MINE MAINTENANCE
data gathering .”
This latter element sees the data sample per mine increased and analytics and trends more reliably defined , ABB says .
“ There can be more predictive maintenance – operational decisions can be based on real-time data from mills ,” Fernandez said , while key performance indicator ( KPI ) measurements have also been transferred to the new cloud version .
And the evolution of the app continues , with ABB having recently added more engineering information and data to enable operators to see what has happened in the past and finetune troubleshooting and system performance . This new functionality helps extend the capability of the mill and avoid unforeseen downtime , according to the company .
In terms of the app providing value for customers , Fernandez talked up the ability to
The ABB Ability Predictive Maintenance for grinding app was predicated on allowing users to obtain real-time notifications on GMD systems in a simplified manner , while the ABB Ability Cascade Monitoring for grinding maintenance wireless vibration solution ( sensor hardware pictured on the right ) allows operators to monitor the movements of the ore inside the mill and manage liner wear
customise dashboards and reports in line with operational KPIs and their specific way of working . The ability to easily spot early indications of equipment trends was another key value driver for customers , she said .
“ We are collaborating more and more with customers in developing new measurement and analytics capabilities and we work closely with many through our Long Term Service Agreement offer , which is linked to the new version of ABB Ability Predictive Maintenance for grinding ,” she added . “ Each mine is different considering ore , temperatures , environment and the mills , and we continue to develop this unique digital solution to streamline and iron out even millisecond disturbances such as those that are inevitable with transient recorders , for example .”
ABB currently has 22 GMDs connected in the cloud with this new solution in countries such as Canada , Sweden and Kazakhstan , with the number growing all the time .
“ We anticipate that a ring motor drive system solution will come in the future ,” Fernandez added .
The solution for GMDs comes on top of the ABB Ability Cascade Monitoring for grinding maintenance solution , which is looking to further improve milling efficiency for customers .
This wireless vibration solution allows operators to monitor the movements of the ore inside the mill and manage liner wear . The hardware is easily attached to the shell of a mill and continuously shares data to the plant ’ s control system , according to the company . These milling features provide an indication of the current milling efficiency , as well as if current conditions may be causing excessive wear on liners .
Toe angle variability can be reduced and amplitude strikes above certain angles minimised , for example , facilitating more stable grinding conditions and reduced liner wear ,