Abstract
One of the most widely used electro-mechanical systems in large-scale mining is the electric motor. This device is employed in practically every phase of production. For this reason, it needs to be inspected regularly to maintain maximum operability, thus avoiding unplanned stoppages. In order to identify potential faults, regular check-ups are performed to measure the internal parameters of the components, especially the brushes and brush-holders. Both components must be properly aligned and calibrated to avoid electric arcs to the internal insulation of the motor. Although there is an increasing effort to improve inspection tasks, most inspection procedures are manual, leading to unnecessary costs in inspection time, errors in data entry, and, in extreme cases, measurement errors. This research presents the design, development, and assessment of an integrated measurement prototype for measuring spring tension and other key parameters in brush-holders used in electric motors. It aims to provide the mining industry with a new, fully automatic inspection system that will facilitate maintenance and checking. Our development research was carried out specifically on the brush system of a SAG grinding mill motor. These machines commonly use SIEMENS motors; however, the instrument can be easily adapted to any motor by simply changing the physical dimensions of the prototype.
Highlights
Electric motors have been used in the mining industry for more than 75 years, it is only in the last 15 years that large-scale mining companies have started to use systems and sensors in their machinery for preventive maintenance, control, and management systems
Our research presents the development of two offline motor measurement systems: (1) A wireless
Over the last five years, large-scale mining has seen a sustained reduction in profit levels worldwide
Summary
Electric motors have been used in the mining industry for more than 75 years, it is only in the last 15 years that large-scale mining companies have started to use systems and sensors in their machinery for preventive maintenance, control, and management systems. The motors consist of different parts, some of which, like the carbon brushes, require regular inspection These conduct the current to the motor blades, generating the magnetic field that causes the motor axle to rotate. Despite their importance, the brushes seldom have integrated monitoring systems that allow their state of wear to be checked, enabling maintenance staff to determine when they need replacing. As far as we know, there are no automatic systems for assessing the state of the brush-holders and the springs that maintain pressure on the brushes These two components are vital for the correct functioning of the motor since undue wear affects the brush and the slip ring, which is a key element of the motor and very expensive to repair. A fault in a slip ring is classified as catastrophic as it implies dismantling the motor, which often costs millions of dollars
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
