GREENVILLE, S.C.—Michelin North America Inc. has introduced MEMS Evolution3, its Michelin Earthmover Management System, which provides mining operations managers with advanced, real-time data about tire temperature and pressure conditions.
The technology, originally launched in 2006, is the most widely used tire-monitoring system in the world, Greenville-based Michelin claims, noting it can be found today in more than 1,400 rigid dump trucks in nine countries and in 35 mines around the world.
Using the latest-generation tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor and new, improved system software, the tire maker said MEMS Evolution3 “enables mine operators to increase safety, extend tire life, increase utilization time, reduce costs and increase mine productivity while working under the most difficult and demanding industrial conditions.”
MEMS sends “critical tire-related data and alerts to operators via various communication channel options,” according to Michelin, so that downtime can be anticipated and avoided through detection of slow pressure losses. An inflation monitor compensates tire-pressure limits for ambient temperature, so when tire temperatures change, operators can know immediately if there is an alert and change routes, the company said, while maintenance operations can be anticipated.
“Equipment worth millions of dollars that carries hundreds of tons of material on steep slopes and rugged terrain needs to ride on safe and reliable tires,” said Jamey Fish, director of earthmover marketing for Michelin. “MEMS Evolution3 provides immediate operational gains and anticipates tire issues for surface mine operators.”
MEMS Evolution3 provides the following benefits:
c Improved, liquid-proof sensors report data throughout entire tire life to improve mine performance;
c Two patented sensor models are available: conventional sensors and sensors for liquid-filled tires, isolated in a capsule filled with inert liquid;
c Real-time data recording, allowing reactive monitoring of alarms;
c Connection and data transfer via Ethernet or 3G, with information stored in the cloud;
c Sending of multichannel real-time alerts online, via email or SMS; and
c Easy-to-use, advanced reporting capabilities that monitor tire metrics.
Michelin said MEMS Evolution3 is available for rigid dump trucks using tires with diameters 49 inches and greater, up to 12 tires per vehicle. The tire maker's Michelin XDR2 and Michelin XDR250 tires are pre-equipped for MEMS Evolution3 with a factory integrated patch allowing the rapid installation of MEMS sensors in tires without liquid.
More information is available on Michelin's dedication earthmover website at www.michelinearthmover.com.