Simulation model to capture and use windows of idleness for maintenance in expedition systems of mining products

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a simulator that can predict windows of opportunity for maintenance activities at expedition systems for mining products. The simulator was developed considering the case of the Carajás mine in Para, one of the largest in Brazil. It is a heuristic model, based on prior knowledge of the researcher about the problem and on the study of the system´s operating logic. The result was an application called Expedition Simulation Mosaic. Tests were conducted from historical data and showed that the difference between the actual windows of opportunities occurred in the historical period and the simulated windows of opportunity for the same period was approximately 10% in favor of safety (estimated time at mosaic less than the actual time available for maintenance activities). This difference was considered acceptable, and confirmed the applicability of the Mosaic to support the maintenance planning, in order to optimize the use of opportunities and improve the performance of the system under study.