SPECIAL FOCUS: COMMUNICATIONS
A MINE OF INFORMATION
Why Gigabit Ethernet is key for reliability in modern mining operations
C
ontinuous, reliable communications are essential for the success of mining operations. Tey enable the transfer of crucial information across facilities, ensuring that fans, pumps, conveyors and other key pieces of equipment operate correctly. When ineffective communications led to an increase in downtime at a mining complex in Mexico, CC-Link IE network technology offered a solid solution. Mining operations are becoming
increasingly smart and digitised, with key pieces of equipment connected via industrial communications networks to run autonomously. In addition, they provide
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businesses a unique actionable insight into all mining operations. With non-stop activities characterising this sector, the ideal network should be able to process large volumes of data without any interruption. When a Mexican mining complex was not benefitting from such communications infrastructure for its operations, a rapid revamp was necessary.
WHEN THE (BROADCAST) STORM IS COMING Te facility uses a Mitsubishi Electric Melsec iQ-R PLC platform to control 35 variable frequency drives (VFDs), which
in turn modulate the speed of fans, pumps and conveyors. While the automation components have been operating successfully for years, the mining complex was experiencing prolonged downtime associated with network failure. More precisely, approximately 20 hours were lost every month because of broadcast storms, data packet collisions, intermittent or even lost communications between higher enterprise level software and field devices. To address these challenges, the mining company decided to replace its existing network technology with a more effective one. After evaluating and testing CC-Link
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