Metso Minerals suggests that when customers want to be assured of selecting the right crusher or screen for a mining or aggregate process, they are well-advised to use and benefit from the information provided by Metso’s Bruno simulation software. Bruno, according to the company, indicates accurately in advance how the specified equipment will perform at a mine or quarry.
“The base of the Bruno simulation software development is the field data, gathered and fed into the system from our different test laboratories and several thousands of customer sites worldwide,” said Saku Pursio, Metso development engineer responsible for Bruno’s development.
Bruno simulation software was developed by Metso Mining and Construction Technology in the 1990s. Its predecessor, named “Simu,” provided simple, technical process data, but the first Bruno version saw daylight in 1994. The software was named after Bruno Nordberg, a Finnish immigrant to the U.S. who founded Nordberg Manufacturing Co. in Milwaukee in 1889.
In the years since its first introduction, 10 versions of Bruno have been published— each including additional equipment performance data. Metso touts the current version of Bruno as the most advanced process simulation software available. According to the company, the software is simple to use: enter the principal characteristics of a process, such as feed material type and size, machine settings and flow, and the program generates a visual process flow diagram showing estimates for process performance including the percentage of different end products.
“By using Bruno, we can ensure the suitability of crushing equipment for any process our customer may be planning. Recent tests and comparisons are testimony the simulation provided by Bruno is now very close to the actual ‘live’ process,” Pursio said.
The most recent version, 3.4. was released early in 2010. Beyond the inclusion of updated product ranges, it also forecasts operating costs for an initial 1,000 plant hours. “Among other things, a complete calculation can now also be made for Metso’s mobile Lokotrack mobile crushing plant and mobile screen range, adding new value for customers planning mobile processes, noted Development Engineer Marika Kovanen. “The new Bruno also covers more vibrating products data. It also features more calculation models, resulting in improved simulation accuracy for screens,” she said.
“The new version is easier to use, calculates the simulation faster, and provides a more visual process picture,” Pursio said.
According to the company, maximum benefits are derived from the simulation software when it is applied during the design of a new plant or a mining process, as conducting test runs for a stationary or mobile process often can be quite expensive and time consuming. By using Bruno, plant optimization can be achieved quickly and inexpensively. Also, when equipment is moved between sites and applications, optimization for local conditions may be needed. “A recent example by a Finnish customer showed that up to 20% more productivity could be achieved with the help of process optimization. With Bruno, the setting adjustments were easily found,” Pursio said. “To really play it safe in plant design, a crushability test of the rock or ore in Metso’s rock laboratories, and the data input into the Bruno simulation software, will provide the most accurate process simulation.”
Metso said there are currently approximately 3,000 licensed Bruno users worldwide. To obtain a copy of the software, the company requests interested parties send an e-mail to minerals.
bruno@metso.com, including name; whether you are a Metso customer, a dealer or a university; name of company or university, country of origin, and contact person at Metso Minerals.
After receiving your message, Metso will provide, via e-mail, a link to the Bruno installation page.
Metso also offers crusher and process training that includes instruction on how to use Bruno effectively.
