Aggregate Mining Operations

Critical Machine Monitoring: Industrial Equipment

Atoms In Use from Start to Finish

No production operation showcases the flexibility of the Atom like the aggregate mining industry. Starting in the mine itself and moving through every stage of production, Atoms deliver insights and the information each team needs at each stage to improve operations, proactively address machine performance and immediately address breakdowns in the field.

Monitor Critical Mining Equipment

Atoms are the perfect condition monitoring solution for the aggregate industry. Affordable and easy to install, Atoms deliver real value from day one. From early identification of potential bearing failures to alerts when conveyors require attention, Atoms can be the difference between a smoothly running operation and one with days lost time to equipment downtime.

Equipment Types and Monitoring Needs

Screens and Shakers

  • Bearing Temperature
  • Vibration
  • Impact
  • Runtime

Conveyors/Elevators

  • Motor Operation
  • Bearing Temperature
  • Vibration
  • Impact

Crushers

  • Motor Operation
  • Vibration
  • Bearing Temperature

Dryers

  • Bearing Temperature
  • Vibration
  • Impact

Equipment Maintenance Monitoring

Currently, there is limited information available about the health of the equipment used in a mining operation. Traditionally, equipment performance data has been captured by employees with temperature sensing guns taking periodic readings. This can be problematic for several reasons including variances and inconsistencies in the data captured along with the safety risks associated with capturing temperature on equipment that is difficult to reach or measure. Atoms solve this problem by providing both periodic readings to monitor equipment as well as continuous monitoring for changes in the ongoing operation of a motor or piece of equipment.
AT R with Graph

Multiple Atoms are in use in this production step. AT-R1.0 Atoms, connected via Bluetooth to our gateway, are attached to the shaker tables to monitor vibration and impact. An augmented Atom with an external temperature sensor monitors the bearing temperature of the motor. These Atoms provide a detailed view of shaker table performance and deliver alerts when the shakers need attention:

 

  • Bearing Health: bearing temperature increases may signify over-lubrication. Real-time alerts in temperature increase above threshold give operators the opportunity to intervene before failure or damage occurs.
  • Screen Health: vibration changes alert operators to screen and motor degradation before the equipment fails, giving operators the opportunity to schedule maintenance, replace critical parts of re-route materials, preventing downtime and equipment failure during operation.

Productivity Management

One of the benefits of run-time monitoring is the insight it provides for shift managers. Which equipment was in operation for the full shift? Which motors/tools/equipment require maintenance? By adding Atoms to critical equipment, Plant and Operation managers now have the information they need to improve productivity.

Delivering on ROI

The Atomation platform delivers positive ROI quickly. The cost of an Atom is significantly lower than the labor costs involved in periodic monitoring, including the current time invested when employees use a hand-held gun to determine temperature.  Add that Atoms continuously monitor equipment for issues that may arise, giving teams the opportunity to proactively manage equipment and prevent downtime, and the solution delivers positive ROI almost from day one.

  • Continuously monitor all critical equipment – regardless of location – and receive alerts when equipment requires attention
  • Reduce labor costs incurred when doing manual temperature and machinery checks

How can Atoms transform your operation?
Schedule a demo today and let’s work together to see where Atoms can best assist your efforts to improve your operations.