MIPAC Blog

MIPAC: a one-stop shop for process control and optimisation services

Wed, 23 May 2012 02:50:00 GMT

MIPAC is a renowned for its control systems expertise but are you aware of the scope of our services?

We are skilled at implementing distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic control (PLC) systems and SCADA.

We are also experienced in developing industrial communications networks, and data management and management information systems.

Our DCS expertise includes:
•   ABB - Industrial IT
•   Bailey INFI 90
•   Taylor Mod 300
•   Emerson - DeltaV
•   Foxboro - IA
•   Honeywell
•   Metso DNA
•   Siemens – PCS7
•   Toshiba Taylor
•   Yokogawa – CS3000, Centum CS, uXL.

We are also experienced in PLC systems, notably:
•   Allen-Bradley / Rockwell
•   Schneider / Modicon
•   Toshiba
•   Siemens.

And we are well recognised for our SCADA skills, specifically in:
• Citect
• Wonderware.

MIPAC engineers have hands-on skills in implementing industrial communication networks and data management systems, including:
•   OsiSoft Pi
•   Archestra
•   OPC.

We also understand safety systems, system security, graphic design, user security, ergonomics, application programming, simulations and alarm strategies.

In addition, we offer electrical design and CAD services.

Our employees are our greatest asset and we are committed to their development. Our staff undertake regular industry training and we frequently conduct in-house training for most modern systems on dedicated training stations. We also invest considerable funds and time in appraising new products.

If you would like to know more about MIPAC’s full spectrum of services and our innovative, award-winning products, please email sales@mipac.com.au

Cheers Eddie

Eddie De Rivera
Managing director

MIPAC and XT bring Australian technology to the world

Wed, 16 May 2012 02:43:00 GMT

The latest issue of Engineers Australia's Mining 2012 magazine profiles MIPAC's work for GPM Gold (GeoProMining Gold LLC) in Armenia.

MIPAC is working with Xstrata Technology on installing an Albion Process™ plant at GPM Gold's Ararat processing operation which services the company’s open-cut gold mine.

While this is Xstrata Technology's fourth installation of the Albion Process™, it the first time MIPAC has installed this technology.

Please read the article here: Engineers Australia Mining 2012, Issue 2, May 2012

Cheers Eddie

Eddie De Rivera
Managing director, MIPAC

MIM thickeners and HBF plant upgrade

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:16:00 GMT

MIPAC’s design and systems configuration expertise is being put to good use at Xstrata Mount Isa Mines’s copper operations.

We are currently helping to replace ageing control systems for MIM's thickeners and hyperbaric filter (HBF) plant.

The project is part of Xstrata's upgrade of control systems across the site.

To overcome reliability and spare parts availability issues, the DCS and PLC systems are being replaced with latest-generation Yokogawa CS3000 DCS equipment, utilising PC-based operator interfaces.

Read our news story to find out more about this project and check out our Customer Projects section for other examples of how MIPAC's process control enginereering expertise optimises plants around the world.

Cheers Eddie

Eddie DeRivera
Managing director, MIPAC

Copper Monitors for Chile

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:25:00 GMT

Several of MIPAC's state-of-the-art copper concentration monitors are to be installed at the Anglo American-owned Mantos Blancos mine in northern Chile.

The Copper Monitors will provide continuous online monitoring of the copper content of liquors in electrolyte, minimising the need for manual chemical analysis of the liquor throughout the refining process.

They can contribute significantly to the safe operation of a refinery by facilitating the automatic control of the copper stripping process, thereby protecting against the production of potentially lethal arsine gas in the process.

When integrated with a plant-wide control system, the monitors increase operating efficiencies, contribute to safe operation and improve production quality.

The Mantos Blancos order came via MIPAC’s authorised agent in Chile, NYM, specialists in measurement, control and process optimisation.

Anglo-American joins a long list of Copper Monitor clients and we expect this order to be the first of many from the region.

Cheers Eddie

Training expertise tailored to client needs

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:07:00 GMT

MIPAC offers training as part of our project management services as well as standalone programs devised to address specific client needs.

Our three most-popular courses are in process control loop tuning, DCS maintenance and fault finding, and operator training.

MIPAC's extensive DCS process control knowledge and experience is what sets us apart from other training providers.

Senior systems engineer Kevin Kropf is one of our top trainers. Read more about how he can help your business or email sales@mipac.com.au for more information.

On behalf of MIPAC's management and staff, I wish all our clients a happy, relaxing and safe Easter break.

Cheers Eddie

Dedicated IsaMills™ team working around the world

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:30:00 GMT

MIPAC is delivering process control engineering solutions for an increasing number of IsaMill™ projects around the world.

To best attend to the growing scope of work, we have appointed a dedicated team of expert process control engineers who design and commission the E, I & C systems specifically for IsaMills™.

Led by Brian Forrester, the team is currently working with Xstrata Technology on three sites in Canada, as well as on projects in Peru, Russia, the United States of America, and Australia.

Click here to learn more about these projects utilising Xstrata Technology's state-of-the-art fine grinding equipment.

Cheers Eddie

MIPAC's first Albion Process™ plant

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:05:00 GMT

MIPAC's March newsletter is out and reports indicate that it's well read and is a valued communication tool.

Our lead story in this issue is about the delivery of an Albion Process™ plant for the GPM Gold Project in Armenia.

This is the first time MIPAC will work with Xstrata Technology on this ground-breaking technology.

To learn more, check out the story here.

MIPAC paddlers to make a splash at the 2012 Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Regatta

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:59:00 GMT

Twenty talented MIPACians are set to compete in the 2012 Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Regatta on Saturday, 11 February.

If you are in Brisbane, do come down to South Bank Esplanade (opposite Streets Beach) and cheer on our paddlers.

A Buddhist blessing will be held about 8am with races to commence immediately afterwards.

The Year of the Dragon will be celebrated with a splash and, hopefully, a win for our team.

Though win or lose, it will be a fun day on the water.

I hope to see you there.

Eddie De Rivera
Managing director

Tim Hausler wins AusIMM New Professional Award 2012

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:44:00 GMT

I am delighted to announce that MIPAC's senior systems engineer Tim Hausler has won AusIMM's New Professional Award 2012.

Tim joined MIPAC in 2003 while studying at QUT, becoming a graduate engineer in 2004.

He has proven himself to be a true professional; innovative but conscious of the need for proper engineering practices.

To learn more about Tim and his contribution to the development of MIPAC's tankhouse products, click here.

Tim's award is a fine way to end a very successful year for our company.

On behalf of everyone at MIPAC, I hope you enjoy a very happy and safe Christmas and that 2012 brings much prosperity for us all.

Cheers Eddie

Eddie De Rivera
Managing director

New materials handling system for George Fisher Mine

Wed, 23 May 2012 04:12:00 GMT

MIPAC engineers are currently hard at work at Xstrata Zinc's George Fisher Mine near Mount Isa. Using RSLogic 5000 PLC and Wonder Ware InTouch software, we're helping to introduce a new materials handling system which will expand the current operation to 4.5 Mtpa.

For more information about this project, due for completion in March 2012, visit http://www.mipac.com.au/CustomContentRetrieve.aspx?ID=928929

Cheers Eddie

MIPAC engineers are masters on and off the field

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:49:00 GMT

MIPAC engineers are top of their game, especially Martin Halsey who enjoys sticking it to his competitors on the hockey field.

Martin plays for Queensland and recently took annual leave to represent our state in the national masters championships in Canberra.

To learn more about our sports star, visit: http://tinyurl.com/3hqo6y2

Cheers Eddie

More and more IsaMills™

Wed, 23 May 2012 04:13:00 GMT

It's a very busy time for MIPAC at the moment, with a dozen IsaMill™ installations on the go in Canada, Peru and Australia.

If you want some details about these projects, do read our latest newsletter.

Cheers Eddie

Get greener with MIPAC

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:31:00 GMT

Climate change and the carbon tax are hot topics at the moment. Did you watch the ABC’s Four Corners this week?

To reduce your company’s energy emissions and operating costs, tap into the expertise of MIPAC’s engineers. We have proven ways to optimise manufacturing and processing operations, leading to a healthier natural environment and a healthier bottom line.

No matter if you are smelting lead, refining copper, brewing beer or processing milk, by fine-tuning and automating key processes your plant will be more efficient, and greener.

Visit our environment report web page to read case studies which show how MIPAC’s know-how and products transform our clients’ operations, their energy emissions and their bottom line.

Cheers Eddie

MIPAC in western Africa

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:08:00 GMT

MIPAC recently completed a project for an international mining company with a gold mine in western Africa.

The mine's SAG mill needed attention so MIPAC's engineers undertook a discovery mission, followed this up with a feasibility study and then control optimisation.

Our client is delighted with our efforts. Just a week after MIPAC launched the new control system, there was a five per cent improvement in throughput, equating to a $10-15 million a year increase in revenue.

To read more about this successful project, visit Gold Mine SAG mill control, western Africa

MIPAC in Mt Isa

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 03:03:00 GMT

MIPAC is proud to be sponsoring this weekend's AusIMM / Engineers Australia Engineering Ball in Mt Isa.

The night is sure to be a great success and I hope all attendees have a fun evening.

Cheers

Eddie De Rivera
Managing Director

MIPAC board members Tony Mathison, Eddie De Rivera, Bob Greenelsh, Geoff Gault and Don Robinson.