Monitoring Mine Shovel Hoist Cables

The “Mine Shovel Hoist Cables Monitor” is a technology developed for on-line inspection of of the hoist cables that move the shovels used in large open pit mining. This system is composed of cameras and on-line image processing algorithms that measure variables that are relavant to the state of the cables.

The cable is inspecte at two points of the shovel:

The measurements are used to generate metrics that predict the level of damage of the cable, providing a quantitative criterion for making decisions about maintenance and cable replacement.

The parameters measured by the system are:

• Superficial damage.
• Changes in diameter.
• Rock striking the cables near the bucket.

The information generated by the system is sent to decision-makeres through wireless communication systems.

This heavy duty system operates 27/7 with high availability in the difficult environmental conditions where the shovel works.