Increased productivity, reduced energy consumption and better safety in production are the main challenges faced by mining companies. As a leading mine hoist system supplier, ABB has more than 70 years’ experience, and has delivered more than 600 new mine hoists and undertaken the modernization of hundreds of existing hoisting plants worldwide. As a global organization, ABB is represented in around 100 countries including all the major mining countries worldwide.

ABB’s unique position as a supplier of complete mine hoists, both mechanical and electrical, enables the company to optimize total solutions for the customers. In combination with close customer relations, ABB has made a number of technological breakthroughs for mine hoist systems, including the introduction of hydraulic disc brakes, analogue and digital thyristor converters, digital control and monitoring systems.

Complete mine hoist systems

ABB has more than 70 years’ experience of producing advanced mine hoists and offers a complete range of hoists including single drum, double drum and friction hoists for use as auxiliary, skip or cage hoists and for shaft sinking. Main features in ABB’s deliveries:

• Mechanical equipment with high-performance disc brakes
• Shaft equipment such as skips, ropes with attachments and measuring pockets
• Modern AC or DC drive systems
• Advanced digital control and monitoring
• Customer training

Depending on the specific customer needs, the scope of supply is supplemented with power supply, remote diagnostics etc. providing a complete hoisting plant.

Hoist brake system

With ABB’s "controlled retardation" the braking force is controlled to obtain the same retardation in all operating situations (direction, speed, load and friction). This system has been installed in more than 250 hoisting plants and is used for both drum and friction hoists. Controlled braking works in the following two ways:

• Braking during abnormal operation with proportional control to give a soft stop
• Braking at an emergency stop with control giving a constant predefined retardation independent of the braking conditions

The system includes battery backup to provide correct operation during a power failure as well as monitoring of tachometers, supply voltages and hydraulic pressure. In the event of a battery failure, the hoist will stop within a safe retardation rate.

Control and monitoring system

Installation of a new control system or the upgrade of an existing one leads to increased safety, increased productivity and increased availability of the hoisting plant. A modern control system will result in:

• Reduced hoisting cycle time and increased production
• Improved operator functionality
• Improved reporting for production and maintenance
• Advanced diagnostics for fault tracing
• Possibility for remote diagnostics
• Less maintenance

The control system solutions are based on ABB’s industrial IT system 800xA, adapted to the specific needs and requirements of hoisting applications. ABB’s AHM 800 Advant hoist monitor is the complete solution for safety and monitoring of all mine hoist types, which provides very accurate monitoring of all vital hoist parameters such as speed, acceleration, retardation and position of the hoist conveyances.

Hoist drive systems

ABB’s mine hoists are powered by reliable AC or DC motor drive systems, operating either directly or through a gearbox or flexible coupling. In order to minimize stress in the ropes the drive systems are designed to give smooth changes in motor torque and speed.

With no flicker, no reactive power consumption and low voltage drops, ABB’s drive systems are able to work on weak networks. Today, ABB has largest installed base in the world with direct torque control (DTC) technology, which gives fast and accurate torque control.

After sales service and support

ABB offers customers after sales service and support by:

• Offering quality assured spare parts and components with short delivery times
• Upgrading existing hoist systems
• Offering long term support by entering into service agreements
• Offering tailor-made training program either at ABB’s facilities or on site