Capital Equipment News March 2019

ABB launches digital portfolio ABB Ability MineOptimize

With digitalisation at its heart, ABB AbilityTM MineOptimize connects all electrification, automation and digital offerings to optimise all stages in the lifecycle – from design and build to operation and service – of any open pit or underground mine and minerals processing plant. ABB AbilityTM MineOptimize is an inno- vative, comprehensive portfolio of optimised electrification, drives and automation solutions, optimised engineering, digital applications and collaborative services. It combines in-depth sector knowledge, leading edge technology and global and local project management, engineering and digital transformation expertise developed by ABB over 60 years of working with the mining and minerals industry at every stage of the mining cycle. ABB AbilityTM MineOptimize comprises a suite of digitally connected products, services and solutions, which include state- of-the-art digital technologies for remote services, predictive maintenance tools as well as solutions for upgrades and retrofits. Advanced application libraries, software solutions and digital platforms reduce pro- cess complexity, promote safe and secure production and lower lifetime operating costs. By ensuring that the right people have the right information at the right time and from anywhere, ABB AbilityTM MineOptimize digital applications enable mine operators to Werner Baller, founder and chairman of Weba Chute Systems, has been inducted into International Mining’s Technology Hall of Fame for 2018. The accolade marks a major achievement for Baller and the company he has devel- oped since 1983. Born in West Germany, he studied ceramic engineering before coming to South Africa in 1965. With 45 years’ experience in mining and engineering – and 27 of those in transfer chute systems – he has developed nine patented products. Perhaps the most successful of these has been his Weba Chute System, which he developed after a comprehensive study of conventional chute design. Taking a scientif- ic and innovative approach to the dynamics of bulk materials at transfer points, the Weba Chute System presents a streamlined and cost-saving alternative. It also delivers higher levels of occupa- tional health and safety. Based on the lined ‘super tube’ or cascade system, the lower layer of material in the product stream

maximise reliability, safety, productivity and energy efficiency while optimising planning and visibility across operations and the entire enterprise. “Optimisation of mining and mineral processing operations to improve productivity, reduce downtime and protect workforce and the environment is essential and an important factor in being competitive in the market,” says Martin Knabenhans, head of product management for ABB’s Process Industries business unit. “The ABB AbilityTM MineOptimize portfolio offers open, digitally connected mining applications for unmatched operation, maintenance, process and production performance. As digital transformation partner ABB AbilityTM MineOptimize enables IT/OT integration for some of the world’s most cost effective mines.” b

ABB will roll out new electrification solutions, digital applications and collaborative services in the innovative ABB Ability MineOptimize portfolio throughout the year.

Weba Chute Systems founder earns hall of fame accolade

moves in a tumbling motion – rather than sliding. This reduces wear, with the lip often remaining completely covered by material and therefore never needing to be replaced. Baller’s company is now a global producer of customised bulk material transfer chutes, serving hundreds of customers in 15 coun- tries. “It is humbling to be awarded a place in the Technology Hall of Fame,” he says. “More importantly, it is a recognition that there are innovators and quality OEMS in South Africa that are able to compete on the world stage.” The International Mining Technology Hall of Fame is a well-established forum for recognising the technical innovators in the mining industry. With nominations submitted under specific categories, voting is undertaken by a college of some 100 leaders in the fields of exploration, mining and processing. To ensure impartiality, none of these experts are employees of supplier companies. b

Werner Baller, founder of Weba Chute Systems.

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