Stockpile Setup

This topic will outline the basic steps in setting up a Stockpile and includes a short FAQ for troubleshooting.

Stockpiles create a link between records in your Source and Destination tables by using the address of your records. The best way to think of Stockpiles is that they are a Source task that can also be dumped to.

Stockpiles can be confusing to new users. The biggest conceptual shift is that when using Stockpiles you cannot rely on your Source table to track volumes and qualities.

Because the quantities and qualities of a stockpile record are dynamic we do not store them on the static table record(s) that represents the stockpile. The solution is to use Custom Fields to track values.

The results coming from your stockpiles will be determined by:

  1. Your dig schedule; and

  2. the Blending Mode of your Stockpile.

Step 1 - Setup

Stockpiles create a link between records. In your Source and Destination tables. Links can only be made between nodes with the same address.

  1. In your Source table create Volume and Initial PercentageClosed The definition of Availability varies from site to site but generally refers to the mechanical availability of a piece of equipment. No matter the definition, Availability, Utilisation and Equipment Count multiply to create an effective factor which converts Calendar Hours to Operating Hours. fields for the Rehandle
  2. Export Destination table records that are to be stockpiled

Step 2 - Convert your data in Excel to import into your Source Table

To import data into your Source table it must have a position for each node level, such as Pit/Strip/Block. In Excel, convert the level structure of your exported data to match that of your Source table.

  1. Create columns for extra levels and remove levels that are not part of your Source table
  2. Levels that are functionally the same, such as "Pit" and "Dump", can be renamed
  3. Use an empty position such as "Nothing" for the newly created, placeholder levels

Step 3 - Import the data into your Source Table

  1. Ensure that each level has a column mapped to it
  2. Map the volume to your Rehandle Volume field
  3. Map the Solid to your Waste Solid field

At this point you should have successfully created some new fields in your Source table and imported the desired range of Destination table nodes.

Step 4 - Create a Rehandle Process

In either a new scenario, or existing scenario:

  1. Set the a new process called "Rehandle"
  2. Map the Rehandle Volume Field to the Source and Destination Quantity Fields
  3. Map the Rehandle Initial Percentage and Waste Solid fields

Step 5 - Assign the Rehandle Process

For solids to populate in the animation window, they require an associated process and a piece of equipment assigned that process.

  1. At least one piece of Equipment must have the Rehandle process selected as ‘Active’ and have a non-zero Hourly Rate

Step 6 - Pre-schedule your new Source table records

At the moment your newly imported records are treated as solids and will appear at the start of your schedule. The solution is pre-schedule them out using the Initial State tool.

  1. In the Initial State section, check that your Rehandle Initial Percentage field has mapped correctly
  2. In the Initial State pathing section include the records imported to your Source table and assign "(100%)" completion
  3. Click "Apply Now" and check your animation

Step 7 - Stockpile Settings

To access the feature, open a Scenario, go to Settings and then select the Stockpiles tab.

FAQ

Q: Why are my stockpile solids not appearing?

A: Check the following:

  • Check you have set up your Rehandle process correctly
  • Ensure you have a piece of Equipment set to work the Rehandle process
  • Go to your animation tab and hit Reload Solids
  • Check your Prefilter Ranges in your Settings
  • Reimport your data into your Source table and ensure there are associated volumes

Q: Why isn't my stockpile filling up?

A: Check the Destination paths for your equipment, particularly the processes option.

Q: Why isn't my stockpile being dug?

A: Check the following:

  • Make sure you have successfully prescheduled your stockpile material
  • Check that you have correctly included your stockpile material in your Source Path

Q: How do can I continue to dump into/dig my stockpile?

A: Ensure that you have "Leave In Paths" selected in your stockpile settings. You must also 'over-path' the material you want to dump/dig by adding quantity modifier to your Path. See Completion Behaviour for more information.

Q: Why am I getting an error about Stockpile Destination nodes when I run my schedule?

A: The error occurs when the Destination Node Expression creates an address which cannot be found in your Destination table. For more information, see Destination Node Expression.