Weir Minerals has announced the launch of its Synertrex® platform, an advanced Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology, which, it says, is set to transform the mining industry.
Delivering an advanced level of understanding, it allows operators to monitor every aspect of their equipment’s operation, prevent problems and increase throughput, according to Weir.
It uses network connectivity to capture equipment data and relay it to service centres, service technicians, their customers and Weir’s design centres for trend monitoring, proactive components supply and product improvement.
Ricardo Garib, Minerals Division President, said: “We believe our Synertrex platform will have a significant impact on the mining industry, transforming customer operations through improved productivity and safety.”
The company worked with technology market leaders Microsoft and Dell to develop “sophisticated predictive software and hardware” robust enough to operate in extreme conditions across the globe, he added.
IIoT is a network of equipment that connects to the internet and shares data that can be converted into unique insights. Demand for IIoT-enabled products is growing rapidly, particularly in the mining industry where it is being used in a number of areas including analytics, machine learning, and robotics.
“Synertrex is a cutting edge IIoT platform which harnesses the latest digital technology to transform productivity, foresee risk and enhance performance,” Weir said.
Using cloud computing, it involves placing smart sensors on an array of Weir Minerals’ products to gather critical operating data for advanced analysis. The data is transformed into powerful insights relayed to the customer through a digital interface.
“It can identify problems before they occur, reducing downtime, and optimise equipment performance across an entire circuit,” Weir said.
“Remote management allows for simplified maintenance. Wear and tear can be easily monitored, and trouble spots detected before they escalate into major issues. Whether it’s a drive system, structural or lubrication issues, Synertrex provides the tools to keep mining equipment at its most profitable.”
Through the platform, customers have detailed real-time insight into how equipment is performing, and machines will be able to learn over time, according to Weir.
Information is displayed on an easy to understand dashboard, which can be accessed via any device or integrated into existing operational systems. It will convey real-time, fact-based insights into machine performance and health, remaining useful life and other crucial indicators.
Fred Bradner, Vice President of Global Strategy, Sales and Marketing, said: “This platform will redefine field service standards and lead to greater performance, reliability and ultimately return on investment.”
At this stage, the platform can be paired with Warman® pumps, Cavex® hydrocyclones, GEHO® PD pumps, Enduron® HPGR, Enduron® screens and Enduron® crushers; however Weir has plans to expand the range of compatible products.
Customers with existing Weir products who wish to enable Synertrex will be able to retrofit sensors to equipment.
John McNulty, Vice President of Global Engineering and Technology, said: “This technology is backed by our 147 years of experience and unrivalled service support. Our team travel to the customers’ site to install the sensors, connect to the cloud and provide training to ensure they fully understand how the Synertrex platform works and what it can do.
“The data gathered from Synertrex combined with our in-depth product knowledge, provides unique insights on performance that only the OEM can deliver. Our extensive service network can quickly act on the outputs from Synertrex to provide unrivalled on-site support to our customers.”