Automated Supervision - Fleet Management Systems In Mining
Automated Supervision - Fleet Management Systems In Mining
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">Fleet Management Systems (FMS) play a crucial role in the monitoring and deployment of mining trucks within open-pit operations to optimize productivity.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":257}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">A production dispatcher or mine controller and maintenance dispatcher oversees each shift, managing a collection of FMS modules responsible for drills, shovels, trucks, and dozers.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":257}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Advantages of FMS </span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some advantages of FMS in mining industry are:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>FMS Algorithms</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">One of the significant advantages of FMS lies in its algorithmic capabilities. FMS algorithms calculate the most efficient routes for trucks, reducing the time spent traveling empty. These algorithms factor in the shovel's digging rate, establishing a rhythmic truck loading process.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":257}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>FMS Integrated with Sensors</strong></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">FMS integration with sensors on heavy equipment enables condition monitoring and the ability to recognize specific events. Additional sensors can detect issues such as high oil temperatures in loaders, alerting the central FMS to take prompt actions for equipment maintenance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":257}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">FMS also contributes to fuel optimization within the Mine Trucks Fleet. It efficiently assigns trucks to the fuel bay, ensuring only those needing refueling are dispatched, resulting in increased production hours.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":257}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Conclusion </span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="auto">While some mining customers start with a limited set of FMS capabilities, there is a growing trend of experienced technology consumers with higher expectations. Major vendors are actively working to meet these demands, offering more advanced FMS solutions. These include automated systems with diverse technologies, deeper data analysis, data visualization, report automation, and cloud-based data access.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":257}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>This article was contributed by our expert <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-yaguas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ali Yaguas </a></em></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Ali Yaguas</span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1. What is an Automated Supervision Fleet Management System (FMS)?</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Generally, in the mining business, we call this solution; Fleet Management System, and it works like an automated supervisor, but the dispatcher or mine controller will monitor and control the mining environment to deliver safe production targets on shift through the FMS.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2. What are the key benefits of using an automated supervision FMS?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">There are many benefits to using the automated supervision FMS, but I will mention only a few:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Improving Safety Environment</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">FMS may include a driving performance component, including a real-time transmission video feature. Mining truck operators’ habits and behaviors are monitored, helping to prevent damage and improve safety.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Loading Equipment Idle (hanging) Time</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">The FMS reduces the valuable idle time of shovels or loaders (Loading Equipment) waiting for mining trucks, calculating the right routes that trucks must use. The Mining Operation Team should evaluate the condition of routes. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Data Collection</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">FMS can collect mining operations data quickly and comprehensively. From the reporting system to uploading statistics, the FMS application can provide the integrity of data a business needs to optimize mining operations. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Several technologies are currently used for data visualization that allows the possibility of a digital transformation in mining operations. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Fleet Control Remotely</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">The daily mining operations of any size involve many equipment activities, and FMS can be managed effectively. Implementing this type of solution can provide a platform to view every aspect of the operation remotely, even if the machines are scattered across the mine.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3. What types of vehicles can be monitored using an FMS?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">Any equipment that is designed for mining operation can be monitored by the FMS. Normally in world-class mining, we can talk about primary equipment, which includes drills, shovels, front loaders, and trucks. But secondary equipment includes dozers, wheel dozers, graders, water trucks, etc. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4. What is the typical ROI for implementing an FMS? </span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-contrast="none">The return on investment involves many variables to calculate it. But to make a very brief analysis; for example, in a mine with 30 mining trucks of 240 tons capacity, which decides to produce more with less due to the optimization of the FMS with the trucks in the mine; The mine can park 2-3 trucks to reduce costs—recovering its investment in 1.5 years.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":0,"335551620":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
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