As one of the operational optimization initiatives, Tesra and its technology partner Sixth Sense Processware have developed the Thermal Monitoring System for the EW Tankhouse or TTMS. Its main purpose is to detect heat losses or short circuits between cathode and anodes during the harvesting cycle. The system performs automatic scans through the use of thermal imaging cameras mounted on the tankhouse cranes, that once completed generates a report with their exact location enabling the user to take immediate action to eliminate the shorts. The elimination of shorts improves the energy efficiency and produces a safer operation for workers.
This system was implemented Spence as part of the BHP-Billiton Innovation Cluster. The system has also been implemented in Minera Escondida.
Consulting, engineering and railway services
Tesra provides for the railway sector technical solutions and engineering services such as technical inspection railroad construction and consulting services for railroad safety and operation improvement.
Railroad Projects and services:
• Engineering projects for new railroad from conceptual to in-detail engineering.
• Engineering Projects for level crossings with automated signaling systems (according to American standards AREMA).
• Rail Terminals projects with integrated control system for convoy maneuvers.
• Technical Inspection and construction supervision of railroad projects and loading & unloading terminals.
• Consulting services for track materials procurement both new and reused.
• Consulting services on railway safety, verification of standards for transportation of hazardous materials according to local and American regulations.
• Inspection services of rails with ultrasound and measurements of rails and wheels for wear.
• Lubrication services of railroads with stationary equipment and Hi-Rail vehicles.
• Implementation of hi-rail vehicles (road & rail vehicles).
Video-inspection of piping systems for pulp and tailings transportation and aqueducts.
A visual evaluation of the inside of pipe is the main tool for identifying anomalies, such as cuts in the inner lining, globbing, defective fusion welds, deformation, loss of material, corrosion, among other types of defect. These visual inspections help prevent pipe failures that usually carry along environmentally catastrophic events, high costs for the operation, huge material losses as well to the community and wildlife.
TESRA´s video inspection system includes push-cams for pipes of 2" and 4" insider diameter and a range of 300 ft, plus a set of tracked crawlers or robots configurable for different pipe diameter from 6", 7", 9" and up to 56", all with a range of 1500 ft (500 meters).
The robots are equipped with 40X zoom digital cameras that rotate 360° on the longitudinal axis and 270° pitch rotation, capable of visualizing any detail all recordable in digital media. The cameras are equipped with a laser tools that help measure the dimensions of any internal damage in the pipe internal wall. Finally, a GIS system keeps track of all videos, findings and events with online access to better manage the maintenance planning of the pipeline.
Tesra is currently developing in conjunction with the manufacturer a long-range crawler system with a range of over 3,000 meters.
