ADVERTORIAL
Komatsu 730E Haul Truck , photo courtesy of Komatsu
Modular Mining helps iron ore operation increase revenue through payload optimization
Introduction Modular Mining introduced its nextlevel support offering , the Performance Assurance ( PA ) program , to ensure each customer receives maximum sustained value over the life of their Modular Mining technologies . With each PA engagement , a dedicated team of experts collaborates with a cross section of mine personnel to develop tailored , flexible , and proactive solutions to address each operation ’ s specific challenges .
Participating mines have seen numerous benefits , including enhanced truck productivity , shorter queue times , reduced equipment maintenance costs , and more .
Challenge In accordance with a high-level performance improvement initiative , the mine sought to maximize equipment effectiveness and increase the rate of material moved , without expanding the existing fleet .
As part of the corporate program , the mine ’ s Integrated Control Systems ( ICS ) team identified that the payload size distribution of the fleet ’ s Komatsu 730E trucks exhibited an unacceptably high zero-payload count , per day . It was further determined that the zeropayload instances were attributable to the absence of data being sent from the trucks ’ onboard payload systems to the DISPATCH ® Fleet Management System ( FMS ).
In addition , a significant number of loads under 135t were being registered in the DISPATCH System ; a value far less than the planned payload capacity of 190t . As a result , the same hauling effort
How the DISPATCH Payload Optimization solution works
The DISPATCH Payload Optimization solution presents loading equipment operators with target payload information . The information conveyed is based on Komatsu PLM IV-OLS data ( if present ) or a pre-configured target payload that factors truck carryback into its calculations .
Once the truck is stopped and loading , the truck sends the PLM IV-OLS target payload to the DISPATCH FMS for display on the shovel system .
In addition , for each production record , the target payload , carryback , and measured payload values , are recorded , which further improves the payload data analysis . consistently yielded fewer-than-expected payload tonnes , per truck , upon arrival at the tipping point .
Resolution The PA , ICS , and Mine Operations teams , along with support from Komatsu , collaboratively analyzed and evaluated the payload distribution inconsistencies , which led to the joint decision to implement Modular Mining ’ s DISPATCH Payload Optimization solution in conjunction with Komatsu ’ s Payload Meter IV ® and Optimized Loading Software ( PLM IV- OLS ) solution .
Working together , the teams performed the following actions :
• Reviewed the health and configuration of the Komatsu PLM IV payload sensors on all applicable trucks , and made repairs or adjustments , as needed
• Updated the original equipment manufacturer ( OEM ) auxiliary software driver version to enable carryback polling functionality
• Implemented the PLM IV-OLS solution on the Komatsu 730E trucks and the DISPATCH Payload Optimization solution on the mixedmanufacturer shovels running the Modular Mining ProVision ® Shovel System
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