AU2011242137A1 - Material transfer - Google Patents

Abstract

A method, processing system, system and material transfer system for controlling material transfer is disclosed. In particular, in one aspect the system includes one or more movable shelfs extending upon an internal surface of a chute, wherein the one or more movable 5 shelfs retain material to define a protective layer within the chute; and one or more actuators for selectively moving at least some of the one or more movable shelfs relative to the internal surface of the chute. -6/17 30a 930 M/ 32a 65a 30b F R65c 4 -164

Description

Australian Patents Act 1990 - Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title Material transfer The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: P/00/0 IO 1 1 (Y) MATERIAL TRANSFER Technical Field The present invention relates to a method, processing system, system, and material transfer 5 system for controlling material transfer. Background The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or 10 admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Transfer chutes are used extensively in transporting materials, such as ores, within heavy 15 industries. However, a number of problems exist with current implementations of transfer chutes. Transfer chutes generally include one or more fixed shelfs that extend within the chute which are configured to collect and retain material thereon to define a layer of material 20 upon the internal wall of the chute. As material is transferred through the chute, the material wears against the internal layer of material collected by the shelfs, thereby reducing the wear against the internal walls of the chute. This arrangement thereby extends the lifetime of the chute. 25 However, the shelfs over time begin to wear due to the transferred material, and thus the shelfs require maintenance. The material that is collected needs to be cleared from the shelfs which is not an easy task, particularly as to the layer of material is generally a solid mass retained by the respective chutes due the substantial force that the transferred material applies to the layer during transfer. 30 Problems also exist in relation to the flow of material through the chute. If the material -2 flowing through the chute is too fast, there may be undue wear on the shelfs and/or the chute. If the material is flowing too slowly, there may be a blockage in the chute which can reduce the efficiency of the material transfer system. 5 Therefore there is a need to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems, or provide a commercial alternative. Summary In a first aspect there is provided a method for use in transferring material, the method 10 including: determining a parameter value associated with at least one parameter relating to material in a chute; and adjusting, in accordance with the determined parameter value and relative to an internal support surface of a chute, one or more movable shelfs for defining an internal 15 material transfer profile of the chute. In certain forms, one or more actuators are operably connected to the one or more shelfs, wherein the method includes actuating at least some of the one or more actuators to adjust at least some of the shelfs. 20 In other forms, the one or more shelfs extend inwardly from the internal support surface of the chute, wherein the method includes actuating at least some of the one or more actuators to adjust a distance which the one or more shelfs extend inwardly from the internal support surface. 25 In certain embodiments, at least some of the actuators are operably connected to a respective plurality of shelfs, wherein the method includes simultaneously adjusting the one or more shelfs to adjust the internal material transfer profile of the chute. 30 In embodiments, at least some of the actuators are operably connected to a single shelf, wherein the method includes selectively actuating one or more of the actuators to -3 selectively adjust portions of the internal material transfer profile of the chute. In optional forms, the method includes: comparing the parameter value to a threshold; and 5 in the event that the threshold is satisfied, adjusting at least some of the one or more movable shelfs. In optional forms, the threshold value is determined at least partially in accordance with the parameter value. 10 In optional embodiments, the method includes determining the parameter value which is indicative of one of: a material amount; a material flow rate; 15 a material volume; a material density; a material weight; a material size; a material gradation; 20 a material moisture content; and, a material clay content. In optional embodiments, in the event that the parameter value is indicative of the material weight, the method includes: 25 determining a combined weight of the material and the chute; and determining the parameter value indicative of the material weight by subtracting a known weight of the chute from the combined weight. Optionally, the threshold is an upper threshold, and wherein the method includes actuating 30 at least some of the actuators to retract the shelfs in response to the amount of material exceeding an upper threshold.

-4 In certain forms, the threshold is a lower threshold, and wherein the method includes actuating at least some of the actuators to extend the shelfs in response to the amount of material falling below a lower threshold. 5 In another form, the chute is pivotable, via an angular chute actuator, to adjust an angle of the chute, wherein the method includes adjusting, by actuating the angular chute actuator and in accordance with the determined parameter value, the angle of the chute. 10 In certain embodiments, the method includes: determining a plurality of parameter values relating to the material in the chute; comparing the parameter values to respective thresholds; and in the event that one or more of the thresholds are satisfied, adjusting at least some of the one or more movable shelfs. 15 In a second aspect there is provided a processing system for use in transferring material in a material transfer chute, wherein the processing system is configured to perform the method of the first aspect. 20 In a particular form, the processing system is configured to determine the parameter value in accordance with one or more signals received from at least one sensor. In another form, the processing system is configured to generate control signals to control an actuator control unit, wherein the actuator control unit is responsive to the control 25 signals to move the one or more shelfs. In a third aspect there is provided a system for use in transferring material, wherein the system includes: one or more movable shelfs extending upon an internal surface of a chute, wherein 30 the one or more movable shelfs retain material to define a protective layer within the chute; and - 5 one or more actuators for selectively moving at least some of the one or more movable shelfs relative to the internal surface of the chute. In a certain form, the system includes: 5 at least one sensor for generating one or more signals for determining at least one parameter relating to material for transfer via the chute; and a processing system for: determining the at least one parameter value in accordance the one or more signals received from at least one sensor; and 10 selectively operating at least some of the one or more actuators to thereby selectively move at least some of the shelfs. In another form, the at least one sensor generates the one or more signals at least partially indicative of: 15 a material amount; a material flow rate; a material volume; a material density; a material weight; 20 a material size; a material gradation; a material moisture content; and, a material clay content. 25 In certain embodiments, the at least one sensor is at least one of: a load cell; and a strain gauge. In optional embodiments, each shelf includes an angled liner for collecting the material to 30 define the protective layer -6 In particular forms, each shelf includes: a fixed shelf portion which is mounted to the internal support surface of the chute; and a movable shelf portion having a first end movably connected to the fixed shelf 5 portion, and a second end supporting the respective liner. In particular embodiments, at least one of the one or more actuators is operably connected to a plurality of the shelfs, wherein actuation of the at least one of the one or more actuators causes simultaneous movement of the respective plurality of shelfs. 10 In certain forms, the at least one of the one or more actuators is coupled to a pivoting support member and wherein the respective shelfs are pivotally coupled to the pivoting support member, wherein actuation of the at least one of the one or more actuators causes the pivoting support member to pivot, thereby causing the respective shelfs to move 15 relative to the internal support surface of the chute. Optionally, each movable shelf portion of at least some of the shelfs are pivotally coupled to the pivoting support member via a respective rod. 20 In an optional form, the chute is pivotable, via an angular chute actuator, to adjust an angle of the chute, wherein the system includes an angular chute actuator is actuated in accordance with the determined parameter value to adjust the angle of the chute. In a fourth aspect there is provided a material transfer system including: 25 a chute; and the system according to the third aspect In certain forms, the chute includes a chute outlet, and wherein the chute outlet includes: a first end; and 30 a second end, the second end being aligned downstream of the first end in a transport direction, and the first end being wider than the second end.

-7 In certain embodiments, the chute includes an inlet cover for directing material received from a first transport system to a chute inlet. 5 In particular embodiments, the inlet cover is configured to retain material to thereby reduce inlet cover wear. Other embodiments will be appreciated throughout the description. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure IA is a schematic of an example of a material transfer system having a plurality of 15 movable shelfs in a retracted position; Figure lB is a schematic of the material transfer system of Figure IA, wherein at least one of the plurality of movable shelfs are moved to an extended position; 20 Figure 2A is a schematic of the material transfer system of Figure IA, wherein the dotted line shows a first operating profile wherein the plurality of movable shelfs are in the retracted position; Figure 2B is a schematic of the material transfer system of Figure 2A, wherein at least 25 some of the plurality of movable shelfs are in the extended position and the schematic illustrates a second operating profile; Figure 3 is a schematic of a first example of a movable shelf arrangement for use in the material transfer system of Figure IA; 30 Figure 4 is a schematic of a second example of a movable shelf arrangement for use in the -8 material transfer system of Figure IA; Figure 5 is a block diagram of a processing system for use in the material transfer system of Figure IA; 5 Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of operating the material transfer system of Figure ]A; Figure 7 is a schematic of a further example of a material transfer system including a 10 pivotable chute and movable shelfs; Figure 8 is a flow chart outlining the operation of the material transfer system of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a flow chart representing a second example method of operating the material 15 transfer system of Figure 7; Figures 1OA and lOB are schematic diagrams of examples of the inlet cover of Figure 7; Figures 1 IA is a schematic diagram of an example of the chute of Figure 7; 20 Figure 1 B is a schematic diagram of an example of the chute outlet of Figure 7; and Figures 12A to 12C are schematic diagrams of an example of the material transfer system of Figure IA. 25 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to Figures IA, lB, 2A and 2B, there is shown a material transfer system 10 including one or more movable shelfs 30. 30 In this example, the material transfer system 10 includes a first material transport assembly 110, such as a discharge conveyor belt, which is utilised to supply material 70, such as raw -9 deposits or the like, to an inlet cover 120. The inlet cover 120 is coupled to a chute 130, including a chute inlet 131 and a chute outlet 132. The chute outlet 132 is positioned above a second material transport assembly 140, such as a receiving conveyor belt, to allow material 70 to be deposited thereon. The second material transport assembly 140, 5 may include an impact absorber 141, such as a series of shock absorbers, designed to absorb the impact of material 70 exiting the chute outlet 132. An inner surface 133 of the wall 134 of the chute 130 includes a plurality of shelfs 20 which extend therefrom. The shelfs 20 are able to retain material 70 to define a layer of 10 material 80 extending along the chute 130 having a particular operating profile 90 on the inner surface 133 of the chute 130 so as to reduce the wear on the inner surface 133 of the chute 130. At least some of the shelfs 20 are movable, by one or more actuators 40, between a retracted position as shown in Figure IA which illustrates the layer of material 80 having a first operating profile 90a. and an extended position, as shown in Figure IB 15 which illustrates the layer of material 80 having a second operating profile 90b. In particular, at least some of the shelfs 20 extend or retract relative to the inner surface 133 of the wall 134 that supports the respective movable shelfs 20. The movement of the shelfs 20 provides one or more advantages. In the event that the 20 shelfs 20 require maintenance, the movement of the shelfs 20 from the retracted position to the extended position allows for the material retained by the respective shelfs 20 to be more easily cleared such that the maintenance and repair can be carried out. Additionally or alternatively, the movement of the shelfs 20 allow for the internal operating profile 90 of the chute 130 to be adjusted thus allowing for an operator to control the flow of material 25 70 through the chute 130. In particular, the adjustment of the internal operating profile 90, or portions thereof, enables adjustment of the flow of material 70 through the chute 130. The adjustment of the flow of the material 70 via the use of the movable shelfs 20 can be utilised to reduce the occurrence of blockages within the chute 130 and/or excessive wear of the shelfs 20 and/or the chute 130. 30 The shelfs 20 generally include a semi-circular, horse-shoe shaped profile as shown in - 10 Figure 13A and 1313, wherein Figure 13A shows the shelf in the retracted state and Figure 13B shows the shelf in an extended state (the dotted line in Figure 13B shows the position of the shelf 20 in the retracted state compared to the shelf 20 in the extended state). When at least some of the shelfs 20 move from the retracted position to the extended position, the 5 cross-sectional area of the chute 130, or one or more portions of the chute 130, reduces thereby reducing the maximum flow rate of material 70 through the chute 130. Similarly, when at least some of the shelfs 20 are retracted, the diameter of the chute 130 increases, thereby increasing the maximum flow rate of material 70 through the chute 130. 10 Referring to Figure 3 there is shown a schematic of a first example of a movable shelf arrangement 30 for use in the material transfer system of Figures 1 and 2. In particular, Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a single movable shelf 20 of a movable shelf arrangement 30. In particular, the movable shelf arrangement 30 includes a 15 movable shelf 20 that is operably connected to an actuator 40. The movable shelf 30 includes a first shelf portion 31 mounted to the inner surface 133 of the chute 130, and a second movable shelf portion 32 that is operably connected to the actuator 40. One end of the movable portion 32 of the shelf 30 includes a ledge liner 33 that is angled to collect material to define the internal operating profile 50 of the chute. 20 Whilst Figure 3 only shows a single shelf 30, it will be appreciated from Figures 1 and 2 that a number of individually operable shelfs 30 can be provided along the length, or at least a portion, of the chute. When the actuator 40 is actuated, the movable portion of the shelf 32 extends or retracts relative to the internal wall of the chute 130 to thereby adjust 25 the internal operating profile 50 of the chute 130. Specifically, by adjusting the one or more shelfs 30, the angular slope P of portions of the internal operating profile 90 of the chute 130 can be selectively controlled. This thereby allows greater control of the flow of material 70 through the chute 130. 30 The actuator 40 may be provided in many different forms. However, in a preferred embodiment, the actuator is a pneumatic actuator that is operated by a processing system -11 550 as will be discussed in more detail below. An actuator control unit 164 may be operably coupled to one or more actuators 40, wherein the actuator control unit 164 is able to receive electrical signals from the processing system 550 to actuate the one or more actuators. The actuator control unit 164 can be associated with a single actuator 40 or a 5 plurality of actuators 40. As will be appreciated by the movable shelf arrangement 30 of Figure 3, a respective actuator 40 can be provided for each shelf 20, thus allowing for selective, independent operation of a particular shelf 20 or selection of shelfs 20 via the respective actuator 40 or 10 actuators 40. However, as shown in Figure 4, an alternate movable shelf arrangement 30 can be provided wherein an actuator 40 is operably connected to a plurality of shelfs 20a, 20b, 20c. In particular, the actuator 40 is pivotally coupled to one end of a pivoting support member 60. An opposing end of the pivoting support member 60 is pivotally coupled to the chute 130 via a shelf support 61. A plurality of rods 65a, 65b, 65c extend between, and 15 are pivotally coupled at, points of the pivoting support member 60 and respective movable shelf portions 32 of the shelfs 20a, 20b, 20c. When the actuator 40 is actuated, the pivoting support member 60 pivotally moves, thereby causing the rods 65a, 65b, 65c to move, which results in each shelf 20a, 20b, 20c 20 simultaneously extending or retracting relative to the inner surface 133 of the chute 130. As can be seen in Figure 4, each shelf 20 may move various distances within the chute 130 due to the pivoting movement of the pivoting support member 60. In particular, shelf 30c in Figure 4 extends inwardly the furthest compared to shelf 30b and shelf 30a. 25 It will be appreciated that the material transfer system 10 utilising the movable shelf arrangement 30 of Figure 4 may be configured such that a portion of the shelfs 30 within the chute 130 may be simultaneously actuated. In particular, a first portion of shelfs 20 may be operably connected to a first actuator 40, a second portion of shelfs 20 may be operably connected to a second actuator 40, and so on. In this instance, a portion of the 30 shelfs 20 can be simultaneously operated, whilst some control is still provided over the movement of shelf groups, thus allowing for portions of the internal operating profile 90 of - 12 the chute 130 to be selectively adjusted. In one form, the material transfer system 10 may include one or more sensors 153, wherein sensor values of the sensors may be used to automate, or at least partially automate, the 5 operation of the movable shelfs 20. Specifically, each sensor value may be indicative of a material parameter of the material that can be used to determine if adjustment of the movable shelfs 20 is required. The at least one material parameter can vary depending on the preferred implementation. The material parameter is selected to ensure continuous flow of material 70 within the chute 130, and in particular, to prevent blockages, whilst 10 ensuring that at least some material remains in the chute to form the protective layer of material 80 so as to reduce wear of the shelfs and/or chute. Example material parameters include: - a material amount; - a material flow rate; 15 - a material volume; - a material density; - a material weight; - a material size; - a material gradation; 20 - a material moisture content; and - a material clay content. In the event that the parameter material is the material weight, this may be indicative of the material contained within the chute (i.e. material supported by the shelfs and the material 25 being transferred), the material entering the chute and/or the material exiting the chute. The movement of the shelfs 20 can be performed between periods of material transfer or during periods of material transfer. In the event that the flow of material 70 through the chute 130 is to be maintained at a substantially constant flow rate, the movement of the 30 shelfs 20 may be adjusted throughout the material transfer process. To achieve this, parameters regarding the material can be monitored utilising a processing system 550.

- 13 Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a suitable processing system 550 for the material transfer system 10. In particular, the processing system 550 can be operably connected to the one or more actuators 40 of the material transfer system to control the movement of the 5 shelfs 20. The processing system 550 is additionally in communication with the one or more sensors 153. In particular, the processing system 550 is formed from a processor 560 coupled to a memory 561, an input/output device 562 such as a keyboard and display or the like and an external interface 563 via a bus 564. The external interface 563 is coupled to the sensors 153 and the one or more actuator control units 164 as shown. The processor 10 560 executes software stored in the memory 561 to control the actuation of the actuators 40 of the material transfer system 10. Control commands may be supplied via a user, with operational parameters, or other information being displayed via the 1/O device 562. In use, the processor 560 receives signals from the sensors 153, wherein the one or more 15 signals are indicative of one or more parameters of the material. The signals can be indicative of the material 70 to be transferred, being transferred, or has been transferred. The one or more signals are then compared to threshold values, or previous measured weights determined from the memory 561, allowing the processor 560 to generate control signals. The control signals are supplied to the actuator control unit 164, via the external 20 interface 563, thereby controlling the movement of the shelfs 20, thereby adjusting the internal operating profile 90 of the chute 130. It would be appreciated from this that a wide range of processing systems 550 may be used and that this may therefore be in the form of a standard generalised computer system or the 25 like, or alternatively, and typically more preferably, is in the form of a custom processing unit such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). As discussed above, the processing system 550 executes software to determine if the shelfs 20 need adjustment. The software executed by the processing system 550 will now be 30 described in relation to the method depicted by the flowchart of Figure 6.

- 14 In particular, at step 610 at least one parameter value relating to a parameter of the material 70 in the chute 130 is determined (generally referred to as a "material parameter"), with an assessment being made at step 610 of whether the at least one parameter value is acceptable. If the at least one parameter value is acceptable the process simply returns to 5 step 610 to determine a new value for the at least one parameter, allowing the process to be repeated in a monitored manner. However if it is deemed that the value of the at least one parameter is unacceptable, then the internal operating profile 90 of the chute 130 can be adjusted by the processing system via movement of one or more shelfs 20 at step 620. 10 As discussed above, the parameters which the processing system 550 can utilise to determine if the movable shelfs 20 require movement can be wide ranging. It will be appreciated that the above material parameters are for the purpose of illustration only and that in practice other material parameters and/or non-material parameters may be used. It will also be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that acceptable values for any one or 15 more of the parameters amount may be defined in any one of a number of manners. In a first example, acceptable material parameter values can be defined by upper and lower threshold values. In particular, if the material parameter being monitored is the weight of material in the chute 130, then these threshold values can be set based on the optimum 20 weight of material in the chute 130. If a current material -weight exceeds the upper threshold, then this is indicative that a blockage has occurred and that there is a build up of material in the chute. Conversely, if the current material weight falls below the lower threshold, then this indicates that there is insufficient material is contained in the chute, which can lead to undue chute wear as will be described in more detail below. 25 It will also be appreciated that the threshold values may be selected depending on other material parameters. Thus, for example, the upper and lower threshold values can be selected dependent on the material density, moisture content, clay content, or the like. This may be required as the material parameters will influence the flow characteristics of 30 the material. Similarly, the threshold may depend on other parameters, such as the nature (i.e. shape) of the chute. Accordingly, different thresholds may need to be defined for - 15 different designs of chute. In a second alternative example however, the determination of whether the weight of material in the chute 130 is acceptable can be made by examining variations in the weight 5 of material in the chute 130 over time. Thus, for example if the weight of material contained in the chute 130 increases, this may indicate a blockage, whereas a reduction may indicate a flow reduction. The weight of material in the chute 130 may be determined in any one of a number of 10 ways. For example, this can be achieved by monitoring the weight of material entering and exiting the chute, with variations between the two values being used to determine the weight of material in the chute 130. This can be achieved via load sensors on discharge and receiving conveyor belts which sense a weight of material over a portion of the respective belts. Additionally or alternatively, if the material parameter was indicative of 15 the amount of material in the chute, the system can be configured to monitor the volume of material entering or exiting the chute. This may be achieved using optical or other flow rate or volume sensors. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the combined weight of the chute 130 and the 20 material contained therein can be measured, which given a known chute weight stored in memory of the processing system, can be used to determine a material weight which can be used to derive a material volume. In one example, this is achieved using sensors 153 attached to a support frame 150 of the chute 130. In this example, the sensors 153 may be load cells, strain gauges, or the like and are adapted-to provide an output signal indicative 25 of the weight of the chute 130 and any material 70 contained therein. It will be appreciated that other material parameters may also be detected using suitable sensors 153. Thus, for example, the material clay and moisture contents, the material density and gradation may be determined by sampling the material supplied to the chute 30 130 and making appropriate measurements using a suitable mechanism as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

- 16 Whilst such monitoring can be performed manually, it will be appreciated that this could require constant, or at least periodic checking of the current weight or other parameters, and hence repeated intervention, which is time consuming for operators and hence a costly 5 procedure. Therefore, it is preferred that the acquisition of the parameter values is automated at least partially if possible. A further example of a material transfer system 10 for transferring material will now be described with reference to Figure 7. 10 In particular, the chute 130 includes the movable shelf arrangement 30 discussed in relation to Figures 1 to 6 although it will be appreciated that the movable shelf arrangement 30 has been omitted from Figure 7 for clarity. The chute 130 of the material transfer system 10 is further configured to be pivotable such that the angular tilt of the 15 chute 130 is adjustable as well as the internal operating profile 90 of the chute 130. In particular, the chute 130 is held in position by a support system such as a frame shown generally at 150. The support frame 150 includes a number of support members 151 provided in a suitable arrangement to support the chute 130 via a mounting 152. This 20 allows the chute 130 to be moved, and in particular pivoted between the positions shown in solid and dotted lines in Figure 7, thereby allowing a chute angle aX to be varied. An actuator 160, which in this example is in the form of a piston having a body 161 and an arm 162, is coupled to the support frame 150 via a pivot mounting 154, and to the chute 25 130 via a pivot mounting 163. It will be appreciated however that any suitable actuator may be used. In use, activation of the actuator 160 allows the chute to be moved, allowing the angle a to be varied to any desired value. Whilst any chute angle may be used, the range over which 30 the angle may be varied is typically relatively small, and is usually less than 25*, and more typically less than 10* and often less than 5'. Typical gradients therefore range from 40* - 17 to 50*. In one example, the chute angle a is modified during chute operation to ensure that material flows continuously down the chute 130, at a relatively constant flow rate. In 5 particular, this can be used to prevent the occurrence of blockages and/or reduce the wear of the shelfs and/or the chute. To achieve the desired flow rate, it is typical to monitor parameters regarding the material present in the chute 130 at any one time, as has been described previously. 10 A method of operating the material transfer system 10 of Figure 7 will now be described with respect to Figure 8. In particular, at step 800 at least one parameter value relating to a parameter of the material 70 is determined with an assessment being made at step 810 of whether the at least one 15 parameter value is acceptable. If the at least one parameter value is acceptable the process simply returns to step 800 to determine a new value for the at least one parameter, allowing the process to be repeated. However if it is deemed that the value of the at least one parameter is unacceptable, then at least one of the chute 130 is tilted and the one or more shelfs 20 are moved at step 820. 20 Similarly to the movement of the shelfs 20, the chute angle a can be adjusted dynamically by a suitable processing system. The processing system 550 described in relation to Figure 5 may also be used to receive the sensor signals and determine if adjustment to the angular tilt of the chute 130 is required. However, it will be appreciated that a separate processing 25 system can be utilised in addition to the processing system 550 for the angular adjustment of the chute 130. It will be appreciated that the same or similar parameters for determining if the movable shelfs 20 require adjustment can also be used to determine if the angular tilt of the chute 30 130 requires adjustment.

- 18 A more specific example of the operation of the material transfer system of Figure 7 will now be described in more detail with respect to Figure 9. In particular, at step 900 it is necessary to determine the material to be transferred via the 5 chute 130, and the current material parameter values at step 910. In particular, this is important as it is necessary to know the nature of the material, and hence values of the material parameters such as clay or moisture content outlined above, to determine the expected or idealised weight of material in the chute. 10 It would be appreciated that the nature of the material to be supplied and material parameters will depend on a number of factors, such as operation of other parts of the material processing environment. Thus, this information may be supplied automatically from other processing systems, or may be entered manually using the 1/0 device 562. Additionally, or alternatively, it may be necessary to make measurements of the material 15 using other sensor systems (not shown). This can be used for example to determine the moisture or clay content of the material, as well as the gradation (particle size) or the like. It will further be appreciated that in many examples the chute 130 is used to transfer only one type of material throughout its life. Accordingly, it is possible that the material 20 parameters determined at step 910 may be input only once during initial configuration of the system. However, more typically, even if the same material is being supplied, values of parameters such as the moisture and clay content, and the gradation will vary over time, and more typically these are therefore determined on a periodic basis. 25 At step 920 the determined material and associated material parameter values are used to determine or select from reference values, preferred upper and lower threshold values. In particular, in this example, these represent the preferred upper and lower combined weights for the chute 130 and material contained therein. It will be appreciated that these will typically be stored in the memory 561, and may be determined by experiment, or 30 previous monitoring of the chute 130.

- 19 Thus, for example, the chute 130 may undergo a period of initialisation. During this process, the weight of material in chute can be monitored, with an indication being recorded of when blockages occur, or insufficient material is present in the chute, thereby allowing the parameters to be determined. This allows custom threshold values to be set 5 based on the configuration of the respective chute, so that different chutes can utilise different threshold values. At step 930, and during transfer of material 70, the processing system 550 operates to receive signals from one or more sensors such as the strain gauges or load cells 153 and 10 determine that the current weight of the chute 130 and the material contained therein. At step 940, the current weight is compared to the upper threshold. If the upper threshold is exceeded, then this is indicative of a blockage within the chute 130. Accordingly, the processing system 550 operates to generate control signals, which are transferred to the 15 actuator control unit 164 causing the chute angle a to be increased (i.e. tilted toward vertical) and/or the one or more shelfs 20 to be retracted. This will increase the rate of material flow, and hence the momentum of material travelling through the chute 130, which in turn dislodges or breaks up blockages within the chute 130. 20 The amount the chute angle a is adjusted can depend on the preferred implementation and is typically determined in accordance with values stored in memory. Thus, the variation may be a set value, or alternatively may be varied depending on the degree by which the measured weight exceeds the threshold. 25 In the event that the upper threshold is not exceeded, the processing system 550 operates to compare the current weight to the lower threshold at step 960. In the event that the processing system 550 determines that the current weight is below the lower threshold, this indicates that there is insufficient material present within the chute 130. This in turn indicates that the chute is not sufficiently populated with material 70, which in turn can 30 lead to rapidly increased wear rates for the chute 130 and/or the shelfs. Accordingly, in this instance at least one of the chute angle a is decreased (i.e. tilted away from vertical) -20 and the one or more shelfs 20 are extended at step 970 to reduce the flow of material 70 within the chute 130 and hence cause a build up of material. Again, the amount the chute angle x is adjusted and/or the amount which the one or more 5 shelfs 20 are extended/retracted depends upon the preferred implementation and may be adjusted a set value, or alternatively may be varied depending on the degree by which the measured weight falls below the threshold, or alternatively a feedback system is operated so that the angle of the chute and/or the actuation of the shelfs are adjusted until the one or more parameters are acceptable. 10 It will be appreciated that steps 910 onwards are continuously repeated during operation of the chute, as shown by the dotted line which shows control returning from step 970 to 910, to ensure that sufficient material 70 is present in the chute 130 at all times. This helps reduce the occurrence of blockages, which in turn ensures continuous chute operation. In 15 addition to this, it ensures that there is sufficient material in the chute 130, which as will be described in more detail below, helps vastly reduce chute wear. However, alternatively, the weight or amount of material in the chute 130 may be monitored continuously, whilst other material parameters are only monitored periodically. 20 This can be performed as the other material parameters may remain relatively unchanged on a short time scale. Accordingly, this allows the threshold values to be updated periodically, such as every few hours, to take into account variations in material properties, whilst the weight of material is monitored continuously to allow blockages to be detected. 25 As a further alternative, the assessment of whether the chute angle and/or the internal operating profile is to be modified may be achieved by comparing a plurality of material parameters to respective threshold parameters. In this instance continuous or periodic monitoring of any combination of the material parameters may be performed, with each material parameter being compared to threshold values, with the results of the comparison 30 being used to adjust the chute angle and/or the internal profile of the chute.

-21 An example of additional features of the material transfer system 10 will now be described with reference to Figures IOA and 1OB. Figures 1 OA and 1 OB show alternative examples of the inlet cover 120 in more detail. In 5 the example of Figure 1 OA, the inlet cover 120 has a shaped region, shown generally at 500, which defines a ledge positioned so as to receive material M as it is deposited by the conveyer system I10, as shown by the arrow 501. In particular, the build up of material M means that further material being deposited by the conveyer system 110 will impact on the material M, rather than on the walls of the inlet cover 120. The material is then deflected 10 and dropped into the chute as shown by the arrow 502. Thus, by having the material impact against other material M, this reduces wear on the inlet cover 120. Additionally, the impact helps absorb energy from the material thereby reducing the level of wear on the chute 130. 15 An alternative example is shown in Figure lOB. In this example, the inlet cover 120 has a wear plate 510 having a number of ridges 511 defined thereon. In this example, each of the ridges 511 is designed to accumulate material M, so that material exiting the conveyer 110, as shown by the arrow 512 impacts on the collected material M before being deflected as shown by the arrow 513 in the direction of the chute 130. It will be appreciated that this 20 therefore helps reduce wear of the inlet cover 120 and the chute 130 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Figure 1 OA. An example of the chute 130 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures IIA and IIB. 25 Referring to Figure 11 A, the chute is typically profiled to ensure that material is transferred along a central region of the chute 130, shown generally at 602. To achieve this the chute has a substantially parabolic cross sectional shape so that the material is funnelled towards the central region of the chute as shown by the arrows 601. This helps ensure that the 30 majority of flow remains material, on material as well as ensuring that the material is directed in a preferred direction. This allows for a chute that can handle both directional -22 changes between conveyer systems 110 and 140 as well as variations in flow rate. Additionally, as shown in Figure 1 B the chute outlet 132 is also of a preferred shape. In particular, as shown the chute outlet 132 includes an opening 660 which is wider at a first end 661 than a second end 662. In use, the wider end 661 of the chute outlet 132 is placed 5 on an upstream side of the conveyer 140 which transfers material in the direction of the arrow 145 as shown. The use of the wedge shaped discharge allows smaller material to load on to the conveyer 140 first which helps to centralise material load on to the belt of the conveyer system 140, 10 as well as ensuring there is a reduced chance of material entrapment between the chute outlet 132 and the conveyer system 140. A specific example incorporating these features is shown in Figures 12A to 12C. In particular, the example of Figure 12A shows the support frame 150, the material chute 15 shown generally at 130, the conveyer belt 140 and the inlet cover 120. As shown in Figure 12B and 12C the chute 130 is generally formed from an outer cover 700 having a number of support members 701 to hold a chute lining 710 in place. It would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the chute lining will typically include rock boxes and other features described above. 20 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described. 25 Thus, whilst the above described examples focus on transferring material between conveyor belts, it will be appreciated that the above described chute could be used in conjunction with any form of material transport systems, and the use of conveyors is for the purpose of example only. 30

Claims (31)

1. A method for use in transferring material, the method including: determining a parameter value associated with at least one parameter relating to 5 material in a chute; and adjusting, in accordance with the determined parameter value and relative to an internal support surface of a chute, one or more movable shelfs for defining an internal material transfer profile of the chute. 10

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more actuators are operably connected to the one or more shelfs, wherein the method includes actuating at least some of the one or more actuators to adjust at least some of the shelfs.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the one or more shelfs extend inwardly 15 from the internal support surface of the chute, wherein the method includes actuating at least some of the one or more actuators to adjust a distance which the one or more shelfs extend inwardly from the internal support surface.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein at least some of the actuators are 20 operably connected to a respective plurality of shelfs, wherein the method includes simultaneously adjusting the one or more shelfs to adjust the internal material transfer profile of the chute.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein at least some of the 25 actuators are operably connected to a single shelf, wherein the method includes selectively actuating one or more of the actuators to selectively adjust portions of the internal material transfer profile of the chute.

6. The method according to any one of claims I to 5, wherein the method includes: 30 comparing the parameter value to a threshold; and in the event that the threshold is satisfied, adjusting at least some of the one or more - 24 movable shelfs.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the threshold value is determined at least partially in accordance with the parameter value. 5

8. The method according to any one of claims I to 7, wherein the method includes determining the parameter value which is indicative of one of: a material amount; a material flow rate; 10 a material volume; a material density; a material weight; a material size; a material gradation; 15 a material moisture content; and, a material clay content.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein in the event that the parameter value is indicative of the material weight, the method includes: 20 determining a combined weight of the material and the chute; and determining the parameter value indicative of the material weight by subtracting a known weight of the chute from the combined weight.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the threshold is an 25 upper threshold, and wherein the method includes actuating at least some of the actuators to retract the shelfs in response to the amount of material exceeding an upper threshold.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the threshold is a lower threshold, and wherein the method includes actuating at least some of the actuators to 30 extend the shelfs in response to the amount of material falling below a lower threshold. -25

12. The method according to any one of claims I to 11, wherein the chute is pivotable, via an angular chute actuator, to adjust an angle of the chute, wherein the method includes adjusting, by actuating the angular chute actuator and in accordance with the determined parameter value, the angle of the chute. 5

13. The method according to any one of claims I to 12, wherein the method includes: determining a plurality of parameter values relating to the material in the chute; comparing the parameter values to respective thresholds; and in the event that one or more of the thresholds are satisfied, adjusting at least some 10 of the one or more movable shelfs.

14. A processing system for use in transferring material in a material transfer chute, wherein the processing system is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 13. 15

15. The processing system according to claim 14, wherein the processing system is configured to determine the parameter value in accordance with one or more signals received from at least one sensor. 20

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the processing system is configured to generate control signals to control an actuator control unit, wherein the actuator control unit is responsive to the control signals to move the one or more shelfs.

17. A system for use in transferring material, wherein the system includes: 25 one or more movable shelfs extending upon an internal surface of a chute, wherein the one or more movable shelfs retain material to define a protective layer within the chute; and one or more actuators for selectively moving at least some of the one or more movable shelfs relative to the internal surface of the chute. 30

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the system includes: - 26 at least one sensor for generating one or more signals for determining at least one parameter relating to material for transfer via the chute; and a processing system for: determining the at least one parameter value in accordance the one or more 5 signals received from at least one sensor; and selectively operating at least some of the one or more actuators to thereby selectively move at least some of the shelfs.

19. The system according to any one of claims 18, wherein the at least one sensor 10 generates the one or more signals at least partially indicative of: a material amount; a material flow rate; a material volume; a material density; 15 a material weight; a material size; a material gradation; a material moisture content; and, a material clay content. 20

20. The system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the at least one sensor is at least one of: a load cell; and a strain gauge. 25

21. The system according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein each shelf includes an angled liner for collecting the material to define the protective layer

22. The system according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein each shelf includes: 30 a fixed shelf portion which is mounted to the internal support surface of the chute; and - 27 a movable shelf portion having a first end movably connected to the fixed shelf portion, and a second end supporting the respective liner.

23. The system according to any one of claims 22, wherein at least one of the one or 5 more actuators is operably connected to a plurality of the shelfs, wherein actuation of the at least one of the one or more actuators causes simultaneous movement of the respective plurality of shelfs.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the at least one of the one or more 10 actuators is coupled to a pivoting support member and wherein the respective shelfs are pivotally coupled to the pivoting support member, wherein actuation of the at least one of the one or more actuators causes the pivoting support member to pivot, thereby causing the respective shelfs to move relative to the internal support surface of the chute. 15

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein each movable shelf portion of at least some of the shelfs are pivotally coupled to the pivoting support member via a respective rod.

26. The system according to any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the chute is pivotable, 20 via an angular chute actuator, to adjust an angle of the chute, wherein the system includes an angular chute actuator is actuated in accordance with the determined parameter value to adjust the angle of the chute.

27. A material transfer system including: 25 a chute; and the system according to any one of claims 17 to 26.

28. The material transfer system according to claim 27, wherein the chute includes a chute outlet, and wherein the chute outlet includes: 30 a first end; and a second end, the second end being aligned downstream of the first end in a -28 transport direction, and the first end being wider than the second end.

29. The material transfer system according to any one of claims 27 or 28, wherein chute includes an inlet cover for directing material received from a first transport system to 5 a chute inlet.

30. The material transfer system according to claim 29, wherein the inlet cover is configured to retain material to thereby reduce inlet cover wear. 10

31. A method, processing system, system or material transfer system being substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.