Remote monitoring on mines

The use of data analytics and dedicated algorithms is further enhancing proactive maintenance by enabling more detailed analysis from data generated by machinery such as drills, loaders and trucks.

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions says its remote monitoring service (RMS) has rapidly evolved from telemetry data reporting solutions, to high-tech digital capabilities that give mines even more uptime and productivity while prioritising safety and driving down maintenance costs.

“We use data to generate more detailed insights into machine health, which allows mining operations to embrace a proactive maintenance mindset,” says Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions portfolio specialist for RMS and digitalisation Zandre de Witt.

The My Sandvik telemetry data reporting solution has allowed data to be gathered on the ‘Knowledge Box’ installed on Sandvik equipment, and to be transmitted and stored for display on digital dashboards, and RMS takes this further towards meeting the strategic objectives of mining customers, explains Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions sales support manager Logan Pillay.

“It is about the conclusions to be drawn from the various combinations of readings from our technology; these insights then feed into response processes and our interactions with customers, to improve and streamline operations,” says Pillay.

Sandvik’s i-series drills, loaders and trucks are all RMS enabled with intelligent capability. Using a range of algorithms, potential issues are identified and reports are generated on each item of equipment.

“We can pick up indicators that there is dust ingress into an engine, for instance, which could severely damage components within a matter of days,” notes Pillay.

The report to the customer would include not only the readings and analysis, but also practical recommendations for maintenance teams to follow in the investigation of the issue.

“Our experience is that mining staff are increasingly data hungry when it comes to monitoring and maintaining equipment,” highlights De Witt. “They also want to see this data in real time, and in a fully analysed format to guide quick decisions.”