Estudio de factibilidad para el mejoramiento del sistema de aire comprimido en la Mina El Mochito
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Date
2025-11-13
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana UNITEC
Abstract
El presente trabajo tuvo como propósito evaluar la factibilidad técnica, operativa y financiera de la modernización del sistema de aire comprimido de la Mina El Mochito, con el fin de garantizar un suministro más eficiente, confiable y sostenible para las operaciones subterráneas. El objetivo principal consistió en analizar alternativas de mejora mediante la sustitución de compresores obsoletos, el control de fugas en la red, la integración de un sistema SCADA y la implementación de un programa de mantenimiento preventivo y predictivo. Se empleó un enfoque metodológico mixto que incluyó visitas de campo, encuestas al personal, análisis energético y simulaciones financieras basadas en indicadores de evaluación de inversiones. Los resultados evidenciaron pérdidas energéticas superiores a USD 940 000 anuales por fugas, altos costos de mantenimiento correctivo y equipos con vida útil superada. Sin embargo, el análisis financiero demostró la viabilidad del proyecto al obtener un valor actual neto positivo, una tasa interna de retorno superior al 30 % y un periodo de recuperación de la inversión menor a tres años. En conclusión, se determinó que la modernización del sistema es factible y contribuirá a reducir costos, mejorar la confiabilidad del suministro y optimizar la eficiencia energética. Se recomienda su implementación inmediata para asegurar la sostenibilidad operativa de la mina.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical, operational, and financial feasibility of modernizing the compressed air system at the El Mochito Mine, in order to ensure a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable supply for underground operations. The main objective was to analyze improvement alternatives through the replacement of obsolete compressors, leakage control in the distribution network, the integration of a SCADA system, and the implementation of a preventive and predictive maintenance program. A mixed methodological approach was used, including field inspections, staff surveys, energy analyses, and financial simulations based on capital budgeting indicators. The results showed annual energy losses exceeding USD 940 000 due to air leaks, high corrective maintenance costs, and equipment beyond its useful life. Nevertheless, the financial analysis demonstrated the feasibility of the project by obtaining a positive net present value, an internal rate of return greater than 30 %, and a payback period of less than three years. In conclusion, the modernization of the system was found to be feasible and will help reduce costs, improve supply reliability, and optimize energy efficiency. Its immediate implementation is recommended to ensure the operational sustainability of the mine.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical, operational, and financial feasibility of modernizing the compressed air system at the El Mochito Mine, in order to ensure a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable supply for underground operations. The main objective was to analyze improvement alternatives through the replacement of obsolete compressors, leakage control in the distribution network, the integration of a SCADA system, and the implementation of a preventive and predictive maintenance program. A mixed methodological approach was used, including field inspections, staff surveys, energy analyses, and financial simulations based on capital budgeting indicators. The results showed annual energy losses exceeding USD 940 000 due to air leaks, high corrective maintenance costs, and equipment beyond its useful life. Nevertheless, the financial analysis demonstrated the feasibility of the project by obtaining a positive net present value, an internal rate of return greater than 30 %, and a payback period of less than three years. In conclusion, the modernization of the system was found to be feasible and will help reduce costs, improve supply reliability, and optimize energy efficiency. Its immediate implementation is recommended to ensure the operational sustainability of the mine.
Keywords
Sistema de aire, Eficiencia energética, Gestión financiera