Mineral processing equipment maker Weir Minerals has launched a digital wear monitoring system for spools and hoses in slurry pipelines called Synertrex IntelliWear.
The new system is comprised of an intelligent digital sensor integrated into Weir Minerals' Linatex and Vulco hoses and spools.
A conductive wire is installed in the rubber lining at various levels of thickness. As the lining wears, it activates sensors to indicate the extent to which the rubber liner has been worn and in turn how much life is left.
Operators use IntelliWear to feed data into a central control panel, with dashboard used for visualisation and analysis of the equipment data.
An easy-to-use digital traffic light system has been developed which enables quick visual identification of the condition of the hose or spool.
Less than 50% wear is green, between 50% and 70% wear is yellow, greater than 75% wear is red - indicating it is time for preventative maintenance.