MINE MAINTENANCE
service mine hoists within ABB ’ s global installed base and now there is an opportunity with BBRG , a leading manufacturer of mission-critical advanced cords and ropes , to serve these customers under a coordinated approach .
As part of the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding , the two companies will design , develop and deliver services focused on the improvement of critical operations for mine hoist customers . The consultative solutions will include innovative approaches towards safety , availability , productivity , risk reduction and sustainability .
Aligning the best-in-class practices for preventative maintenance will be further enhanced by the integration of inspections , audits and spare parts inventory optimisation , now for the complete hoisting system .
Charles Bennett , Global Service Manager for ABB ’ s hoisting business line , said of the agreement : “ We are strengthening the service portfolio by developing our offer in rope condition monitoring together with BBRG . We will enter into more similar collaborations in the future .
“ By embracing an open ecosystem and building partnerships with other companies , we can expand our portfolio with market-leading service offerings and optimal solutions that meet our customers ’ needs .”
Digitalisation is key to addressing the challenges associated with servicing mine hoists , such as the complexity of the system and the fact they are often positioned in remote , inaccessible locations . Future developments within the ABB Ability™ Smart Hoisting offering include digital twins and various artificial intelligence and augmented reality ( AR ) applications . These are important for increased performance , availability and sustainability , but also for knowledge transfer , ABB says .
Wästljung concluded : “ One of the mining industry ’ s biggest challenges is that the workforce is getting older and that new recruitment and skills transfer is not happening at the required rate . As a partner to the underground mines , ABB has a role to play here , both by taking responsibility for the availability of our systems and equipment so that our customers can focus on their core business , but also through solutions in , for example , AR to utilise and transfer knowledge from senior to junior employees .
“ New technology is important for attracting tomorrow ’ s talent to the mining industry .”
A new paradigm for mill relining
RUSSELL MINERAL EQUIPMENT ( RME ) has recently deployed what it says is the world ’ s first semi-automated mill relining system , in the process , delivering significant safety and commercial outcomes for its customer and the wider industry .
The reduction in mill relining risks and shutdown duration was achieved through a combination of : roboticising RME ’ s technologies ; compatible liner and bolt design ; and strong collaboration and change management with site management and reline crews , RME says .
The system addresses the two main phases of mill relining – worn liner removal and new liner placement – while enabling the completion of these necessary maintenance processes without anyone inside the mill , according to the company . This system was developed and implemented in close collaboration with some of RME ’ s existing customers , including PT Freeport Indonesia ( PT-FI ).
RME Founder , Executive Chairman and Chief Engineer , Dr John Russell , describes the new paradigm for fast , semi-automated mill relines as the ultimate in safety and improved commercial performance for concentrators .
He said : “ RME ’ s goal has been to enable our customers to reline mills with no one inside , providing them with remarkable safety and efficiency benefits . By eliminating human-machine interaction , we can speed up the machines and
Empowering new maintenance service models
DEUTZ and TALPA say they have redefined the approach to engine maintenance with their latest innovation , the FusionHub platform .
Catering to the needs of service providers and end users , this solution provides real-time maintenance insights that transcend the conventional boundaries of engine care , according to the companies .
Traditionally , when an engine failure occurs , service technicians are required to engage in a manual connection process , linking a device directly to the afflicted machinery . Another method involves the recording of data through a telemetry system and displaying error codes in a web interface .
Both methods present a painstaking effort with restricted contextual insights , TALPA says .
Despite the accessibility of this information to the end user , the crucial context required for informed decision making remains elusive , even under optimal circumstances . DEUTZ and TALPA recognised this challenge and addressed it head-on with the FusionHub platform .
Built upon TALPA ’ s existing technology stack and leveraging DEUTZ ’ s extensive expertise in engine design , maintenance , and service , FusionHub represents a paradigm shift in engine and machine maintenance practices .
The solution is seamlessly integrated with DEUTZ ’ s database , offering more than just error and warning codes . FusionHub goes a step further by providing detailed explanations and recommendations , enhanced with descriptions of original spare parts . This new-found transparency streamlines decision making and actions among end users , DEUTZ ’ s service partners , and the OEM itself , significantly reducing the time between detecting a failure and its resolution , creating a joint value for all stakeholders , TALPA explains .
“ FusionHub doesn ' t merely address immediate challenges ; it stands as
TALPA ’ s strategic vision involves developing a holistic platform ecosystem spanning machine components , including tyres and transmissions , and connecting user workflows to OEMs
a catalyst for transformation , delivering substantial advantages for every participant of the ecosystem ,” TALPA CEO , Sebastian Kowitz , added .
Damian Weckmann , Head of Digital Projects , DEUTZ , said : “ A notable reduction in personnel costs , working capital , and an overall positive impact on the profit margin is observed , bolstering the bottom line for every party involved .”
DEUTZ and TALPA ' s vision goes beyond their respective brands and engines ; the companies aim to establish FusionHub as an industry-wide ecosystem for intelligent maintenance . The overarching strategy involves allowing stakeholders at all levels to harness the power of data and workflows . This entails using AI to detect and plan future maintenance cycles for engines and machinery and empowering all ecosystem participants to offer extended and integrated service models .
40 International Mining | JANUARY 2024