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Your thermostat and doorbell are probably smart, so why isn't the same technology working in your mining operations? "Smart Technology" means equipping machines and devices with sensors and means of communication, but that is only the beginning. Data needs to be acted upon, and computer vision also has a role to play. Deploying the smart technology concept in the mining sector saves time and money, increasing productivity and efficiency. Here is what you should know about the technology and what it can do for this specific sector. ALSO READ: • Learn all about computer vision
• Understand inventory stock, here!
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Smart Technology in Mining
Optimizing the performance of any machine or process involves taking measurements and then acting based on the obtained data. These measurements can be related to the physical characteristics of the equipment, such as: • Speed
• Temperature
• Vibration
• Current consumption
• Pressure
• Flow and even noise - or they can be about the environment where the operational activity takes place.
However, simply fitting sensors onto a machine does not make it smart. It needs to pass this data to someone who can understand it. This is the communication side where Computer Vision operates. At home, this happens through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These can also be options in the mining sector, but robust cabling networks and industrial-grade communication are typically more robust and reliable options. Going beyond measurement, smart technology is providing new capabilities for analysis, planning, and maintenance. Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) can analyze sensor data faster and more thoroughly, identifying trends and deviations from normal conditions that might have gone unnoticed in the times of analog mining. Project planning is enhanced by another smart technology, known as Augmented Reality (A.R.). It has the potential to overlay drawings and concepts onto real-world scenes displayed on a monitor or mobile device. One application enhanced by the use of A.R. is identifying fitment issues before hardware is installed, which saves time and avoids the need for expensive modifications. Another possible application is in assisting with maintenance and repair work, highlighting individual components and providing important information such as torque settings, fill levels, and setpoints. There is no doubt that smart technology can do much to improve mining operations. But all of this is only possible from data collection and extraction.
What is measuring and monitoring with technology?
Some examples of smart technology in action in mining include: • Monitoring and early detection of belt tracking issues;
• Measuring the current drawn by a motor to monitor load;
• Observing temperatures in electrical control cabinets to detect overheating;
• Recording vibration on shafts, bearings and comparing with baseline data to detect wear.
It is always necessary to start the analysis with the known "troublemakers" - those parts responsible for excessive downtime or that restrict production, and from there, decide what to measure and begin data collection.
The impact of smart mining technology mining
Effective maintenance is the key to avoiding unplanned downtime. The problem is when a mine is full of complex electromechanical equipment operating in one of the most challenging environments imaginable: how do you identify and prioritize the right maintenance tasks? Artificial intelligence combined with Computer Vision allows remote monitoring of equipment conditions. When this is used with historical data, it is possible to identify deviations from normal conditions that characterize a developing problem. High temperatures in a control cabinet, increased vibration in a gearbox, and lower pressures at a pump outlet are just three examples. Armed with this knowledge, it is possible to schedule inspections and repairs for periods that minimize operational impacts. Maintenance intervals can be reviewed and adjusted, and spare parts inventories can thus be better optimized. The benefit of better and more optimized equipment maintenance is fewer breakdowns and stoppages. And when things do break, improved inventory planning and management means spare parts are available and average repair time is reduced.
Smart mining technology and asset utilization
Smart sensors can record and report operating hours, cycles, speeds, and other information that indicate how the equipment is being used. With the right technology, they can even provide the location of mobile equipment and help protect against theft. Data like this shows when equipment is underutilized and where bottlenecks exist. This data has the capacity to provide information for planning and estimating future projects and to support capital investment proposals. All of this leads to a higher return on investment, less waste, and improved efficiency. Want to know more? Fill out the form and talk to us!
Fabio Caraça
Fábio Caraça is the Chief Growth Officer at Pix Force. He leads Pix Force's transformation into a scalable SaaS operation, combining strategic vision, culture, and high-impact execution.
