One of the most exciting uses for cloud software, IIoT and automaton technology has been in the mining industry. In recent years the health and safety numbers for mining have greatly improved—and so have costs and efficiencies—by handing machines the dirtiest and most energy-intensive jobs. Mining companies and human health factors have both benefitted greatly.
The challenge, however, is that the machines also have health requirements. With few humans around to watch and listen, how does a mining company keep those big machines getting ores—and profits- to the surface?
Data Analytics: Know What You Need to Know
Accurate data analytics and remotely located mining asset monitoring through Emerson Zedi’s cloud-based Machine Health Management system can boost profits in three ways: increase the life span of your machines; reduce or prevent downtime; and minimize safety risks by reducing issues that could lead to dangerous situations in the mine.
With costs of mining machinery skyrocketing like everything else, every piece of equipment’s health is a vital part of your bottom line. Continuous monitoring of vibrations, pressures and other “vital signs” gives our system the data it needs to make ongoing adjustments to optimize its performance and longevity, while enabling your staff to focus on more important tasks as needed. When there is an impending issue of concern, it can issue alarms to appropriate people in order to either prevent downtime or minimize it.
Diagnostics: Head Off Possible Issues
Our IIoT platform quickly analyzes the thousands of data points flowing through them every hour. Zedi Machine Health Monitoring uses those analytics to activate accurate alarms—every one will be worth addressing.
Even better, it will mine historical data to monitor trends and empower your people to predict outcomes and only send people to those remotely located assets when actually needed, and they'll know by the data what they need to bring with them for parts and tools the first time they make that long, risky journey. From that it will give you expertly recommended preventive maintenance schedules and alerts. That way there’ll be fewer alarms needed because that’s what “preventive” maintenance is about.
Plus, you can schedule it all in an organized fashion. You can do them during slower times, or schedule several procedures at once, to minimize even the total time required at site, or on a specific route.
Safety Benefits
You’ve already seen your automated machinery bring a number of safety benefits simply because there are fewer people in dangerous situations. By directing your maintenance schedules and providing immediate and accurate alarming, the system makes your operations even safer. Reducing breakdowns means fewer sudden and dangerous in-mine situations for your people.
What It Does for You
The best machinery and systems only provide production, increased safety and profits when they’re running dependably and efficiently. With fewer people walking by them a listening for odd rumbles, your IIoT monitoring system that provides you with the right actionable data, at the right time is the key to keeping your mine paying its way. The Zedi IIoT platform, and Zedi Machine Health Monitoring is designed to do just that; giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is on task, your people and assets are safer, and your business is on the right path for a long, sustainable future for generations to come.
And your people will have every bit of data they need to make informed decisions on keeping it that way.
