Metso's New Plant Management System

Plant Management Systems – Metso’s new, advances reporting and monitoring tool

HANSON AGGREGATES CONTROLS ITS LOKOTRACKS IN WALES REMOTELY

Hanson Aggregates has been using Metso’s new web-reporting tool at Ystrad Meurig Quarry for about a year. The Nordberg Plant Management (PM) System was first installed on a Lokotrack LT300HP to trial and check out the advantages it offers. The same system has now been installed on six of Hanson’s Lokotracks.

The company’s LT110 primary crushing plant, two LT300HP’s and two ST358 mobile screens, all fitted with PM systems, are currently in operation at the Lithalun Quarry in South Wales, UK. The machines communicate wirelessly and offer users several kinds of report.

Plant information monitored in the office

“We’ve seen how easy it is to get process information into our office computers,” says Simon Swinford, Hanson’s Unit Manager. “Just by logging into the Metso extranet I have access to al our machines. I can now view production tons, fuel consumption and effective crushing reports from all of the Metso machines in our quarry. It’s great help in monitoring how the machines are being used.”

The Lt110 and two LT300HP’s also have the belt-way system for reporting production tonnage, and all of them are connected to the Metso PM reporting system. Tons per hour and cumulative tons are all now reported via the web interface.

Hanson Area Operations Manager – South Wales, Gary Morgan also checks PM reports on a regular basis, he can now see how the company’s machines are performing even when he is off site.

Hanson Aggregates has approximately 80 quarries in the UK and employs approximately 6500 people. “At Lithalun Quarry, five people take care of the process,” says Swinford. “We produce 1600 tons per day, mainly pure 10mm for the cement industry; the 0-5mm product goes to local building companies.”

Wireless data transfer

The Nordberg Plant Management System collects data form the machines’ controls systems and transmits it wirelessly via GSM/GPRS. The heart of the system is the CAN C65 Metso data collection unit, a robust, industrial IP65-certified computer developed by Metso to operate in tough production environments. The reports produced can be opened on any computer connected to the internet, usernames and passwords guarantee security of access for all registered users.

Hanson Aggregates’ Lithalun Quarry has a service agreement with Metso – the PM system helps service personnel to monitor data such as the running hours completed by each machine. According to Paul Allen, Metso’s Field Service Manager, it allows contractual service obligations to be scheduled well in advance.

The Nordberg Plant Management System can be installed on most Lokotrack LT mobile crushing plants and ST mobile screens equipped with IC series automation control system. Installation can be carried out on site. The price includes a single payment for hardware and installation plus monthly or yearly payments to cover GSM data-transfer costs.

Orders for the PM System should be placed with your Metso representative.

For more information and a comprehensive solution to your crushing and screening problems contact Screenmasters Australia on (02) 6332 4722 or email info@screenmasters.com.au.