ABB announces cloud-based digital service for grinding

ABB has released a new version of ABB Ability Predictive Maintenance for grinding, which the company says is an advanced digital service to maintain, assess and analyse gearless mill drive (GMD) systems. The upgrade means that ABB Ability Predictive Maintenance for grinding is now cloud-based, instead of sited on premises, and includes a mobile application that allows real-time notifications on fleet status. The Grinding Connect mobile app is available for iOS and Android.

The system provides easy access to GMD system parameters; allows visualisation of performance considering past activity and real-time data; and assesses future maintenance requirements. It aims to extend the lifetime of grinding assets through better use of resources to support non-stop operation and to avoid unforeseen downtime.

The data sample per mine has been increased and analytics and trends are more reliably defined. The solution offers a new user experience, with fully customisable dashboards, alarms and events all available on the mobile app.

GMDs are the preferred grinding solution at mines characterised by higher-capacity production coupled with low ore grades. By eliminating bolt-on mechanical components such as ring gears, pinions, couplings and gearboxes, GMDs offer ore producers greater availability, efficiency and durability, while reducing OPEX.

“A gearless mill drive is a major investment and its availability is essential for the process,” said Angeles Fernandez, Global Product Manager for Grinding Service in mining at ABB. “Unscheduled shutdowns and system failures can lead to significant losses in production.

“ABB Ability Predictive Maintenance for grinding is a state-of-the-art service for analysing system data, assessing the current condition of the equipment and applying predictive methods. The new version is unique in the market and the new Grinding Connect app means you can check that your GMD is performing through your phone or tablet.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Jose Luis Stephens