ABB has launched RollXtend, a new state-of-the-art drive system feature to improve HPGR performance and roller life in mining. It is based on real-time load sharing between the rollers, which ABB claims gives significant advantages in terms of throughput optimization, minimizing operational and capital expenditures, as well as improved operator health and safety.
Basically, the system allows the operator to manage the torque delivered by each roller in real time. Speed match is maintained even with differential roller loads, reducing slip to a minimum and reducing roller wear in general.
As rollers start to wear after a period of operation, they experience different wear rates based on many factors like feed size, ore characteristics, hopper positioning, etc. RollXtend technology provides the flexibility to adjust the load taken by each roller based on the wear they are experiencing, such that both rollers can be made to wear uniformly and as a result improve the overall lifetime of the roller pair.
In terms of maintenance, ABB said RollXtend also offers significant advantages. Currently HPGRs require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure damage to studs is contained and the equipment continues to perform efficiently. To facilitate roller inching for inspection, operators need to disengage the main drive and engage an auxiliary drive. This operation is time consuming and poses safety hazards for workers. With the RollXtend drive system, inspection and maintenance can be carried out without disengaging the main drive.
ABB explained that the benefits of RollXtend are better appreciated in the long term, as the system extends the lifetime of the complete HPGR—not just the rollers, offers a better maintenance experience and provides the operational flexibility to improve the crushing process performance.
