Remote pump monitoring in the mining sector

The emergence of cloud-based SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition) for accessing data, automated processes of remote measurement, and data collection in pump station management is just the thing for mining companies.

Currently, mines are overburdened with pressures on profitability from increasing machinery maintenance costs, and water scarcity. This is over and above increasing productivity, which entails improving equipment uptime and minimising downtime to the greatest extent.

Traditional pump management involves frequent site visits. The main challenge with this approach, though well-meant, is that it is convoluted, time-consuming and exposes the personnel involved to unforeseen safety risks. Moreover, there is a possibility that the data may be wrong, which can lead to poor decision-making.

However, data obtained from pump monitoring has to be readily available as and when needed to inform key decisions on pump controlling and monitoring. The convenience of accurate data can be that critical difference between asset uptime and downtime, impacting productivity.

Because of this, it is sensible for mining companies to adopt cloud-based SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition) in pump management.

Cloud-based Convenience 

Cloud-based SCADA allows for integrated fault detection, reporting, monitoring and management systems. It brings convenience in the following ways:

• With the data gathered/Equipped with data, plant managers can troubleshoot, resolve issues and regain control within the shortest time possible.

• Real-time, secure, cloud-based SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition) enables operational and maintenance personnel to gain control over anywhere there is cell phone, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity.

READ: Grundfos technology to remotely monitor, manage pumps

• The personnel can connect information from multiple pieces of machinery into an integrated ecosystem, from almost anywhere in the world in real-time. The information would be on areas such as flow rates, peak flow times, and fuel levels just to cite a few. Then, with the information, pump station operators can identify the maintenance tasks that are needed and when they should be performed.

• Unlimited number of approved users can connect to the system (of course this is subject to their authorisation level) from any device (computer, tablet, telephone).

Massive gains 
There is no question that telemetry has changed the game in water management. Prominently, massive gains are in the areas of preventative maintenance, operational savings, improved planning, better water quality monitoring and level monitoring, as well as reduced insurance premiums and safety risks.

•     Preventative maintenance 

By monitoring and controlling RTUs remotely, callouts to the site are reduced. In this way, the maintenance team can prepare if a callout does become necessary. The early warning of sudden changes (employing water leak detection and early fault detection) will inform the maintenance staff before problems escalate. This approach decreases the occurrence of electricity and water supply disruptions. Any discrepancy in water volume and pressure that goes in and out would indicate a possible pipeline leakage.

•     Operational savings

By facilitating preventative maintenance of plants, and reducing water and electricity outages, telemetry can bring significant operational costs savings.

•     Optimal water supply through improved planning

When a plant is in a good condition, there is an optimal water supply for various processes. Thus, equipped with equipment, operators can be able to know whether the level is falling so that refilling is scheduled.

•     Better water quality and level monitoring

Through telemetry, the level of the quality of water for consumption and production in mines can be monitored for PH, and level of chlorine among others.

Furthermore, as part of the terms of their operating licences, mines are obliged to manage waste and excess water soundly. Through telemetry, water levels in dams can be monitored

Minimising downtime 
All in all, the use of cloud-based telemetry systems in pump station management can help mines effectively manage extensive monitoring requirements. This would minimise downtime caused by pump failure, increasing efficiency.