Sparrow Takes Flight in Gold Mining

Country: Australia
Application: Gold mining

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

In the high-stakes world of gold mining, achieving peak operational efficiency and reliability is essential. An esteemed gold mining company in Australia was determined to enhance their plant performance and ensure uninterrupted operations. Confronted with a range of unique challenges, they needed a robust and innovative monitoring solution. Enter Sparrow—a compact wireless sensor designed to address the rigorous demands of mining environments. Discover how Sparrow’s advanced technology rose to the occasion, offering the perfect blend of durability and precision for this critical application.

The Challenge

Vibrating screens machines are essential in the gold mining industry, tasked with classifying particles by size, allowing smaller particles to pass through while retaining larger ones and playing a crucial role in the overall processing operation. Given their importance, precise monitoring of their vibrations is vital to maintaining both operational efficiency and high-quality output. The company sought to concentrate on monitoring the consistency and magnitude of these vibrations to ensure the production of superior-quality materials and optimal performance.

In addition to their criticality in the process, these machines pose several monitoring challenges, demanding an adequate and cutting-edge solution. Their substantial movement, combined with a highly abrasive and dusty environment, makes traditional sensor installation and performance difficult. The solution required had to be resilient enough to withstand severe vibrations and extreme environmental conditions while providing precise data to support optimal machine functionality and operational success. Furthermore, due to Australia’s vast perimeter, a remote monitoring solution was necessary, as sending personnel to take measurements would be time-intensive and bring safety considerations due to the hazardous environment.

The Solution

ACOEM’s Sparrow sensors have proven to be the ideal choice for this demanding application in the gold mining industry. Designed to excel in high-vibration environments, Sparrow sensors are both compact and durable, making them well-suited for challenging conditions. Sparrow sensors were strategically deployed to cover 2 screens: one sensor per exciter, 2 exciters per screen. Sparrow sensors are engineered to operate effectively under extreme conditions, including screen vibrations reaching up to 310 mm/s at around 12.8Hz — far exceeding the typical 2-8 mm/s expected on BOP equipment—and temperatures as high as 60°C. Their innovative design, featuring a low center of gravity and a securely positioned internal battery, ensures exceptional resilience and accuracy. This robust construction allows Sparrow sensors to maintain reliable performance even in abrasive, dusty environments where traditional monitoring systems might struggle. This makes them an ideal solution for maintaining optimal machine functionality and high-quality output in harsh mining settings.

To enhance the monitoring capabilities, Sparrow sensors are integrated with Nesti4.0, an advanced vibration analysis software developed by ACOEM. Nesti4.0 offers real-time data visualization and comprehensive analysis, allowing users to monitor vibration patterns and machine health with high precision. This integration provides actionable insights and facilitates proactive maintenance, ensuring optimal machine performance and extending equipment lifespan in the harsh mining environment.

The Outcome

For the gold mining company, ACOEM’s Sparrow sensors provide transformative benefits. Designed to withstand high vibrations and harsh conditions, Sparrow sensors deliver consistent, accurate monitoring even in extreme environments. Its compact and robust design ensures reliable performance amid significant machine movement and abrasive dust.

By maintaining precise vibration data, Sparrow sensors help optimize machine operation and extend equipment lifespan. This leads to fewer unexpected breakdowns and reduced maintenance costs, ensuring smooth and efficient processing. In essence, Sparrow sensors enhance operational reliability and performance, offering a crucial advantage in the demanding gold mining industry.

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