INTERNET OF THINGS
The mine that invited Azima DLI to perform a demonstration analysis is an established longwall mining facility . Coal processing and production carries an inherent risk , since coal dust can be explosive , and processing facilities handle mountains of coal alongside a system of conveyors that transport the coal to transfer towers . Mechanical failure , whether under- or above-ground , could be catastrophic to production , as well as to human life and safety . To combat the mine ’ s safety concerns , Azima DLI analysts were brought in to perform vibration analysis on their machinery . Analysts normally shy away from exploring complex machinery such as gearboxes and conveyors during a first-day demo , but the analyst recognised the crucial role of conveyors in this longwall mining facility and decided to tackle them anyway .
“ Within a single day , Azima DLI analysts caught two severe faults that had not been previously detected . If these faults had been neglected any longer , they could have resulted in catastrophic fire and explosion , risking lives and harming production .”
Azima DLI builds aggressive vibration analysis programs that target strategic points in machinery systems . Analysts place measuring point fixed pads , junction boxes , and remote sensors on machines , depending on the particulars of each machine . This ensures consistent and repeatable vibration test results .
After data is collected with a TRIO™ vibration analyser , it is transmitted to a cloud database where it is run through Azima DLI ’ s automated diagnostic system and reviewed by a live analyst . A report of the findings , including actionable advice for faults detected , is posted to the WATCHMAN™ Reliability Portal and sent to the mine ’ s staff in PDF format .
Quick and efficient vibration analysis allows on-site mechanics a greater window of time in which to plan repairs , allowing the mine more leeway to plan according to production needs . Azima DLI streamlines the monitoring process by training on-site personnel and mechanics to collect vibration data , improving the skill set of the client ’ s employees and providing one more safeguard against machinery failure . Competent on-site personnel can be crucial to plant safety , especially in a volatile mining environment .
Azima DLI ’ s vibration program also drives root cause analysis . Root cause analysis takes failure information and probes for the patterns and causes behind the failure , in order to circumvent
At a coal operation , vibration data was collected with an Azima DLI TRIO™ vibration analyser and transmitted to a cloud database where it was run through Azima DLI ’ s automated diagnostic system and reviewed by a live analyst
similar failures in the future . Root cause analysis , performed by personnel at the facility , takes into account the machine , the environment , the personnel involved and their level of expertise , the tools , parts , and treatments ( including grease and lubricant ) used , as well as any potential contaminants or maintenance issues that may have contributed to the failure . Root cause analysis , when performed correctly , minimises the possibility of reoccurrence .
A vibration data collection work order was implemented on a monthly basis , and Azima DLI was authorised to train mine personnel in vibration data collection . These maintenance strategies , built on root cause analysis , minimise the risk of the reoccurrence of similar faults in mine machinery .
The coal facility hired Azima DLI as their primary predictive maintenance provider . Azima DLI analysts returned to the mine to prepare 100 machines for vibration data collection and analysis . Azima DLI analysts also trained personnel to operate TRIO data collectors , ensuring independence and another level of vigilance safeguarding secure and efficient mine production . Azima DLI continues to monitor , analyse , and recommend actions regarding the information mine personnel upload to the Azima DLI cloud database .
Asset tracking toughness
Advantage PressurePro has just announced that it is the official US distributor of what it says is the world ’ s toughest tracking device known as Tough Tracker , a bullet-proof tracking and asset management device to be made commercially available worldwide . “ With a highly robust
Kevlar outer shell , Tough Tracker allows asset owners to keep track of both static and mobile assets 24 / 7 while minimising the risk of theft or vandalism .”
The product was officially launched in the US at MINExpo 2016 . Tough Tracker is wholly owned by Concirrus Ltd , a cloud software and connectivity company based in London , UK .
“ Built as the market ’ s most durable asset tracker , Tough Tracker is capable of withstanding repeated impact from a sledgehammer , ensuring reliability in the harshest of conditions and acting as a deterrent to would-be thieves . In fact , Tough Tracker is so robust , it broke testing equipment at the Rockwell testing facility in the UK . More , the product sends impact alerts to the asset owner when under attack , and temperature alerts in the event of fire .”
Tough Tracker utilises cellular ( Dual-Band UMTS / HSPA +, Quad-Band GSM / GPRS / EDGE ) and satellite ( 16 channel ) technology to provide tracking data via a simple , secure interface . Multiple assets can be managed simultaneously , with geo-fence alerts available via SMS . Tough Tracker runs off an internal battery and does not require an external power source .
“ With millions of dollars of mining equipment , farming apparatus , construction equipment , vehicles and other heavy assets being stolen every year worldwide , Tough Tracker is leading the fight against asset theft and streamlining asset management for fleet managers .” IM
NOVEMBER 2016 | International Mining