ABSTRACT
Komatsu’s business focus is to provide surface and underground mining operations with superior equipment, solutions and direct service. The goal is to deliver the lowest cost per unit of production over the life cycle of the equipment while prioritizing safety. To achieve these results, Komatsu utilizes data, prognostics and analytics in applications throughout Smart Solutions centers around the globe to improve production, refine operations, detect pre-mature failures and implement preventative strategies. The smart connected products of a Joy longwall system include a shearing machine, Armored Face Conveyor (AFC), roof supports, stage loader, crusher, and mobile belt tailpiece. While monitoring longwall operations, the ongoing aim is to detect patterns and systematic relationships amongst the operator inputs, control system parameters, sensor data and alarm/event information. Statistical techniques, such as regression analysis, and single and multi-variables analysis are utilized to optimize cutting speed, detect roof cavities and improve roof support cycle times. Predictive diagnostics and analytic rules are implemented to analyze real-time data and provide notifications and alerts of changing longwall characteristics.
