Closed

Developing the Milling Automation Framework

Tender ID: 464427


Tender Details

Organisation:
Tender #:
-  
Status:
Closed
Publish Date:
28 July 2021
Closing Date:
13 August 2021

Tender Description

 Mill automation requires technology to be developed across the processing chain, with varying levels of payback and adoptability at each stage of sugar processing. Staged investments in research that consider system-wide implications, potential cost-savings, labour constraints, ease of automation, transferrable technology, potential for feasible solutions and infrastructure limitations will increase the adoption of those technologies, with maximised return on investment. While some sensors are already utilised in mills and some research on new applications is on-going, there needs to be an overarching framework to ensure that an optimal pathway to mill automation is mapped out in a way that allows maximum productivity and profitability benefits to be realised in an optimal time frame. The identification of relevant technologies that are already available but have not been adopted by mills will also lead to better understanding of the mill needs, capital cost barriers and suitability of available technologies for adoption by mills.

SRA is seeking EOIs from suitably qualified and experienced organisations or individuals to undertake exploratory research to develop a potential pathway for mill automation to support Sugar Mill 4.0. The study will also inform SRA about R&D gaps in this area and guide future investments in mill automation technology.