ABB’s digital hoist optimization service improves equipment availability and overall safety for mine operators

ABB Ability^TM Performance Optimization for hoists is a remote-enabled, software-assisted service that monitors mine hoists 24/7. It applies automatic data gathering and analysis to expedite identification of issues to address that improve performance. The service connects customers to ABB experts for further evaluation and troubleshooting of hoist performance through a new ABB Ability^TMCollaborative Operations Center in Västerås, Sweden. The service analyzes the safety brake system, the hoist supervision and the normal hoist operation to ensure that hoists are running safely and reliably.

Customer operations and maintenance personnel can use this innovative service on a daily basis to quickly pinpoint issues to address that improve hoist availability. It gathers data from numerous operational points, including the hoist’s motor, hydraulics and brakes, and automatically analyzes this data to identify, categorize and prioritize the root causes of potential problems. It then identifies small deviations that could potentially result in an unwanted stop so the customer can take corrective action. The service proactively alerts appropriate customer and ABB personnel via SMS or email to issues needing attention. This service also includes two annual detailed performance overview reports.

“ABB Ability^TM Performance Optimization for hoists is covered under the ABB Hoist Care Agreement supporting long-term hoist reliability,” said Bengt Hedlund, ABB Product Manager for Underground Mining Service. “Connected to our newly opened ABB Ability^TM Collaborative Operations Center in Sweden, ABB Ability^TM Performance Optimization for hoists will expedite important service and optimize costs in underground mining.” 

Today, 26 mine hoists in Sweden and two in Finland are supported by ABB hoist service agreements.

A true Internet-of-Things application, ABB Ability^TM Performance Optimization for hoists is part of the company’s portfolio of ABB Ability with industry-leading digital solutions. Collaborative Operations provides performance management, remote monitoring and preventive analysis technologies to ensure security, and improve efficiency and productivity in various industries. ABB Ability^TM Collaborative Operations Centers connect people in enterprise-wide production facilities and headquarters to ABB’s technology and expertise.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization and driving the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. As title partner of Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 132,000 employees. www.abb.com