• CRADLE TO GRAVE
production drilling , rock reinforcement , as well as loading and hauling . The company is also providing its AutoMine system for the remote operation of loaders and trucks and its OptiMine system for machine health monitoring , task management and location tracking .
As one of the first steps in its automation journey , the VUG is about to commission a pilot project which will prepare the production team for the use of remote loading at the drawpoints and autonomous tramming to the tip . With cave mining , there is a risk of mud-rushes and water ingress at drawpoints and remote loading will allow material to be loaded without putting operators at risk .
“ This pilot project will have a single loader operating under AutoMine Lite in a dedicated area on 44 Level that is isolated from other areas of the mine ,” says Breed . “ The machine will be controlled locally from a mobile tele-remote station just outside the autonomous operating area and not from surface .”
He adds that an integrated operations centre on surface at Venetia Mine is under construction and that it will be equipped and commissioned in H1-2023 .
With cave mining , there is a risk of mud-rushes and water ingress at drawpoints and remote loading will allow material to be loaded without putting operators at risk .
SMART LUBRICATION SYSTEMS OFFER EFFFICIENT LUBRICATION MANAGEMENT
Lubrication has been taken to the next level with the development of smart lubrication systems that feature built-in technology , remote monitoring and real-time data capture capabilities .
“ The fundamental role that lubrication plays in machine and equipment reliability and lifecycle cannot be overstated ,” notes Amine Benna , sales manager for SKF , Morocco . “ Customers using sub-quality lubrication systems or employing inferior lube practices are often faced with numerous challenges created by inaccurate lubrication ( either over- or under-lubrication ) and contamination . These issues can have serious cost implications related to equipment failure and the associated downtime and production stoppages to allow for repairs . Also to be taken into account is the actual cost of the lubricants themselves , which is compounded by excessive application .”
Benna explains why both insufficient and excessive lubrication are unwanted and costly : “ Insufficient or under-lubrication results in component wear and tear , premature bearing failure , reduced equipment lifespan and increased downtime and maintenance costs . Furthermore , lubricants form a significant portion of operational costs so excessive or over-lubrication is , simply put , an unnecessary waste of money and makes a strong argument for optimised lubricant usage .” Benna adds that contaminants such as dirt and dust entering the lubrication system also cause wear and damage to equipment , shortening lifespans .
The company has developed smart lubrication systems with built-in technology , remote monitoring and real-time data capture capabilities . Sensors and pumps provide real-time data and optimise lubrication processes for efficient industrial lubrication management . These progressive and intelligent automated and computerised systems dispense the correct lubricant , in the accurate amount , to the specific point , and at the precise time . The resultant decreased friction and wear optimise equipment and machinery lifespan . “ The system ’ s capability to help identify potential issues before they become more serious delivers tremendous value and significant cost and time savings by reducing the need for unscheduled downtime ,” notes Benna .
The automated system eliminates the need for manual lubrication , creating a safer work environment and minimising the risk of human error , while the optimal use of lubricants eradicates wastage , contributing to a cleaner environment .
The system can be accessed remotely , enabling monitoring and control from a central location . Sensors monitor lubricant levels , temperature and other key parameters in real-time . The data is collected and stored by the system to allow for detailed analysis of lubricant usage and equipment performance over time , enabling well-informed decision making .
The systems are delivering cost saving solutions to plant sites that operate a wide spectrum of materials handling equipment which is critical to sustainable operations , such as mining and cement , construction , agriculture and forestry , food and beverage , railroad , steel , pulp and paper and wind energy industries . •
SKF SA
SKF ' s smart lubrication systems dispense the correct lubricant in the accurate amount to the specific point at the precise time required .
36 • African Mining • May 2023
The fundamental role that lubrication plays in machine and equipment reliability and lifecycle cannot be overstated .
www . africanmining . co . za