Tag Archives: GHH inSiTE

TALPA looking to democratise the data dynamic in mining

Automation, Communications in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , ,

TALPA Solutions is a software platform provider that aims to democratise the data dynamic in mining, building platforms that, it says, integrate data, decisions and operations effectively, making it easier for mining companies to bring together multiple datasets into one interface with actionable insights.

The ability to do this can set solution providers apart in the mining industry.

Another differentiator for TALPA in this space is its independence. As an entity backed by venture capitalists, it is not tied to one specific OEM or equipment provider. This allows it to look not only at maintenance-related data but also at information that impacts productivity, safety and other on-site considerations. It gives TALPA the freedom to work with raw data and apply various data models directly on its cloud platform.

TALPA’s approach to obtaining on-board machine data is also unique, it claims. Instead of using APIs for already processed signals, it connects directly to the machine’s ECU data via a data logging device and multiple CAN bus interfaces. This approach ensures integration is both quick and easy, and that no potential data points are left behind.

According to Alexey Shalashinski, Head of Business Development at TALPA, such an approach is starting to be recognised by both the mining company community and the OEMs themselves.

TALPA has already partnered with several companies, including GHH and SMAG, to create digital solutions for their end users. For example, the GHH inSiTE Digital analytics solution offered by GHH to various underground mine sites has allowed significant reductions in MTTR (mean time to repair) at several mines owned by GHH’s biggest client in Germany and is now being populated across further sites internationally.

Referencing a project in North America with one of the industry’s leading tyre manufacturers, TALPA’s industrial AI platform has identified productivity improvement opportunities at an open-pit mine site by analysing the carrying capacity of haul trucks in operation, merging it with the tyre diagnostics on these vehicles as well as spatial and other contextual data. On this particular project, TALPA identified there was a potential 5-10% opportunity to increase the average payload on these trucks based on what the sensor data from various systems was saying.

Many mining OEMs claim to provide software solutions with insights on maintenance and productivity, but these normally cover only the product range of particular manufacturers, according to TALPA.

Shalashinski says mine sites find it difficult to get “buy-in” for several systems in the case of running mixed fleets from respective companies and integrating them into the workflow. TALPA is looking to provide that connection to clients so they can leverage all the major benefits that come from pulling data off hundreds of sensors on multiple pieces of equipment.

He concluded: “TALPA Solutions’ unique approach to obtaining on-board machine data, and its partnerships with various companies, make it a valuable partner for the mining industry.”

GHH InSiTE

GHH inSiTE – TALPA and GHH leveraging data to reduce underground equipment OPEX

Automation, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

At the project development and deposit exploitation stage, more focus is increasingly placed on converting the data generated by mining assets into near real time actionable insights that allow a faster reaction to the changing environment of operations.

Limited communication at the underground mine can create inefficiencies in scheduling and managing machines’ availability and uptime. These can include longer-than-planned maintenance periods, with more time spent on administrative tasks than actual revenue-driving activities. As a result, there is a need to eliminate variability and unknowns from production and equipment maintenance processes to keep up fleet availability.

Underground mining operations involving a lot of mobile machines, such as LHDs, dump trucks, drilling and auxiliary equipment, often become a closed silo of information. Once underground, the machine is hardly visible – both to the OEM that delivered it and to the central services of the mining company responsible for planning its maintenance and supplying relevant spare parts.

One example of addressing this issue is the cooperation between GHH and TALPA in implementing the GHH inSiTE digital analytics solution for a major mining company, which allowed for a reduction of equipment service costs by more than 35%/y, TALPA claims.

The system, which has been implemented in stages, began with the optimisation of service scheduling based on the information about the engine hours of the machines recorded in near real time automatic mode by the system. This was later complemented by displaying full sets of error codes and signals generated by the integrated machines. The virtual advisory to the service personnel was made available at the third stage, allowing all parties to understand issues registered at each unit and plan fit-for-purpose actions in a timely manner.

Furthermore, the system provides an interface to the central procurement system and provides equal information to the OEM, allowing for a timely supply of required spare parts and major stock optimisation opportunities.

The TALPA-powered solution enabled the mine operator to track and manage all its machines in a single system, allowing employees previously occupied with time-consuming tasks such as fault finding and service scheduling to focus on critical processes such as fleet availability for production. The customer leveraged GHH InSiTE powered by TALPA’s monitoring and analytics system’s deep capabilities to reduce costs and boost its productivity. The list of benefits included:

  • Improved service scheduling by understanding the exact time to service a fleet of over 150 machines based on permanently available knowledge of engine hours left until the next service, the recent workload of particular machines and registered errors;
  • Timely reactions to critical warnings and trends in the intervals between scheduled services in order to prevent damage to the machines requiring major overhauls;
  • Precise preparations for the service events, knowing the exact technical conditions of the machines and allowing for the timely delivery of spare parts and components;
  • Reduced downtime of machines, as the system allows for early detection of potential issues and prompt maintenance; and
  • Increased equipment availability as the system allows for better planning.

And the system also offers safeguards to ensure any recommendations not acted on by machine operators are rectified by nominated personnel within the maintenance hierarchy.

TALPA explained: “Even if the driver forgets to add the oil as indicated by the in-cabin system, this will never get missed by the Maintenance Superintendent as the system will always provide an alarm on the critical issues in the GHH machine cabin and trigger actions from that end.”

TALPA’s Industrial AI Platform solves industry-specific problems and delivers fast time to value, the company says.

“Using GHH InSiTE maintenance dashboard, powered by TALPA, allows for improving key processes throughout the workflow, delivering a clear understanding of the technical state of the fleet based on OEM standards as well as real technical conditions, and allowing optimisation of aftersales services for OEMs and technical operations for the end user,” TALPA said. “Delivered to the full extent as a service, TALPA’s platform allows for cost-efficient and worry-free implementation regardless of the fleet size and location of the operations.”

GHH launches new 10-loader, the LF-10 NEO

Automation, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, , , , , , , , ,

Mining and tunnelling equipment manufacturer GHH has unveiled a new load haul dumper (LHD), the LF-10 NEO, offering, it says, the highest tipping height in its class.

This 10-t-payload loader is a powerful and compact machine and an improved version of the LF-10, already a well-established product in its class, the company said. It is the latest in a line of new GHH loaders that includes the LF-14, the LF-7 and the LF-8.

The LF-10 NEO has a z-link design and a maximum tipping height of 2.5 m. This makes it an ideal partner for loading all 30-t-payload trucks on the market, according to GHH.

“The high breakout forces, efficient boom and bucket motion times, as well as the strong power to weight ratio, makes the LF-10 NEO one of the best in class,” Ingo Rath, Product Line Manager Loaders at GHH in Germany, said.

With a length of 9.6 m and width of 2.6 m, the LF-10 NEO is compact and versatile for excellent manoeuvrability in mid-seam underground mining environments, according to GHH.

The standard bucket aboard the LF-10 NEO holds 4.6 cu.m, making loading and unloading easier and more cost effective.

With an operating weight of around 28 t, the loader manages speeds of up to 32 km/h with four-speed transmission and gradients up to 25%. It is able to tip the 10-t payload in just 2.6 seconds, GHH says.

“GHH installs the water-cooled Mercedes OM936 diesel engine with 240 kW, which is the best in the 10-t loader-size class,” Rath says. “The large fuel tank also allows for full shift operation with no worry for refuelling mid shift and losing valuable production time.”

Exhaust gas emissions comply with US EPA Tier 3 or EU Stage IIIA on the standard machine, while EU Stage V is also optional. The low fuel consumption, ease of maintainability and robust design as well as durability and reliability of the product all add to the low operating costs, the company said.

The LF-10 NEO has an operator compartment that boasts excellent ergonomics, GHH says. This is evident in the way the controls have been laid out and the general arrangement within the cabin. There is also a large footbox within the cab, providing the operator with significantly more space and comfort. The cab also offers improved visibility compared with other loaders in the class.

It comes as standard with useful safety and maintainability features such as the Proximity Detection System (PDS) interface, which allows the integration of third-party equipment. There are also optional wear sensors fitted on the brakes.

“Like other GHH vehicles, the articulated LF-10 NEO is designed for underground hard-rock mining and can be ordered with many options,” GHH said.

It also seamlessly integrates with the GHH inSiTE electronic monitoring and digital analytics system, which provides insight into the machine performance and maintenance requirements, all tailored to the specific needs of customers.

GHH concluded: “The NEO joins the company’s mid-range segment of LHD offering, which is one of the most comprehensive on the market: the range of 18 diesel and electric models with payloads from one to 21 tonnes is a weighty factor in choosing the perfect loader. And, by the way, the Germans have the same great selection in dump trucks to complement.”