Basic engineering

Basic engineering of central control systems

Basic engineering has no generally accepted definition. In the case of centralized control systems (CCS) complexes, it involves a more in-depth study of a specific feasibility study for the complex's configuration and its key parameters.

The main tasks of basic engineering:

1. Creation of a preliminary design of the complex with the precise arrangement of equipment in plan and profile.
2. Determination of the volume of mining and capital works , including:
• cutting or filling the route;
• formation of horizons for the installation of stationary or mobile equipment;
• taking into account the radius and operating range of warehouse or dump equipment.
3. A preliminary plan for the support locations of all equipment, including load calculations, is produced . Based on this, a preliminary construction specification is developed , specifying the precise dimensions and locations of anchor elements, tying the complex to the actual topography.
4. Development of precise equipment sketches , including operating ranges:
• conveyor drum configuration;
• lengths of loading and unloading booms;
• angles of inclination, rotation and convergence of structures;
• minimum and maximum height marks of moving drums.
5. Performing drive power calculations and developing detailed specifications for major equipment components , including: motors, gearboxes, drums, rollers, belts, tensioners, lubrication and hydraulic systems, bearings, hydraulic hammers, magnetic separators, metal detectors, conveyor scales, feeder components, etc.
6. Development of basic power supply diagrams and specifications for the main components of electrical equipment and automated process control systems.

Benefits of high-quality basic engineering:

• accurate determination of the cost of construction and installation works;
• the possibility of starting capital mining works and preparing design documentation for passing state examination;
• acceleration of the start of construction work;
• issuance of detailed technical specifications for equipment to minimize capital expenditures through tender proposals;
• the ability to make changes to technological solutions at the basic engineering stage without significant additional costs;
• assessment of the quality of work of a potential supplier-integrator of detailed design and supply of equipment (basic engineering serves as a “test period”).

Flaws:

• long lead times (from 3 to 6 months);
• cost of work;
• No order for detailed design and equipment supply can be placed until the basic engineering is completed.

Recommendations for ordering basic engineering:

• if there is no confidence in the choice of supplier-integrator;
• with a high probability of changes in technological solutions and equipment layout.