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“Remote inspection of structures on mobile and fixed mining equipment”

Faena: Zaldivar Mine Challenge

Deadline 11/10/2022

Closing Time 4:00 pm

It is common for mine-plant operations equipment to be exposed to operational and environmental conditions that deteriorate the structure on which they are assembled. Such
is the case of mine equipment, trucks and shovels, or equipment such as the stacking bridge, which are exposed to significant mechanical stresses that can generate structural damage that would condition the stability and safety of the operators.
The aforementioned equipment represents relevant operational assets for operational continuity and requires permanent inspection to evaluate its structural condition.
These inspections are carried out by specialist operators and require the total stop of the equipment involved in order to eliminate risk conditions generated by the interaction of people and equipment in motion

The objective of this challenge is to identify technologicalsolutions to perform remote inspections of the structures ofstacking bridge and mining equipment (truck and shovels), in
order to detect structural damage such as deformations, cracks and/or wear.

The required solutions must comply with at least the following requirements:
• Solutions may be mobile in nature (use sensors, cameras or other hardware, mounted on drones for example) or stationary attached to the structure.
• Exclude the participation of staff in high altitudeconditions and exposed to moving equipment. In the case of mobile solutions, the operation shall be allowed to be performed via remote control or autonomously.
• In the case of mobile solutions, the inspection frequency will be defined with the client. On the other hand, the format and delivery time of the information may be online
or with a term of less than 24 hours (after analysis by the supplier).
• In the case of stacking bridges and shovels, the supplier must consider that a large part of the structure remains covered with agglomerated material and mud respectively, which prevents easy access to the metal structure. The situation in the trucks could be different whenever inspection in workshops during scheduled maintenance cycles is considered.

• In the case of proposing the incorporation of drones, use restrictions and permits required by the competentauthority (DGAC) must be considered.
• Technological maturity level at least at prototype level tested in operational environment (TRL≥7).
• In the case of the identification of cracks and damage generated by materialfatigue, consider a minimum detection limit in the order of millimeters.
• The components of the solutions, especially those considering permanent installation, shall comply with heavy
Duty standards for severe conditions of humidity, dust and corrosive environment (e.g. IP 67 for water and dust).

• No previous attempts have been made

• Reduce risk exposure of staff in charge of inspections.
• Reduce operational interference for unscheduled inspections.
• Provide timely information in the event of unforeseen damage.

• Resolution and accuracy of the information provided, especially in the case of crack detection.
• Autonomy of the proposed solution.

Timeline