In January 2020, WipWare technician Thomas de Sousa visited Peña Colorada in Mexico to commission a two-camera Momentum 5 Particle Size Analysis System. The installation expanded WipWare’s presence at the iron ore operation, adding real-time particle size monitoring at two conveyor locations to support material characterization and process optimization.
Peña Colorada was already using WipWare technology following the installation of a Solo 5 system in 2019. During the January 2020 visit, Thomas de Sousa also investigated software and connectivity issues affecting the existing Solo system. After inspecting the equipment, the team determined that the camera head would be returned to WipWare for further troubleshooting and repair.
The new Momentum 5 installation consisted of two camera assemblies positioned above separate conveyor belts.
Following an inspection of the preliminary installations, the Momentum frames were assembled and the electrical and network connections verified. The camera assemblies were then installed and calibrated to the site’s operating conditions.
Both systems were successfully commissioned and began collecting real-time particle size data.
The following day, WipWare provided training to Peña Colorada personnel, familiarizing the team with the new equipment and its operation.
Peña Colorada subsequently highlighted the value of WipWare’s real-time fragmentation monitoring technology in supporting autogenous grinding performance:
WipWare technology allows us to measure, monitor and control the distribution of size, shape, uniformity and volume of iron ore that feeds autogenous grinding, in real-time. This improves AG mill performance and increases milling efficiency, productivity and profit. — Rubí Enciso Pérez, Peña Colorada
For WipWare’s current generation of conveyor particle size monitoring technology, explore the Solo Conveyor Analysis System, designed to provide continuous measurements of particle size distribution and other material characteristics to support process monitoring and optimization.
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