ABB Makes Measurement Easy at Vale's Totten Mine

ABB LM80 laser level gauge avoids overloading and jams of ore crusher jaws at new Totten nickel mine.
By installing ABB’s LM80 laser level gauges, the Totten underground mine has stopped worrying about jamming, or overloading the crusher system. As the system is automated, the crusher no longer requires an operator to be present at the controls, all monitored from the operator room including ABB 800xA control system with Extended Operator Workplace (EOW).

Benefits
We asked Mr Paul Horlings, Automation Specialist, Vale Totten mine and Mr Ron Legault, Operator Room Supervisor, Vale Totten mine: What are the main benefits of ABB’s LM80 laser gauges installed in the crusher and the ABB control system 800xA? “Vale Totten mine is an ABB mine and the 800xA Control System is keeping all ABB products together. We process 300 tons of ore per hour in Totten mine and ABB LM80 laser level gauges, installed on crusher jaws, is optimizing the performance in the crusher.”

“The opening where the ore is falling down is approximately 3x3 feet and if we don’t have ABB laser level gauges the ore will get stuck and jam up. The level gauge maintains an even level from feeder to crusher and the crusher does not get overloaded with ore.”

“Previously we had a case where it took 9 hours to unclog the ore that was stuck in the crusher. Now, after installation of ABB LM80 laser level gauge and update of automation software, we don’t have any more clogging problems. It frees up an operator for other activities.”

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