Article built from an interview originally published in DINHEIRO, a Brazilian Business Magazine.
In Brazil, one of the main industry is mining and the local ABB engineers have contributed significantly to the global mining portfolio.
“We have three mining R&D groups in the world: one in Switzerland, one in Sweden and the other in Brazil. The people working in these groups are thinking exclusively about the future. We are proud that important technologies already launched or being tested have been created from Brazil” said Fausto Almeida, ABB's mining manager for Latin America.
Made in Brazil
One of the technologies created here and used in several markets worldwide is the use of Artificial Intelligence in the video management system in mining operations. Our Camera Connect solution provides real-time imaging and video analytics, allowing operators to make the right decisions, at the right time, to maximize production. Unlike conventional video management systems, our solution not only provides video surveillance but also uses cameras as sensors and via image analysis that interacts with process equipment, Camera Connect allows motor start-stop, routines with preset positions, recording on demand and mobile device integration. With it, it is possible to check for the presence of unauthorized people on site and improve production processes, among other functions. “We capture extremely rich information through the cameras. With automation linked to visual data, we identify the best decision-making in the processes,” said Almeida.
Another resource that was born out of Brazil and has been gaining worldwide popularity is a robot that inspects the thousands of rollers on the ore conveyor belt. The automation of this inspection reduces the number of unscheduled maintenance operations, increases extraction productivity, and prevents fires due to overheating with thermal cameras and sensors. “It analyzes a thermographic image, visual data, and roller noise to assess the condition of the components and indicate which ones should receive priority maintenance,” Almeida emphasized.
The development of the solution was carried out of the ABB factory in the city of Sorocaba, located in the east central part of the state of Sao Paulo, until the robot reached its current pre-industrial version. Real-world testbeds are being carried out in Chile.
Attracting the next generation of Great Minds
The design of this solution was improved in partnership with the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). The close relationship of ABB with the university also ensures the continued growth of our people, the attractivity of our company for talents but also their appetite to work for mining. ABB supported the hackathon held by the Maua Institute of Technology, in Sao Caetano do Sul (SP), in which students were challenged to create automation solutions in mining using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) tools. The winners have been offered a summer internship at ABB.
Around the world
Just as Brazilian solutions have been gaining attention around the world, some products created by other hubs are also successful on the Brazilian market. This is the case for GMD, a gearless drive system for giant mills, with a diameter of approximately 13 meters. With electromagnetic induction, it is electric, more powerful, and reduces energy loss. In South America, there are around 40 of them in operation in Chile; 30 in Peru; and 7 in Brazil, especially in the state of Para, in Vale's copper extractions.
Another ABB mining solution is the eMine™ trolley system. Here we're talking about those power lines for trolleybuses that are common on the streets in urban centers. But in this case, they're for giant trucks used in mines. The system powers the engines of hybrid vehicles and also recharges their batteries. For now, they exist in other places around the world. The industry needs to move towards decarbonization through the biggest emitter in mining: the vehicles. Truck electrification is an ideal entry point to make real progress with experts in the field. Will it come to Brazil? We are working on it.
ABB in Brazil
“The potential contribution that ABB has to the country is enormous, considering the needs of the industry in general to become more efficient, clean, and sustainable,” Luciano Nassif, president of ABB Brazil, told DINHEIRO. “We have invested around US$45 million in Brazil over the last few years, including the expansion of one of our plants. It is an extremely important market for ABB, and we have very positive perspectives on how we can continue contributing to the country.”
Of the 105,000 employees spread across the world, 1,700 work in Brazil. The 140-year-old company –of which 110 in Brazil – has two factories: one in Sorocaba (located in the state of Sao Paulo) and another in Contagem (located in the state of Minas Gerais), and an administrative headquarters in the city of Sao Paulo.
Author
Fausto Almeida, ABB's Mining Manager for Latin America.
