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PROCESSING SOLUTIONS Customer Benefits The mill modernization was completed in September 2011. The final switchover took just 72 hours, saving Robinson Mining 18 days of downtime. With the cost of inoperation as high as $100,000/hr, the innovative approach proved worth its weight in gold—and copper. With prolonged shutdown of the SAG mill not a viable option, the Siemens project team devised an approach that allowed them to install and test new components without stopping the mill. allowing Siemens to test new components while the existing system was still running. Upgrading the electronics provided a challenge as well as an opportunity to devise another innovative solution. Typically, an electronics upgrade involves swapping out old components and in- stalling new parts. This was not an option if Robinson Mining was to keep its mine operating. Instead, Siemens installed all of the new electronics within a compact, portable 'eContainer,' that was construct- ed in Indiana, shipped intact to Nevada and hoisted into position on the external platform, which was then enclosed for pro- tection from the elements. "The benefit of the eContainer was that we could assemble and test it remotely and then hoist it into place; it put us that much further ahead," said Brunson. "Siemens, from the beginning on this project, was willing to listen to us and understand our concerns. This was a very good partnership," said Brunson. With the new system up and running, Siemens said Robinson Mining can expect to reap long-term benefits such as greater reliability, along with improved performance and ease of use. The mill's new digital electronics system provides more precise control and greater diagnos- tic capability. A user-friendly interface delivers information to operators more efficiently, resulting in higher productivi- ty. Energy efficiency also has improved. With the new power conversion system in place, the mill can perform the same amount of work with less energy. The benefits to Robinson Mining extend beyond just the upgrade, accord- ing to Siemens. Through a comprehen- 128 E&MJ; • NOVEMBER 2012 www.e-mj.com