GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michelin North America Inc. has developed an entry-level, "plug-and-play" version of its MEMS tire pressure- and temperature-sensing system, dubbed MEMS Lite, for use in the surface-mining and quarry sectors.
MEMS (Michelin Earthmover Management System) Lite uses Michelin's liquid-proof sensors to deliver periodic tire pressure and temperature readings, the tire company said.
The system starts with mounting sensors inside the tires, where they capture data periodically as vehicles drive by fixed reading stations located strategically around a mine or quarry site. The data are then transmitted remotely to connected devices through a local server or secure cloud server.
"We designed this new entry-level MEMS offer to meet the needs of customers who want to start using a TPMS with basic features to improve their operations," Hugo Morales, Mining MEMS business development manager, said.
"We found that miners running 100- to 150-ton trucks were looking for a simple, robust plug-and-play solution with alerts sent to their mobile devices should an issue arise, which will be supported by a trusted technical network."
Unlike the more comprehensive MEMS4 system in use on larger equipment, MEMS Lite requires no hardware installation on trucks, Michelin said. The goal is to provide mine/quarry operators a "budget-friendly" tire-monitoring solution to allow them better oversight of their equipment and enhanced safety for drivers.
Among the benefits Michelin said MEMS Lite offers are:
- Strengthened safety by monitoring tire pressure and temperature remotely, keeping personnel at a safe distance from equipment.
- Reduced budgets by extending the life of the tires and reducing unplanned maintenance; and
- Increased productivity by keeping machines running through improved tire data.
"One of our primary goals is to provide the mining industry with multiple options to help owners and operators achieve maximum efficiency within their budgets," Sarah Robinson, regional mining segment manager for Michelin North America, said.
"We designed this new entry-level unit to meet the needs of customers who want to start using a TPMS with basic features to improve their operations. With costs being an ever-increasing concern for the mines today, the MEMS Lite will help our customers increase efficiency and at the same time help lower costs. It's a win-win for the mines."
MEMS Lite is easily upgraded to MEMS4, as they both use the same platform and communication protocols that are currently available in North America.
Michelin did not provide information on the cost of using MEMS Lite versus MEMS4.
