ABB has launched a new cloud-based application, Trendex, to improve the efficiency of troubleshooting and diagnostics in mineral processing.

Trendex, within the ABB Ability Predictive Maintenance for Grinding platform, provides high-resolution visibility of fault data, enhancing the maintenance of gearless mill drives.

Trendex allows users to access operational data from any internet-connected device by automatically pushing event files to the cloud and linking them with transient records.

This grants users near-instant access to high-resolution data, three seconds before and 1.3 seconds after an event, enabling faster response times and reduced unplanned downtime.

With Trendex's integration into the ABB Ability PMG platform, users can swiftly identify faults, determine their causes and resume full production, regardless of their location, the company said.

ABB’s Gearless Mill Drives (GMDs) are deemed essential for the efficient extraction of critical minerals such as copper from low ore grades at various global locations.

The ABB Ability PMG platform is a sophisticated digital service that maintains, assesses and analyses GMD systems. It facilitates access to system parameters and visualises performance data, both historical and real-time, to predict future maintenance needs.

This platform's goal is to extend the lifespan of grinding assets by optimising resource use, supporting continuous operation and preventing unexpected downtime.

The Grinding Connect mobile app complements the platform by providing live notifications for precise fleet management.

With the addition of Trendex, users now have instant access to event-related signals, enhancing the maintenance of gearless mill drives.

ABB business line gearless mill drive, service, global product manager Carlos Miguez Fernandez said: “Unscheduled downtime is a challenge anyone in the mining industry is familiar with.

“However, in recent years we are seeing systems are under increasing pressure to operate with maximum uptime due to market demands. At ABB, we are constantly looking for ways to improve equipment availability and reduce operational costs – Trendex is the latest development in this ongoing mission. It will enhance our predictive maintenance platform for grinding, providing additional advanced real-time insights.”

Earlier this month, ABB and Komatsu collaborated to develop electrification and decarbonisation solutions for the mining sector.