MINE HOISTS
Vertical vanguards
Complete product assembly of SIEMAG TECBERG machinery at TECBERG park in Haiger on medium voltage benches for system testing mechatronics
The supply of hoists and winders , plus associated wire ropes , brakes , electrical and automation systems is a specialised market with a relatively small number of players . Paul Moore looks at some market developments and new contracts
As might be expected , technologies related to even greater safety levels and maximum efficiency achievement though greater use of digital tools dominate the world of hoisting and winders in mining . In March 2021 , ABB launched a new version of its ABB Ability™ Performance Optimization solution for hoists , providing , it says , agile and secure remote support worldwide . The digital service , harnessing data monitoring of key performance indicators ( KPIs ) enabled by specialised cloudbased edge computing , it says will further minimise risk of hoist failure , improve uptime and provide predictive maintenance insights and remote support to underground mine operators .
Hosted on the ABB Ability Edgenius Dashboard application , the soluiton enables quick analysis and insights into any plant operation , according to the company . The dashboards have been created to show crucial information from the hoists with KPIs organised into the categories of performance , supervision and safety , which resulted from collaboration between customers and ABB experts . Additionally , the solution platform is more flexible , scalable and fulfils the highest levels of cybersecurity . Predictive analysis of a mine hoist ’ s condition prevents operations from unexpected , time-consuming and costly shutdowns , ABB says .
“ Using ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists , ABB ’ s mining customers can work towards condition-based monitoring ,” it added . “ Data is automatically collected , segregated and managed , then securely monitored and analysed to generate actionable insights that can increase production performance , identify safety hazards and provide optimised maintenance scheduling .”
The Performance Optimization service connects the customers ’ mine hoists enterprisewide with experts located remotely in ABB ’ s Collaborative Operations Centers , or on site . Mine hoists are monitored 24 / 7 so potential problems are identified before they occur , and necessary actions can be made at the right time . This improves the availability of the equipment and the overall safety of mining operations , according to the company .
With immediate availability to existing customers , the new ABB Ability Edgenius Dashboard cloud-based solution forms part of a
digitalised way of working with reports and increases transparency . The dashboards are available and secured within the ABB Ability cloud . Customers can follow ABB actions as they happen , collaborate and learn more closely , but also remotely , the company says . This reduces the requirement for in-person maintenance visits and travel , saving time and lowering ABB ’ s carbon footprint .
“ What we have done is create a cyber-secure bridge between the information technology ( IT ) and operational technology ( OT ) elements of our mine hoist customers ’ businesses ,” said Bengt Hedlund , Global Service Manager Hoisting at ABB . “ This is how we are progressing across our customer base and it is creating more connected infrastructure , more collaborative relationships and greater transparency in terms of real-time data reporting and actions .
“ We can set KPIs with customers and monitor progress . If something does not fit in the hoisting process and it is not performing to the optimum levels expected we can make changes quickly .”
ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists “ improves accessibility , performance and productivity for mine hoists by collecting and analysing data from various operating points , and KPIs such as the mine hoist ’ s cycle time , filling and dumping time , as well as safety brake system and supervision of the hoist protections .” The results can also be used as a basis for optimising the hoist ’ s availability ,
AUGUST 2021 | International Mining 79