Gigabit Ethernet is key when there is a mine of information

Continuous, reliable communications are essential for the success of mining operations. They enable the transfer of crucial information across facilities, ensuring that fans, pumps, conveyors, and other key pieces of equipment operate correctly. When ineffective communications led to an increase in downtime at a mining complex in Mexico, CC-Link IE network technology offered a solid solution.

Mining operations are becoming increasingly smart and digitised, with key pieces of equipment connected via industrial communications networks in order to run autonomously. In addition, they provide businesses a unique actionable insight into all mining operations. With continuous activities characterising this sector, the ideal network should be able to process large volumes of data without any interruption. When a Mexican mining complex was not benefiting from such communications infrastructure for its operations, a rapid upgrade was necessary.

When the (broadcast) storm is coming

The facility utilises a Mitsubishi Electric MELSEC iQ-R PLC platform to control 35 variable frequency drives (VFDs), which in turn modulate the speed of fans, pumps and conveyors. While the automation components have been operating successfully for years, the mining complex was experiencing prolonged downtime associated with network failure. More precisely, approximately 20 hours were lost every month because of broadcast storms, data packet collisions, intermittent or even lost communications between enterprise level software and field devices.

To address these challenges, the mining company decided to replace its existing network technology with a more effective one. After evaluating and testing CC-Link IE open industrial Ethernet, the company was convinced this was the best solution to address their need for reliability and continuity. In particular, the mining specialist was impressed with how CC-Link IE’s unrivalled gigabit bandwidth could prevent congestions and ultimately downtime. In addition, the company found the diagnostic tools provided extensive and easy to use.

Gigabit Ethernet to ensure reliability

When Mitsubishi Electric started to support the mining company in the configuration of CC-Link IE, further benefits became apparent. Carlos Sepúlveda, Sales Engineer at Mitsubishi Electric Mexico, explains: “It is possible to conduct network configuration and diagnostics from the same software used to program the iQ-R PLC, GX Works, which offers a single point of contact. This also streamlines any work on the infrastructure and architecture, as, if the topology is altered, e.g., by adding components, the platform automatically incorporates and reflects these changes.”

In addition, the installation of CC-Link IE helped the company reduce infrastructure costs. While the existing network technology required managed switches to ensure correct operations, these devices are optional with CC-Link IE, minimising capital expenditure (CAPEX) as well as expenses associated with their maintenance.

Since the new network has been put in place, no downtime associated with network failure has been experienced, maximising productivity. The gigabit bandwidth has also supported the mining complex to enhance responsiveness. Furthermore, it is playing a key role in getting the information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) domains closer, hence opening a gateway to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Sitting on a goldmine of data

Carlos Sepúlveda comments: “The customer is extremely happy with CC-Link IE open industrial Ethernet. This technology is helping the mining company reduce the gap between IT and OT as well as make its operations ‘smart’, as it can now rely on a robust network that can manage a lot of data packages while offering high performance. These successful results are boosting the customer’s confidence in CC-Link IE – this is why they are already planning to use it in a new project.”

The mining specialist is also looking at futureproofing its facilities, by leveraging CC-Link IE TSN, the first open industrial Ethernet to combine gigabit bandwidth and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) to enhance determinism and convergence. Carlos Sepúlveda adds: “The customer has been showing considerable interest in learning more about CC-Link IE TSN and what benefits it offers.”

John Browett, General Manager at the CLPA Europe, concludes with: “We are very pleased with the positive feedback we received from the mining company. It is a great example of the many benefits CC-Link technologies can offer to companies in different industries and how it can help them be a part of the digital transformation.”

News release from CLPA, 31/03/2023

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