idoba designs control optimisation to reduce wagon load variability and increase train speed

How idoba supercharged an iron ore producer’s transport efficiency by 2.5Mtpa 

At idoba we’re up for cracking open a puzzle. An iron ore client wasn’t seeing the efficiency it needed at its train load out facility, as a result of variable wagon weights. Our expert team set about identifying and eliminating the causes of this volatility.  

Our engineers determined that the train speed camera system wasn’t accurate enough. So we developed an alternate detection system. Plus we put in place ramp control for clamshell positioning and better tuned control parameters so that trains could be loaded more accurately. Together, these solutions increased train speed and rail loading capacity by around 5 loaded trains per day.

Before our transformative project, our client knew that unpredictable weights at its train load out facility resulted in wagon overloads. To lower the possibility of overloading, operations reduced the wagon weight set point. This meant that train loading speed was not as high as it could be – and less resources were transported each day. 

We think efficiency innovation shouldn’t stand still. Our two-pronged solution reduced train loading time by around 25 minutes and increased train weights by 320 tonnes. Our client is now transporting 743,000 more tonnes of iron ore every year. The additional trains that came in as a result has rocketed rail capacity by 2.5 million tonnes each year. 

Together we’ve developed a smart efficiency solution that helps power our steel infrastructures.