Tag Archives: RWTH Aachen University

m3connect reaches new 5G open-pit milestone as part of RWTH Aachen University AMT study

Communications in mining, IoT, Mining industry recognition, Mining services, Power supply for mines, , , ,

m3connect, a provider of wireless connectivity, recently reached a milestone with the installation and testing of a private 5G network in an open-cast mine belonging to Nivelsteiner Sandwerke and Sandsteinbrüche GmbH in Herzogenrat, Germany.

This study was commissioned by the Institute for Advanced Mining Technologies (AMT) at RWTH Aachen University and aims to evaluate the suitability of a 5G campus network for the wireless connectivity of open-pit mines. The knowledge gained will serve as a basis for the upcoming integration of self-driving and emission-free tipper trucks with electric motors as part of the “ELMAR” research project.

The results of this site survey open up new horizons for the mining industry, m3connect says. The use of a reliable and powerful private 5G network enables area-wide wireless connectivity, even under the most demanding conditions of raw material extraction. This not only opens up the possibility of efficient control and monitoring of self-propelled dump trucks, but also offers enormous potential for the digitalisation of work and safety processes, as well as productivity optimisation.

The “ELMAR” research project at RWTH Aachen University has an objective of integrating the use of electric heavy mining machinery in the domestic extractive industry and demonstrate its utility. It sees the integration of zero-emission dump trucks marks a significant step towards an environmentally friendly and efficient mining industry, with the successful 5G site survey in Reallabor Nivelstein representing a decisive step forward on this journey, m3connect says.

m3connect says it and the AMT are confident the findings of this survey will serve as the basis for the implementation of a robust 5G campus network in resource extraction.

PAUS to showcase new scaler, concrete mixer and dump truck at Bauma

Automation, Mining equipment, Mining events, , , , , , , , , , , ,

After already showcasing its battery-electric vehicle and corresponding electric driveline concept at Bauma 2019, PAUS is intending to bring even more new developments to the 2022 edition later this year.

The machines to be showcased at Bauma 2022, from October 24-30 in Munich, Germany, include the PAUS Scaler PScale 8-T (pictured), the PAUS concrete mixer UNI 50-5 BM-TM and the PAUS dump truck PMKM 8030.

In addition to the brand new designs and individual characteristics of the displayed machines, all of them will be featured with the latest technologies as part of PAUS’ general and forward-looking product developments.

Safety, performance, sensitivity and high durability are the design principles and values PAUS used for the development of its new PAUS Scaler PScale 8-T generation in order to provide what it says is a “unique scaling experience”.

“In underground operations rock falls could potentially lead to fatalities, injuries and damage to underground personnel and infrastructure,” the company said. “To prevent from and to ensure a higher safety working environment, any loose rock needs to be removed before the follow-up processes can be started.”

The highest performance possible is ensured thanks to the use of a high power output engine, 20° tiltable cabin, individual parameter adjustment of the hydraulic hammer, operation and diagnostic display, which provide higher reliability and quality of the scaling process.

The PScale series allows operators to adjust and check hammer parameters directly at the face instead of adjustments on the surface, while the operator’s cabin outperforms international ROPS/FOPS requirements. Other risks can be further alleviated by using additional configurations, such as plug-and-play for the remote control, 3P safety belts, a brake test button, hill start assistance and a pressurised cabin.

For working heights up to 10 m, Paus additionally offers the PScale 10-T.

The PAUS concrete mixer UNI 50 BM-TM offers a transport solution with a higher payload as well as safe and comfortable driving characteristics, even on rough terrain, PAUS says.

The larger UNI 50-5 carrier, which highlights the new chassis of the UNI series, comes with a payload of up to 17 t, increased ground clearance, a more powerful driveline and a spring-mounted fully suspended front axle, according to the company.

With an available volume of up to 7.5 cu.m, the PAUS transport mixer is a reliable partner for successful concrete works in underground mining, it says.

The UNI 50-5 carrier can also be provided with further superstructure such as the fuel tanks, lubricant service, water tanker, fire tanker, loading platform with crane and many more. Further to that, PAUS is offering a variety of customised configurations and options to meet the individual requirements of the different underground operations and conditions. The carrier can also be equipped with different types of changeable systems for carrying cassette mounted superstructures.

PAUS delivers the UNI 50-5 BM-TM with an engine power of up to 173 kW with Deutz or Mercedes Benz engines. The machine can also be fitted with optional Stage V compliant engines.

The PAUS dump truck PMKM 8030, meanwhile, is designed for narrow-vein operations, with a compact yet powerful configuration.

The combination of the improved design and characteristics with the latest electronics and a preliminary setup for smart equipment will provide a future-oriented solution in terms of operator comfort and safety, but also efficiency, productivity and operating cost for haulage in narrow-vein mines.

The well-established sister machine, PMKM 8010, is designed with less width at increased length and height, but the new PMKM 8030 comes with a broader, shorter and narrow design at a reduced loading height and with improved driving characteristics thanks to the lowered centre of gravity, larger tyres and new axles with integrated oscillation, PAUS says.

With a payload of 16,000 kg, the machine is fitted as standard with a 8 cu.m dump box and can be further customised for transport of bulk materials with higher or lower densities.

The machine is also available with smart systems like a bird’s eye view camera, tyre pressure control and load weighing, all of which can be wireless monitored and displayed via PAUS CONNECT.

The PMKM 8030 comes with a rotating driver’s seat for long distances of driving backward at high speeds (bidirectional) and a spacious and comfortable cab.

It also comes with a choice of different Cummins and Caterpillar diesel engines complying with varying regulations and power of up to 190 kW.

The machine also includes the PAUS standard safety package for underground mining machines eg SAHR brakes, a ROPS/FOPS cabin, enhanced LED lighting, etc.

PAUS concluded: “The multifaceted portfolio, the variety of options and the customised features available along with our machines will provide the basis for almost every task – it doesn’t matter how individual the solution needs to be.”

PAUS says it is already working on new solutions like a special mine rescue vehicle – currently being developed in cooperation with Dräger and a major European supplier for firefighting equipment. In addition to that the “Scale Sense” project of the Germany-based RWTH Aachen University – for the detection of loose rock to use with PAUS scalers – is close to reaching the next development stage for extended field testing.

EU competition, collaboration and connections helping Epiroc solve mining challenges

Automation, Environmental, IoT, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining industry recognition, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Epiroc’s start-up mentality is enabling it to continue to solve the mining industry’s biggest challenges, but it is not doing this alone, according to Katarina Öquist, R&D Manager of Technology and Innovation in the Underground Division.

Speaking ahead of her appearance at the EIT Raw Materials Summit 2022 in Berlin, Germany – taking place on May 23-25 – Öquist said access to other industry partners, academic institutes and start-ups through initiatives like EIT Raw Materials continues to help the company overcome challenges the sector throws at it.

“Specifically on the EIT Raw Materials project, there is the possibility to take in young start-ups and academic institutes, which can prove key when considering the ‘kicks‘ the funding can provide such companies and initiatives,” she said. “It is important for these young technology companies to have a connection to applications, being able to test out concepts and ideas in a real-world environment with companies like Epiroc, and, at the same time, introduce new thinking into industries such as mining.”

This wide scope of participation is increasingly required when considering the future direction of the mining industry, according to Öquist.

Katarina Öquist, R&D Manager of Technology and Innovation in Epiroc’s Underground Division

“If you look at the mining industry, and the part I am in with Epiroc, we are experiencing the biggest technology shift ever,” she said. “We are looking at electrification, autonomy and digitalisation all at the same time. All of these have interdependencies and connections in between, which make it quite complicated.

“When I started in the start-up sector some 15 years ago, you often were looking to solve one problem, but, today, you are not offering the sole solution; you must interact with a much bigger technology ecosystem.

“For this, collaboration is very important.”

In this regard, EIT Raw Materials and European Union Commission funding are more important than ever, ensuring all stakeholders are connected and focused on coming up with workable solutions for industry to achieve their lofty ambitions.

While not tied to EIT Raw Materials, the NEXGEN SIMS project is a good example to highlight here.

NEXGEN SIMS builds on the EU-sponsored SIMS (Sustainable Intelligent Mining Systems) project, which aimed to demonstrate new technology and solutions for the mining industry. Running from 2017 to 2020, the SIMS project resulted in, among other things, the Epiroc line of battery-powered mining machines.

NEXGEN SIMS, meanwhile, is a consortium of 13 partners collaborating in an EU-sponsored project to develop autonomous, carbon-neutral, sustainable mining solutions, building on the SIMS success. The partners are Epiroc Rock Drills, AFRY – ÅF Digital Solutions, Agnico Eagle Finland, Boliden Mineral, Ericsson, KGHM Cuprum, KGHM Polska Miedź, K+S Minerals and Agriculture, Luleå University of Technology (LTU), LTU Business, Mobilaris MCE, OZ Minerals and RWTH Aachen University. The project, led by Epiroc, has a budget of €16 million ($16.8 million) and will run from May 2021 to April 2024.

“In the case of NEXGEN SIMS, it is built on a known partnership including new partners,” Öquist said. “After being involved with the majority of these partners since SIMS, we build from a high level of trust, which increases the possibility of success, especially concerning integration.

“Europe, in general, is very good in facilitating these type of collaborative projects that involve all segments of the innovation ecosystem – start-ups, industry partners and academics.”

According to Öquist, the NEXGEN SIMS project remains on track, with the integrations between electrification, automation and digitalisation likely to hold the most exciting outcomes for the wider mining industry.

For its part, Epiroc is also helping accelerate the development of start-ups of its own, taking stakes/interests in key technology providers and allowing them access to its much larger network.

ASI Mining, FVT Research and Mining TAG represent just a few examples here.

Öquist expanded on this with a reference to Mobilaris MCE, a company Epiroc acquired outright just last year, after five years of holding a 34% stake.

“They (Mobilaris MCE) started off in 1999 as a start-up from the telecoms business,” she said. “Due to them being in the northern part of Sweden, they tagged onto the mines and we ended up acquiring a minority interest in them.

“In the five years since, they have had a nice journey under the guise of Epiroc. They represent a local small start-up growing by going under the wings of a much larger industry partner.”

Epiroc, too, has benefitted from this collaboration, with Mobilaris MCE’s situational awareness technology recently becoming a key part of the OEM’s 6th Sense digital solution.

Not all OEMs would be willing to facilitate the growth of other companies in such a way, but Öquist, who has only been in her role with Epiroc for two years, puts this down to the company‘s unique culture.

“We call ourselves a 150-year-old start-up,” she said. “Regardless of how big we grow, that mindset remains – if someone highlights a problem, we set out to solve it through both internal and external collaboration.”