As part of its ongoing efforts to improve plant efficiency for its customers, packing and screening machines manufacturer for the raw materials processing industry Haver & Boecker is constantly developing new machines, programs and software aimed at aiding their success.

The company will display its NIAflow plant simulation software, introduced in September, at its MINExpo International stand from September 26 to 28 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, in Nevada, in the US.

“NIAflow will serve as a cornerstone in the development of process engineering projects. When paired with other Haver & Boecker technology, such as the Pulse vibration analysis software, our customers will hold all of the tools they need to optimise process flow and increase productivity and profits,” says Haver & Boecker Canada president Karen Thompson.

NIAflow is aimed at helping producers enhance the efficiency of their quarry and mine operations by diagramming plant flow, machine placement, product precalculations and more.

Developed by Haver & Boecker engineers, NIAflow instantly analyses existing or proposed processes, records plant statuses and recognises potential for plant improvement.

The NIAflow software is available for download on Microsoft Windows-based systems and supports the user in every engineering phase, from drafting flow diagrams for product precalculation to plant start-up and simulating parameter changes. The intuitive menu controls make it easy for all levels of experience, states Haver & Boecker, which, if needed, provides several levels of training on a group, company or individual level.

NIAflow allows users to analyse more than 90 process equipment pieces, from crushers and vibrating screens to material washers and conveyers. Beyond equipment, the system uses scientific-based methods to monitor an operation’s input, output and waste piles.

The NIAflow program calculates the mass and volumetric flow rates using machine-specific operating parameters to prevent plant bottlenecks before equipment is in place.

“NIAflow will significantly impact the efficiency and profitability of our minerals processing customers. The thought process behind this software development was to give our partners tools to closely monitor their plant setup as a whole, allowing them to identify problems and plant bottlenecks. NIAflow helps producers discover the most efficient setup for existing equipment, as well as determine what equipment is needed to enhance productivity and increase production,” explains Haver & Boecker Mining GM Joachim Hoppe.

NIAflow is available for purchase for aggregates and mining. The NIAflow Aggregates version is the extensive, full version of the NIAflow simulation software that allows unlimited machine input. The NIAflow Mining version complements the full Aggregates version, but offers additional equipment options such as classifying and sorting equipment.