Tyre Pressure Monitoring System for Small-to-Medium-Sized Operators
Revolutionary Tyre Pressure Monitoring MICHELIN MEMS LITE is Michelin Tyre Company’s latest entry-level Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It meets the contemporary needs of small-to-medium surface mine operators and contractors with smaller dump trucks. So far, recent data gathered from a gold mine in South Africa shows that, when deployed as specified, the MICHELIN MEMS LITE system increases tyre life, enhances safety and optimises productivity. Boldened by the results from the mine and emerging from other projects globally, Michelin is eager to replicate this success in the African mining sector.
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ne of the pervasive challenges encountered in surface mining operations is dump truck downtime. Poor tyre pressure monitoring is often cited as one of the main causes. Given that material from dump trucks is needed in comminution processes, among others, from a productivity viewpoint, downtime can have a huge impact. For instance, tyre damage resulting from poor monitoring can ground a dump truck. The ensuing loss of productivity can translate into a huge revenue. The need for sound tyre pressure monitoring For this reason, it is paramount for mining companies to invest in sound tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). Blue-chip entities, with huge financial resources, can afford the most advanced alternative technologies Unfortunately, with competing needs on their limited financial resources, small-to-mediumsized operators and contractors do not have that luxury. Hence, with no option, they stick to conventional tyre pressure monitoring. Timely Response Michelin, a global tyre solutions giant, recognises the need for affordable tyre pressure monitoring
among small-to-medium operators and contractor with smaller dump trucks typically below 150 tonnes. And so, in a timely response, recently, the company unveiled MICHELIN MEMS LITE, an entry-level TPMS which first went live in an African mine. In a brief to surface mine operators through Mining Business Africa, Fabien Taillardat, Mining Commercial Director for Africa, India, and the Middle East underlines the relevance of the revolutionary tyre pressure monitoring solution. Specifically, he explains that MICHELIN MEMS LITE addresses the shortcomings of the conventional technique of using a manual pressure gauge, which results in poor tyre monitoring and attendant challenges. He attributes this to its unique elements, particularly, the liquid-proof sensors and the reading station, which offer incredible convenience. Shortcomings of Conventional Pressure Monitoring The main shortcomings of the manual pressure gauge are limited interval usage, as well as inconsistency and unreliability. • Limited intervals Typically, a manual tyre pressure gauge
6 Mining Business Africa | September - October 2023
is limited. Labour-intensive, it only allows an operator to monitor one truck per week. Furthermore, it is always a challenge for the tyre crew to track and access trucks without slowing production. • Inconsistency and unreliability A manual tyre pressure gauge is not consistent. “A manual manometer is not designed to measure the internal temperature of a tyre. Consequently, as the pressure of a tyre changes due to temperature changes, an inspector cannot accurately measure the changes and will have to rely on subjective perception,“ Taillardat expounds. Additionally, other shortcomings that cause unreliable and inconsistent tyre pressure monitoring are the calibration of the pressure gauge, continuous training of tyre inspectors, and the human error factor. Impact of Poor Pressure Monitoring Ultimately, the aforementioned shortcomings impact dump truck operations significantly. Markedly, this is in the areas of safety, accelerated tyre wear, and unscheduled downtime.
