Metso offer complete fleet management tools for Lokotrack mobile crushing plants

Remote monitoring of crushing data from quarries is becoming a crucial element in mobile crushing and screening applications. Metso now offer complete fleet management and automation systems, designed for all Lokotrack range mobile applications.

Metso’s fleet management system consists of an IC process control system, a satellite uplink and a Metso DNA Report portal. It collects and presents a daily overview of the operating Lokotrack fleet including effective operating hours, fuel consumption, location of the units, alarms and parameter changes.

The Metso IC process control system, a standard feature in all Lokotrack crushing plants, continuously collects crusher data. With the new fleet management tool, this information is sent from the Lokotrack uplink via satellite where the crushing data can then be accessed via the Internet.

Julius Mäkelä, project manager, Metso Mining and Construction, commented: ‘Without this system, collecting operating hours and other data manually is time consuming. There are also delays before the numbers are at your fingers and the data can be inaccurate. Metso Fleet Management provides daily operating data automatically wherever you are, saving time and enhancing the accuracy of information.

‘Maintenance, ordering spares and wear parts, and re-fuelling can be organized in a more effective way when you know the exact fuel consumptions and operating hours of individual units. Here, the fleet management tool can provide valuable assistance.’

Parameter changes have a direct effect on the crushing and screening process. Data and parameter changes are collected by the Metso DNA Report portal and data can be accessed anywhere via the Internet.

In the Report portal, users can compare data between units, days or weeks. Repeated alarm warnings due to the misuse of the unit cannot be hidden anymore. The portal gives customers the means to guide operators to use the Lokotrack correctly, thereby preserving the value of their investment.

In addition to the fleet management system, last year Metso launched the ICr remote monitoring system for Lokotrack plants, providing wireless real-time operating data and unit control to the excavator cabin for the operator.

The ICr system is designed to improve working safety and comfort while the operator can adjust all basic crushing parameters without leaving the excavator cabin, via a colour display.

For complete mobile plant automation, a Metso DNA automation system is available, featuring full process controls for feeders, crushers, conveyors, screens and hoppers. The system controls material feed rate, re-circulation and crusher loads.

Target values for automatic controls are given in a control room and they are gathered as production recipes that can be easily created, edited and uploaded by operators. The Metso DNA control cabin provides real-time process information and camera images.

The first Metso DNA’s for mobile and portable crushing plants have been already installed and are in operation with several north European crushing contractors.