Modern Quarrying Q1 2022

CRUSHING

The Synertrex monitoring technology control room provides real time analysis of performance data.

replacement parts at hand. “Crusher settings on Trio crush- ers, such as CSS and OSS, can be accurately monitored for improved product quality. Monitoring of process parameters such as through- put ensures production targets are met. Our monitoring technology also allows for process automation, resulting in energy efficient operation of our crushing equipment,” says Hendricks. Data processing Collecting data is one thing but making sense of it is quite another. For substantive, condition-based decisions, Weir’s Synertrex monitor- ing technology provides real-time analysis and interpretation of critical performance data and real-time, fact-based, root cause analysis of machine performance, as well as powerful operational insights into all processes. “Many benefits are delivered to the user,” says Hendricks. “These include improved performance as a result of reduced downtime (planned and unplanned), enhanced output and increased safety, which all contribute to maximising the value of the asset.” Informed decisions are facilitated by better insight, better direction and

improved as manual tasks that posed a major safety risk can now be assessed by means of our Synertrex monitoring technology. Many tasks can also be automated and the risk of human error is thus greatly reduced or completely eliminated,” he says. Wear part replacement can be pre-empted for Weir Minerals’ Trio crushers and spares holdings opti- mised to ensure crushing equipment suffers less downtime due to unfore- seen breakdowns and unavailability of spares. Better monitoring of wear parts improves maintenance and efficient operation of crushing equipment. The benefits include increased throughput, improved product specification, reduced power consumption (energy efficiency) and prolonged life of equipment. Remote support is also available, further reducing downtime. Monitoring technology has also ushered in a new era in keeping track of the condition of various param- eters of the crusher. For example, crusher liner wear can be accurately monitored using Weir’s Synertrex intelligent platform to indicate wear patterns, cracks and hotspots, informing decisions regarding adjust- ments to the crushing equipment and allowing scheduled downtime to be optimised by having the specific

Theo Hendricks, product manager comminution at Weir Minerals Africa.

better control through analytical and predictive tools. “Our Synertrex monitoring tech- nology allows remote monitoring, accessible by devices such as PCs, smartphones and tablets, and can be integrated with existing opera- tional systems at our customers’ sites – in essence, data is available to the user anytime, anywhere. The monitoring of machine data and the provision of recommendations for better performance and optimised maintenance can be conveniently packaged and provided as a service by Weir Minerals Africa,” concludes Hendricks. l

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 1 - 2022