ERM Consulting were engaged to carry out a protection coordination study for a large Mine Site in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia. The study involved:
- System Modelling
- Develop Site Wide Protection Philosophy
- Conduct Load Flow Studies
- Conduct Short Circuit Studies
- Undertake Protection Coordination Studies for the Entire Mine Site Electrical Network
- Arc Flash Risk Assessments (Energy Levels and PPE Category)
- Provide easy to follow Reporting and Implementation Tables
Methodology
System Modelling in Power Flow Software was used to undertake all the works. The model was subsequently handed back to the client as owners of the final custodian of the package. This eliminates the need for unnecessary fees that most other Engineering Firms charge the clients. At ERM Consulting we think WIN / WIN – We Think of trusting industry relations facilitating great outcomes for all involved!
Application of the solution
Through following the First Principal Methodology, ERM Consulting were able to identify areas within the mine site that lacked protection coordination causing site wide blackouts. ERM Consulting were then able to implement new protection settings that meets the sites evolving requirements while not putting at risk the continued suppy and availability of the electrical power supply to the mine.
Conclusion
This project has resulted in an increase of production and reduction of unplanned down time costs whilst tremendously increasing operational safety. The maintenance personnel can now concentrate on fault finding on a specific area during an outage rather than the entire mine site’s electrical network!