AN INTELLIGENT DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME CONTROL OF CONE CRUSHERS

This paper reports a mechatronics solution for the automation of a con e crusher control system. The system design is based on a network of i ntelligent sensors and actuators, artificial intelligence technology a nd adaptive control. Knowledge-based system (KBS) technology is used t o define the optimum operational parameters which are maintained by an adaptive control system. A number of innovative wear sensors and pred ictive mathematical and fuzzy models are used to forecast the wear rat e and profile under different operational and environmental conditions . On-line diagnostics and fault analysis are provided by another KBS m odule. The system architecture is modular and based on distributed pro cessing and intelligence. The seamless integration capability of the m odules offers a progressive sophistication in technology which allows the automation to be phased in as required.