The SICC project, as well as the proCCat project, are two applications of the CSQA technology. The major difference between both is the way tha they handle cathodes. The proCCat handles packages of cathodes that are fed to it, while the SICC is mounted on a conveyor chain on which the copper cathodes are transported.
Through SICC, the quality of the cathodes can be characterized according to the attributes found by a high resolution vision system. The observation mode gathers and offers that information in order to facilitate decision making in the production process as well as to allow for necesary control actions to be taken.
The engineering design work on this project was done entirely in Chile. The same can be said of its manufacture, SICC which made entirely in mechanical workshops in Chile.
SICC is mounted on the end of a Stripping Machine Kidd Process®. In this manner, each cathode is inspected on-line immediately after leaving the process. The cathodes exit the Stripping Machine in pairs with the smooth sides facing each other, so only the rough faces can be seen and inspected. Given that SICC is installed on-line, the system has a time window of just 7 seconds to do the inspection. This period is determined by the speed of the Stripping Machine.
SICC uses the CSQA technology to identify and assess specific characteristics of the copper cathodes. These characteristics include roughness, nodules and stains, among others. Because cathodes have two very different surfaces: one smooth and one rough, there are important differences in what is sought on each face. SICC only inspects the rough face of each cathode. More Information.