Computer-Aided Copper Converter Scheduling at Magma

Summary

Development work on a computer-aided converter scheduling system began in 1979 and became operational in March 1980. The primary purpose of the project was to supply near-continuous high-strength SO₂ gases to the acid plant by optimizing the blowing of a combination of two and three converters and reducing the periods of zero and one converter operation. Scheduling is carried out in a strategically located control room commanding an overview of the converter aisle. A dedicated data acquisition microcomputer provides a continuous CRT graphic display of the converter operating status, prints out comprehensive production reports, displays instantaneous productivity status during the shift, and suggests an optimum converter operating combination. To date, two- and three-converter blowing time has improved 27.4%, reverb-converter productivity improved 9%, and the acid plant production increased 43.75%, with SO₂ strength in feed gases increased by 33.7%.