Michelin announces the latest generation of connected tire management systems for the mining industry - MEMS4. Communicating tires are not new, but MEMS4 adds real-time GPS and accelerometer data to transform its current TPMS offer into a complete monitoring and reporting platform for tires, trucks, mine haulage and vehicle cycle analysis.

The new system is the only TPMS system on the market which has the ability to record data uniquely to each tire serial number, and also uses an improved data capture tool (readable by Android mobile devices) that interfaces with a new web-based software platform. Available to buy or rent, MEMS4 has a new transceiver and active antenna to work with the highly reliable sensors – these send data in real-time direct to the machine cab and the mine’s control room.

The breakthrough is the upgraded system using GPS and accelerometer data, allowing users to manage not only the tires, but key aspects of the mine’s transport system. The new functionality gives exact truck position and status, geo-fencing and vehicle cycle analysis. These help increase safety, productivity, reliability and truck availability, whilst reducing maintenance and tire costs.

Truck position – each machine is geo-localised in real-time on a map. This not only allows close monitoring of all production and transportation, but shows truck status and any levels of alarm.

Geo-fencing – this facility permits zones to be defined within the mine and rules assigned (e.g. speed, safety zone alerts, corners, etc.) according to the local conditions. Safety is the first priority in all mines and having real-time management of the fleet and operations will contribute to the safest possible working environment.

Vehicle Cycle analysis – the accelerometers give precise data about machine and tire usage which can be used for haul road design and optimisation. Similarly if tires are seen to be heating up, the dumper can be moved to a less harsh cycle, or truck and cycles alternated to minimise incidents and maintenance1. Operators are always looking to maximise productivity and MEMS®4 will be indispensable in TKPH sensitive mines looking to reduce breakdowns and downtime.

Tire management – every individual tire, whether ballasted or not, is monitored from the moment it is fitted until removal. This is done by a reliable sensor (that never needs recalibration, and an average life of 14000h) which constantly measures the temperature and pressure, and even makes allowances for seasonal temperatures with its smart pressure algorithm. With tires costing up to $30,000, pressure maintenance is vital as tire life is reduced by 20% for every 1 Bar (14.5 PSI) of under inflation2. With MEMS®4, if there are any problems with tire temperature or pressure the driver and control room are alerted with real-time alarms – and as replacing a tire can take up to 8 hours and cost up to $200k3 in lost production and tire costs – minimising tire incidents and downtime is critical. Additionally on-site tire pressure checks, which are time consuming, costly and necessitate human intervention, are eliminated with tire pressures being monitored from the control room.

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Michelin unveils new TPMS system for Mining Industry