An updated digital monitoring and optimisation suite is said to improve the performance and reliability of mine hoists.

ABB Ability’s Smart Hoisting allows for further integration to cloud solutions and includes new features such as the ABB Drive System Monitoring and additional key performance indicators (KPIs).

The traditional predictive maintenance approach relies on manual data collection and analysis over a short period of time. This is time consuming and may lead to intermittent issues remaining hidden or being identified too late.

The Smart Hoisting suite is designed to improve the uptime, availability, reliability, performance and productivity of hoists. By incorporating advanced monitoring features, the system is said to provide actionable information on critical KPIs, ensuring better decision-making and optimisation of hoisting operations. The automatic collection, monitoring and analysis of data helps mining companies increase production performance, identify potential functional safety hazards and optimise maintenance scheduling.  

ABB Ability says that the predictive maintenance capabilities of the suite help improve standards and drive innovation, leading to more sustainable and profitable mining operations. In addition, proactive maintenance and hazard identification contribute to a safer and more environmentally responsible mining sector. 

“From improved uptime, reduced environmental footprint and increased monitoring services, this new solution brings enormous benefits to the industry at an important time,” said ABB Hoisting global service manager Charles Bennett.

The key features of the new Smart Hoisting solution include: 

• Predictive maintenance: allowing for proactive identification and resolution of potential issues, reducing downtime, increasing operational efficiency, and minimising maintenance costs 
• Advanced monitoring capabilities: the solution includes Drive System Monitoring, and KPIs that provide actionable insights for better decision-making and optimisation of hoisting operations 
• Enhanced cybersecurity: helps ensure the safety and integrity of  mining operations, protecting them from potential cyberthreats and vulnerabilities
• Comprehensive solution:  multiple customer challenges can be addressed simultaneously, from increasing uptime and performance to ensuring safety and efficient maintenance scheduling. The holistic approach aims to ensure better results, and save time, resources and costs. 

“Through the integration of predictive maintenance and advanced monitoring, the evolved ABB Ability Smart Hoisting solution marks a pivotal milestone in redefining the performance benchmarks for mine hoists. This transformative solution addresses industry challenges comprehensively, fostering heightened uptime, sustainability and operational resilience,” concludes Bennett.