ABB takes mine hoist control to new heights with NGX Hoist Control

ABB is a leader in the provision of integrated digital, automation, and electrification solutions to the mining and mineral processing industries. Companies of all sizes around the globe trust ABB to be their digital transformation partner, employing the best people, engineering expertise, and over a century of know-how to create value and visibility – from mine to port and from plant to enterprise.

ABB Ability MineOptimize portfolio – a unique, cross-functional approach to digital transformation in mining – enables mine operators to connect, monitor and control the full range of ABB solutions, in order to optimise operations and energy usage in real time, paving the way for the fully integrated, mobile, collaborative, autonomous, and emissions-free mines of the future.

The pilot eMine FastCharge solution – part of the new ABB Ability eMine portfolio – is set to become another cornerstone of the transition to fully electrified mines when fully launched. The world’s fastest and only fully automated charging system for mining trucks, FastCharge offers up to 600 kW of power, is standardised for use on all truck types and can be quickly and easily deployed to minimise the downtime of mobile assets.

Digitalisation, automation, and electrification of mines is making a world of difference in minimising the environmental impact of the mining industry on which we depend to extract future-critical ores.

Introducing ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control

ABB also has a rich heritage in mine hoisting systems, and now, 130 years after the company’s first electrical motor for a mine hoist was commissioned in Sweden in 1891, ABB introduces ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control, a new standardised hoist control system for use by mining companies worldwide.

Building on ABB’s reliable and proven experience of hoist control systems, ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control includes the latest and most comprehensive safety features in a non SIL (functional safety) environment.

ABB hoist control systems are world-renowned as reliable and trouble-free. More protections on the NGX system help reduce downtime and maintenance.

NGX provides mine hoist operators with the most modern and intuitive hoist operator control station available. NGX operator control station was designed using the latest techniques in ergonomics and human actors engineering.

NGX can be used on any mine hoist type, application, anywhere. Compatible and easily integrated, large global customers that have mine hoists throughout the world will benefit from having a common platform for all globally located mine hoists. It is also easy to upgrade from a non-ABB control system.

NGX Hoist Control can be easily integrated with other market-leading ABB technologies such as ABB Ability Safety Plus for hoists. The first fully SIL 3-certified hoist solutions that ensure the highest level of safety (IEC 62061), Safety Plus was first commissioned in 2019 on the world’s largest friction hoists.

ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control is also compatible with the ABB Ability Performance Optimisation, an advanced digital monitoring service that continuously tracks the status of a hoist and improves uptime, availability, performance, and productivity using actionable information on key performance indicators (KPIs). The innovative new system also features intuitive operation via a human-machine interface system (HMI), as well as providing 24/7 remote access to ABB expert technical support.

Improved efficiency, safety, and OPEX

Installing NGX Hoist Control as part of both greenfield and upgrade projects translates into tangible production and cost benefits for mine operators, including reduced downtime and maintenance requirements. Implementing the same control system across multiple plants also reduces OPEX.

The platform has standardised building blocks/features, which are easier to monitor and maintain.

Together with autonomous solutions, including ABB Ability Ventilation Optimizer (ventilation on demand) and digital services, innovations such as these improve the quality of the subterranean working environment, enabling remote supervision and removing personnel from hazardous areas.

ABB mine hoisting systems: the complete solution

ABB does not compromise on the health and safety of personnel working in mines, and is committed to creating mining environments that are safe for workers.

The company starts by listening and understanding the needs of customers and users, in order to develop reliable mining equipment that make mines safer. They create autonomous and remote solutions, enabling operators to remotely monitor their operations and detect safety issues far from hazardous areas.

ABB’s digitally-enabled applications are designed to provide clear information and actionable work instructions.

NGX Hoist Control is the latest example of ABB’s commitment to innovation and excellence as the sole global supplier of complete mine hoist systems that comprise both mechanical and electrical components. ABB mine hoist solutions offer its many mining customers worldwide low life cycle cost, high reliability and system availability, short project execution time, and a single source of supply for complete hoist systems, including servicing and spare parts.

Today, ABB is a leader in the segment with more than 1000 hoisting solutions worldwide, including friction and drum hoists, shaft equipment, as well as electrical drive and control systems.

ABB has maintained its dominant position by listening closely to its customers and then applying more than 100 years of experience to design innovative, safe and reliable mine hoist solutions, including demand-driven production matched to upstream and downstream ore flow, automatic rope oscillation control, cage bounce elimination, and peak power compensation for hoists.

Experience the future of mine hoist control at Euro Mine Expo 2022

The team from ABB Process Industries invites delegates to witness ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control first-hand at Booth 188 in the Zink Hall at Euro Mine Expo 2022. The trade fair and conference are being held in Skellefteå Kraft Arena, Skellefteå, Sweden, from Tuesday 14 June to Thursday 16 June.

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Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/special-reports/02062022/abb-takes-mine-hoist-control-to-new-heights-with-ngx-hoist-control/