Short circuits and dead plates may seem like minor operational flaws, but left unchecked, they quietly erode current efficiency, compromise cathode quality, and inflate operational costs. Recognising the critical impact of early detection of dead plates, Mipac’s ShortMeter® is redefining how copper tankhouses tackle one of their most persistent hidden risks.
Purpose-built for tough electrorefining environments, ShortMeter® offers a fast, field-proven way to pinpoint short circuits with real-time precision. Its ergonomic handheld design uses magnetic field detection to highlight anomalies instantly, eliminating the guesswork and manual fatigue tied to alternate methods like multimeters and infrared inspection.
“Operators often focus on major process bottlenecks, but it’s these small, chronic issues like shorts that can quietly cost millions over time,” said Tony Mathison, Director of Digital Solutions at Mipac. “ShortMeter® gives frontline teams the ability to find and fix problems before they drag down performance, drive up rework, or threaten plant safety.”
Beyond current efficiency gains, ShortMeter® also enhances tankhouse safety by reducing the risks of localised high current density that results in overheating, electrical faults and fires, which are significant concerns in high electrical current environments. With simple training and minimal upkeep, the device allows tankhouses to improve time efficiency, maximise current efficiency, and protect asset longevity — all without overcomplicating day-to-day operations.
As the global push for high-purity copper intensifies, solutions like ShortMeter® are helping refineries meet production demands sustainably, reliably, and with greater control over operational outcomes.
To find out more about Mipac’s ShortMeter® and tankhouse instrumentation range, visit www.mipac.global and https://www.mining-technology.com/contractors/controls/mipac/