products from the muckpile after a blast to analyzing material on the conveyor.
Mine-to-mill technology takes the entire system into account, from the blasting process to the comminution circuit. This optimization provides a complete fragmentation and size reduction solution to maximize benefit.
Software di analisi delle immagini WipFrag
WipWare’s WipFrag 4 Image Analysis Software effectively analyzes data from a recent blast and produces results of the blast material on-site in minutes.Man holding iPad tablet at rock face
Sistema di analisi del veicolo riflesso
From there, as the trucks haul the material to the primary crusher, you can detect oversize material or contamination and divert the material accordingly.Truck going under an arch on a sandy gravel road
Once at the primary crusher, our Reflex systems can detect oversize material, contamination or give full particle size distribution analysis as the material is dumped.
Sistema di analisi del trasportatore singolo
After the material has gone through this process our systems can continue to analyze the material on the conveyor belt.

At this stage, you can determine what is the most important information you want to retrieve: detect oversize, divert material, identify contaminated material or receive full Particle Size Distribution data 24/7 in real-time.

Now, here’s the cool part: our WipFrag software is also the HMI (Human to Machine Interface) for our systems. Not only can you use our software separately to analyze your blast material, but the same software is also used to analyze your material all along its journey from Mine to Mill.


What are the benefits of WipWare products? 

Many potential customers ask this very question about the benefits of WipWare products. Well, here’s the answer.
WipWare offers industry-leading photoanalysis technology for accurate, real-time fragmentation assessment, optimizing blasting, crushing, and grinding operations. With features like deep learning, auto-scaling, GIS compatibility, and orthomosaic analysis, WipWare ensures precise measurement and continuous improvement. The software’s specification envelope, histogram reporting, and boulder counting enhance decision-making, reducing downtime and costs. Additionally, WipWare provides flexible pricing, cross-shipping warranties, and expert support, making it the top choice for efficient mining and aggregate operations.
Furthermore, our online Systems provide data to the customer 24/7 to identify troublesome areas of your process from Mine2mill.
In conclusion, our Assolo Basic or Complete, Riflesso Basic or Complete and WipFrag software can drastically lower energy, and maintenance costs, as-well as cut equipment downtime and aid in quality control.

Come funziona la funzionalità volumetrica di WipWare e come può farti risparmiare denaro?

WipWare utilizza precisi laser di rilevamento della profondità del nastro per rilevare entrambi
A) Cinghie vuote, come nei precedenti modelli Solo
B) La profondità del materiale sul nastro trasportatore
When you tie the material depth information with the conveyor belt speed and your belt weightometer reading, you are able to extract the specific gravity of the material passing. Having the specific gravity information will allow you to determine whether the material passing is waste or ore-bearing material. 
Nei test preliminari presso un'operazione di calcare, WipWare è stato in grado di raggiungere la correlazione 94% tra i calcoli volumetrici e le letture del peso del nastro.
Un'operazione potrebbe utilizzare queste informazioni per evitare che il materiale di scarto entri nel processo di frantumazione, risparmiando notevoli quantità di denaro in manutenzione e costi energetici.
Volumetrics users have the added benefit of receiving accurate particle sizing results as well as another new feature allowing you to detect contamination.
Con i dati di rilevamento di dimensioni, forma, volume e contaminazione trasmessi in streaming senza interruzioni in tempo reale, le tecnologie automatizzate di WipWare forniscono misurazioni dei dati tre volte più accurate rispetto ai concorrenti.


What has WipWare technology been used for?

In WipWare, ci definiamo spesso fornitori di tecnologia mineraria e di aggregazione, poiché questi due settori costituiscono la maggior parte della nostra attività. La bellezza delle tecnologie di fotoanalisi è che con un'immagine adeguata, i nostri prodotti possono analizzare qualsiasi cosa, dai micron ai pianeti. Sappiamo tutti che il dimensionamento automatizzato delle particelle è una parte cruciale dell'industria mineraria e degli aggregati, ma come vedrai, la dimensione del materiale non è importante solo per le rocce. Ecco alcune delle fantastiche applicazioni con cui abbiamo avuto il piacere di lavorare:
 Pebbles with a ruler to measure size in the bottom left corner
Marte Curiosity Rover: There may not be any mining on Mars (that we know of), but the Curiosity rover is taking pictures that are being analyzed for oversized obstacle detection. What a great way to identify and steer clear of obstacles and keep Curiosity roaming.
Uova strapazzate. That’s right, I said scrambled eggs. A food supplier from the US contacted us looking to optimize the fluffiness and fragmentation of the scrambled eggs they use. I’ll never look at scrambled eggs the same way ever again.
Kimberlite lavorata: Getting out of our chef’s apron and putting our hard hats back on, we have been working very closely with multiple diamond companies around the world to accurately analyze the process kimberlite material on their conveyor belts. What’s so incredible about this application? Well, it’s pretty normal, except for the fact that the material ranges from as low as 1.2mm (0.0472440″ for our Imperial friends). Once again, if a suitable image can be captured, WipWare can analyze it.
…And of course, we work with hundreds of applications that deal with broken screen detections, contamination, quality control procedures, pre- and post- crusher optimization and SAG mill throughput applications.


How can I see analysis (the) data?

Both Delta (Solo 6 and Reflex 6) and WipFrag produce a percentage passing curve visible after each virtual sieve analysis. It also saves the data to a CSV (comma-separated values) file. Each sieve analysis produces a new line in the CSV file that represents the results from the sieve.
Questo file CSV contiene:
– Timestamp (Year/Month/Day/Hour/Minute/Second)
– D-values (XX% passed the specified size – Ex. 90% of the material passes 13.87 inches[352.30mm])
– User specified size classes (% passing or retained at the specified size)
– Block (amount of particle detected)
– Min, Max, Mean, St. Dev, Mode
– Sphericity (The shape of the material – 0=Linear Objects 1=Perfectly Round)
– Coverage (How much of the image is used)
– Calibration Values (b, Xmax, X50, Xc and n)
– EDP values (Edge Detection Values)
– Calibration factors
– System info (CPU temp, Board temp, Voltage checks)
– System uptime
– Camera setting at the time of the image.
– Modbus and OPC poll rate
– Vehicle Identification Information (Reflex Only)
Delta (Solo 6 and Reflex 6) can e-mail these CSV files automatically as well as an average of the entire day on one passing curve. It also has a trending graph in the lower section of the software interface which trends the data for the current day.
Inoltre, Delta ha la capacità di emettere le informazioni di analisi utilizzando una connessione Modbus o OPC per passare le informazioni al tuo storico, PLC o HMI.Chart with rocks on the left, chart on the right, System analysis at the bottom


Quale manutenzione regolare è richiesta per i sistemi di fotoanalisi WipWare?

L'unica manutenzione regolare richiesta per i nostri sistemi è garantire che l'obiettivo e le luci siano puliti con meno polvere/sporco possibile.
La frequenza con cui il sistema dovrà essere pulito dipenderà dall'ambiente in cui opera:
AMBIENTE/ FREQUENZA 
Molto polveroso 1-3 settimane
Polvere moderata 2-6 settimane
Poca o nessuna polvere 4-8 settimane
Metodo 1: tubo dell'acqua 
The first method is the most common. Using a water hose, simply spray down the system ensuring the lens is clean and free of any noticeable dust or dirt. If possible, use a squeegee to remove any droplets that may remain on the lens. Doing this helps prevent dust from collecting in the droplets that remain which could leave deposits on the lens that interfere with image capture. Since our systems are completely waterproof this method is usually the easiest and most effective way to clean the lens. It can also be done without having to shut down the conveyor belt.
Metodo 2: panno umido pulito/tovagliolo di carta 
Un'altra opzione è usare un panno umido pulito o un tovagliolo di carta con acqua o Windex. L'uso di un panno in microfibra pulito sarebbe l'ideale, ma potrebbe essere difficile trovarli nei siti delle miniere. Cerca di non premere troppo forte quando pulisci l'obiettivo, la polvere accumulata potrebbe lasciare graffi nell'obiettivo se viene applicata troppa pressione. Nota: a temperature inferiori allo zero, evitare di utilizzare acqua o Windex poiché si congelerà sull'obiettivo e causerà una qualità dell'immagine inadeguata. Si consiglia di utilizzare un lavacristallo standard valutato per la corretta temperatura sotto lo zero.
Metodo 3: aria compressa 
It’s also acceptable to use compressed air from a can or hose to dust off our systems. This method works well but will kick up a lot more dust than the liquid methods. We recommend using a dust mask when using compressed air to clean off out systems.


Can Delta (Solo 6 and Reflex 6) store the images captured by automated systems?

La risposta semplice è sì.
The computer can store up to 1000MB worth of images without any issues. Once beyond this point the hard drive could start having problems accessing the image folder causing the computer to run slower than normal, so the oldest images are overwritten automatically.
Nota: tutti i dati sulla dimensione delle particelle sono conservati in un file CSV che è di dimensioni molto più piccole e consente di archiviare i dati su una sequenza temporale più lunga.
La maggior parte dei nostri sistemi utilizza una fotocamera da 1,2 MP e le immagini hanno una media di 180 KB ciascuna, quindi 1000 MB di spazio di archiviazione possono contenere circa 5600 immagini.
Running 24 hours per day the system can roughly save the following number of images:
Se scatti 1 immagine ogni 20 secondi, avresti 4.320 immagini al giorno. ~31,2 ore
Se scatti 2 immagini ogni 20 secondi, avresti 8.640 immagini al giorno. ~15,5 ore
Se scatti 3 immagini ogni 20 secondi, avrai 12.960 immagini al giorno. ~10,3 ore


When should I apply Calibration to my analysis?

To calibrate, or not to calibrate; that is the question. And it’s an important question to ask prior to installing your online bulk material analysis system, regardless of the industry you’re in. Let’s help you figure out why calibration may or may not be your best bet, and whether you will see value in calibrating your system.
Una delle carenze della tecnologia di analisi della frammentazione delle rocce basata su immagini è l'incapacità di analizzare il materiale sottostante che scorre su un nastro trasportatore. Quindi, in circostanze normali, senza calibrazione, il materiale fine è generalmente sottorappresentato quando si utilizza l'analisi delle immagini. La stessa cosa si può dire per l'analisi della frammentazione dell'esplosione, ma ne parlerò un po' più avanti nell'articolo.
Se le tecnologie di analisi fotografica rappresentano il materiale sullo strato superiore e sottorappresentano il materiale sottostante, un'operazione può compensare questa carenza calibrando. (Per la guida alla calibrazione, controlla questo link).
The way I see it, without sounding too much like a broken record, calibrated photo analysis technologies take the best of both worlds: Quantity and quality.
Take the following scenario as an example: Company ABC wants to adjust the SAG feed based on particle size analysis. By doing so, they need to know when to draw fine material from the stockpile and when to draw coarser material. Calibration allows for the proper “mix” of bulk material in order to optimize the process.
The Swebrec and Rosin-Rammler functions are great for adjusting the distribution curve to accurately compensate for fine material… But what if you are looking strictly at the coarse sizes, say, for oversize detection?
If this is the case, you may want to reconsider the calibration process.
Allow me to explain:
A calibrated system is making certain assumptions about material underneath the top layer and may even bias your coarse material fractions when trying to adjust the distribution curve. So, if you are planning on having a conveyor belt shut down if it detects material over x size, you may want to reconsider taking the chance of biasing your results. Instead, an uncalibrated system is going to get you very useful data that will allow you to stop/start/act on out-of-spec readings and optimize your process.
What are other reasons why clients don’t calibrate?
Quando il materiale è troppo grande, è molto più difficile campionare manualmente il materiale e questo potrebbe essere proibitivo in termini di costi. Questo problema si verifica più spesso all'estremità della sabbiatura dell'applicazione, dove l'ottimizzazione della sabbiatura si basa molto sul rilevamento dei cambiamenti relativi nelle dimensioni del materiale.
Per l'analisi post-frantumatore, alcuni clienti rilevano l'usura del liner a causa di aumenti relativi delle dimensioni del materiale, rendendo quindi superflua la calibrazione.
In sintesi, la calibrazione ha certamente i suoi usi all'interno delle industrie minerarie e degli aggregati, e più specificamente, quando le dimensioni dei materiali più fini sono una parte necessaria del dilemma; tuttavia, i sistemi non calibrati sono ancora molto utili per ottimizzare il processo e per tenere traccia dei relativi cambiamenti.


What is WipWare’s warranty policy?

WipWare Inc. provides a one-year limited warranty on all products, including components and software. To offer customers peace of mind, WipWare also offers an annual service contract, which includes exclusive technician service rates, monthly check-ins, extended system warranties, and more.
With the purchase of any WipWare photoanalysis product, the warranty covers cross-shipping for any defective product under the WipWare Limited Warranty, ensuring minimal downtime for customers.
Per i dettagli completi sulla garanzia limitata WipWare, vedere qui.


In che modo WipWare facilita la formazione per i suoi prodotti unici?

WipWare goes above and beyond to ensure that not only customers, but any individual or company who may show interest in a WipWare product has the utmost training and confidence when it comes to utilizing our extensive line of photoanalysis systems. WipWare offers free training to individuals, companies, colleges, and universities interested in learning about our products. We recently conducted on-campus workshops for mining students at Queen’s University (Kingston), Laurentian University (Sudbury), and ÉTS University (Montreal). In addition to in-person sessions, we provide virtual training and have a library of training videos available for easy access.Mining students in photo learning WipFrag
For more information about WipWare training please contact support@wipware.com

For more information about our systems, please visit our YouTube channel.

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