3D Unmanned Medium Addition System
The John Finlay 3D Unmanned Medium Addition System automates magnetite handling from stockpile to medium sump, reducing manual intervention and improving medium addition consistency. By combining 3D laser scanning, intelligent crane automation, precision weighing and PLC control, the system delivers accurate, repeatable medium make-up for stable dense medium circuit operation.
3D Laser Scan
Positioning
Fuzzy-Logic + VFD
Lifter Control
Per-Pick + Cumulative
Weighing
Anti-Sway + Load Cell
Sway Control
DEFINITION & OVERVIEW
What is the 3D Unmanned Medium Addition System?
The 3D Unmanned Medium Addition System automates the physical handling of magnetite from stockpile to medium sump, a task most washeries still run manually with a crane operator, a grab, and visual estimation of quantity.
3D laser scanning builds a point-cloud model of the magnetite stockpile to compute volume, weight and remaining capacity. A fuzzy-logic controller then chains the grab sequence from the medium yard to the addition pit, using a VFD-driven crane with positioning sensors for accurate, repeatable grabbing with anti-sway control and load-cell weighing keeping every pick precise.
The result is a system that turns magnetite make-up from a manually judged task into a measured, repeatable one each pick weighed individually and cumulatively, with automatic proportioning replacing operator estimation.
How It Works
3D scanning models the stockpile; a fuzzy-logic controller drives a VFD crane through the grab sequence into the addition pit.
Weighed, Not Estimated
Every pick is weighed individually and cumulatively, replacing operator judgement with a measured quantity.
Role in DMS Circuit
Removes manual dosing error from the density loop by making medium make-up a controlled, repeatable input.
Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
Positioning Method | 3D laser scanning, point-cloud processing |
3D laser scanning, point-cloud processing | Volume, weight, remaining capacity |
Lifter Control | Fuzzy-logic sequencing, VFD crane, positioning sensors |
Weighing | Per-pick and cumulative totals |
Proportioning | Automatic quantitative pick-up and suspension proportioning |
Stability Control | Anti-sway controller with load-cell feedback |
KEY FEATURES
Key Features & Performance Highlights
Four control systems work together to turn magnetite handling from a manual, visually-judged task into an automated, measured one.
3D Scanning and Positioning
Builds a 3D grid model of the magnetite pile point cloud processing, volume and weight computation, and remaining stockpile capacity, so the system always knows what's available before it picks.
Intelligent Lifter Control
A fuzzy-logic controller chains the grab sequence from the medium yard to the addition pit. A VFD-driven crane with positioning sensors delivers high-accuracy, repeatable grabbing without an operator manually judging each move.
Medium Management and Anti-Sway Control
Each pick is weighed precisely, with single and cumulative totals enabling accurate quantitative pick-up and automatic suspension proportioning. An anti-sway controller and load cell prevent lifter oscillation, so medium is placed accurately into the pit every time.
WORKING PRINCIPLE
How the Unmanned Medium Addition System Works
Four subsystems run in sequence to move magnetite from stockpile to sump without manual handling.
3D Stockpile Scanning
Laser scanning builds a 3D grid model of the magnetite pile, computing volume, weight and remaining stockpile capacity.
Grab Sequence Planning
A fuzzy-logic controller plans the grab sequence from the medium yard to the addition pit based on the current stockpile model.
Positioned Crane Movement
A VFD-driven crane with positioning sensors executes the sequence, delivering high-accuracy, repeatable grabbing.
Anti-Sway Stabilisation
An anti-sway controller and load cell prevent lifter oscillation in transit, so the load arrives stable.
Weighed Deposit and Proportioning
Each pick is weighed individually and cumulatively as it's placed into the addition pit, enabling automatic quantitative proportioning into the medium sump.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
3D Unmanned Medium Addition System | Technical Information
The 3D Unmanned Medium Addition System combines laser scanning, intelligent crane control, precision weighing and automated medium management into a single integrated handling solution.
The system continuously models the magnetite stockpile, executes automated grab sequences, weighs each transfer and proportionally adds medium to the circuit without manual intervention.
Detailed engineering specifications and project-specific configuration options can be provided during technical evaluation and site assessment.
COMPARISON
Manual vs. Unmanned Medium Addition
With System 07 (Unmanned)
Manual Medium Handling (Most Plants)
Applications of the 3D Unmanned Medium Addition System
System 07 is most valuable wherever magnetite make-up currently depends on manual crane operation and visual judgement.
Removing Manual Dosing Error
Weighed, proportioned pick-up replaces operator estimation as the source of medium make-up quantity.
High-Throughput Washeries
Continuous, automated handling supports plants where manual crane cycles can't keep pace with medium demand.
Crane Crew Reallocation
Automation reduces the crane crew to a supervisory role, freeing operators for higher-value tasks.
Stockpile Management
Real-time volume and weight computation gives visibility into remaining magnetite stock without manual measurement.
Density Loop Consistency
Removing manual dosing variability supports tighter density control upstream in the circuit.
Retrofits to Existing Medium Yards
Adds automated handling to an existing medium yard and addition pit without redesigning the circuit.
About John Finlay
Automated Medium Handling Supplier in India
Why John Finlay?
Coal Preparation Expertise
John Finlay supplies instrumentation, automation and process solutions designed specifically for coal beneficiation plants and dense medium circuits.
Integrated Process Solutions
Instrumentation is supplied as part of a complete plant optimisation approach, ensuring seamless integration with existing process control systems.
Local Engineering Support
Installation, commissioning and technical support are provided through John Finlay India’s engineering team.
Process-Focused Automation
Every solution is designed to improve process stability, reduce operating costs and increase plant reliability.
3D Unmanned Medium Addition System | Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from coal washery process engineers evaluating automated medium handling.
It automates magnetite pick-up from the stockpile, proportioning, and make-up to the medium sump replacing manual crane operation and visual quantity estimation with 3D scanning, weighed picks, and PLC control.
3D laser scanning builds a point-cloud grid model of the pile, computing volume, weight, and remaining stockpile capacity continuously.
Each pick is weighed precisely, with both single-pick and cumulative totals tracked, enabling accurate quantitative pick-up and automatic suspension proportioning.
An anti-sway controller paired with a load cell prevents lifter oscillation, so medium is placed accurately into the addition pit on every cycle.
It reduces the crane crew to a supervisory role rather than eliminating it entirely the system handles the grab, transit and placement sequence automatically under PLC control.
Improve Medium Handling Accuracy and Reduce Manual Intervention
Discover how automated magnetite handling can improve dense medium circuit stability, reduce operator dependency and support more consistent plant performance.
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