MINE MAINTENANCE
Metrics for screens is the first solution utilising Dynamox ’ s instrumentation to complement the comprehensive value-added services and remote monitoring capabilities in the customer ’ s value chain , Metso Outotec says
represents a more reliable , quicker and easier-tosetup version , involving sensor retrofit options and system integration .
“ With other mining equipment , you may have to connect through a customer ’ s system to collect the data – it could be a DCS , for instance ,”
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he said . “ With the screens , it is designed to be a standalone package with sensors that can be fitted to most new and operational machines .”
Ease of installation and retrofit was one of the reasons Metso Outotec chose the screening part of the flowsheet for its latest Metrics development , but Koivunen also highlighted the equipment ’ s integral role in the wider process flowsheet – being located ahead of important downstream equipment – and the potential number of industry applications for Metrics for screens .
“ If you were to just take the number of Metrics-connected equipment , I think screens could take over from crushers in the long run due to the factors mentioned ,” he said .
In this same feature last year , Koivunen highlighted an upcoming Metrics launch for horizontal mills , which has , to this point , gone well , with applications now being monitored in Africa and Asia .
He pointed to an instance of the Performance Center team noticing that Metrics had flagged a potential failure on a mill at a site in Asia . The Metrics data was showing abnormal issues in terms of the mill ’ s drive train . By detecting the issue early , a service stop was required but the pinion and other major components were saved from potential damage , resulting in considerable maintenance cost savings .
“ We are monitoring the equipment health in this horizontal mill application , but also developing the process piece where our experts would monitor the equipment and advise of where potential productivity gains could be made ,” he added .
This would represent the first time the company has added process performance potential enhancements to its comminution circuit monitoring offering , with the Performance Centers supporting horizontal mills as part of the larger process . This , the company says , creates further benefits and a better understanding of the mill performance .
The input from specialists at Metso Outotec Performance Centers continue to play a key role in providing this information to customers , with strategically located hubs in Finland , Chile and China advising of potential process changes or equipment tweaks based on the data being received and analysed .
With the connected fleet growing steadily , equipment is now being monitored in all major mining regions . And , while Koivunen could not provide timelines around adding to this Performance Center network , he did say it was on the company ’ s agenda .
20 International Mining | JANUARY 2023