Mining equipment is essential for extracting valuable minerals and metals from the earth. However, it can also be costly, complex, and prone to breakdowns. To keep your mining equipment running smoothly, you need to follow some best practices and tips that can improve its performance, efficiency, and safety. Here are six of them.
Preventive maintenance is the process of inspecting, servicing, and repairing your mining equipment before it fails. It can help you avoid costly downtime, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and reduce the risk of accidents. To plan preventive maintenance, you need to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, keep a maintenance schedule, track the condition of your equipment, and use reliable spare parts.
While selecting the right equipment for your mining site is crucial, it is equally imperative to factor in the long-term financial implications tied to preventative maintenance efforts. One pivotal reason for this lies in the geographical distance and associated costs related to manufacturers and service centers. Mines are often situated in remote or challenging terrains, making accessibility to specialized equipment and maintenance facilities a potential logistical nightmare. In such scenarios, failing to invest in robust preventative maintenance programs can lead to exorbitant expenses down the line, as equipment breakdowns or failures might necessitate time-consuming and costly transportation of machinery to distant service centers.
I have found that auto lube pumps set on timers work well along with good lube lines that are properly attached with sufficient excess for articulation movement. It will cut down on idler bearings , track mechanisms, anything pivoting. Also good air filter management for severe duty applications on engines and compressors is probably the biggest issue in mining or any dirt moving industry. You can dust an engine in two days from installing a primary and secondary filter set up and not maintaining it in a severe work atmosphere.
Your operators are the ones who use your mining equipment on a daily basis. They need to have the skills, knowledge, and experience to operate it safely and efficiently. To train your operators, you need to provide them with clear instructions, regular feedback, and opportunities to practice. You also need to monitor their performance, enforce safety rules, and update them on any changes or improvements in your equipment.
Your mining equipment has various settings that can affect its output, quality, and energy consumption. To optimize your settings, you need to understand how they work, what factors influence them, and how they impact your goals. You also need to test different combinations of settings, measure the results, and adjust them accordingly. You can use software tools, sensors, and data analysis to help you optimize your settings.
Automation is the use of technology to control and monitor your mining equipment without human intervention. It can help you improve your productivity, accuracy, and safety. To automate your processes, you need to invest in smart devices, software systems, and communication networks that can connect your equipment and collect data. You also need to design workflows, set parameters, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Automation is key for making large scale operations competitive and reducing downtime. However, managers should be cautious in over-automating processes where mechanics and operators are required to make decisions that equipment automation cannot. An example for us was running a crusher on a mode where the crusher would give a green light to dump on it despite the bin sensor having a track record of false readings over the past few shifts, this resulted in three packed crusher events over three shifts.
Cleaning your equipment is a simple but important way to keep it running smoothly. It can help you prevent dust, dirt, and debris from clogging, corroding, or damaging your equipment. It can also help you spot any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or cracks that need attention. To clean your equipment, you need to use the appropriate tools, products, and methods for each component. You also need to follow safety precautions and dispose of waste properly.
In addition to keeping your plant cleaner, cleaning equipment and freeing it of grease and dust helps to identify issues sooner. Plant engineers, operators, and mechanics need to strike an appropriate balance on chutes, conveyors, mills, etc. that keeps process material within the process, is adequately guarded, easily cleaned, and still serviceable. This takes collaboration from the lowest levels of the process all the way to management, and will separate the high performance operations from the others. Managers should also take steps to reduce “groupthink”and “yes man” mentality in making decisions about augmenting and improving the process.
Upgrading your equipment is the process of replacing or adding new features or functions to your existing equipment. It can help you enhance your performance, quality, and efficiency. To upgrade your equipment, you need to evaluate your needs, budget, and options. You also need to consult with experts, suppliers, and manufacturers who can advise you on the best solutions for your situation.