ABB conveyor drive technology will enable LKAB underground mine to significantly increase energy efficiency
 | ABB conveyor drive technology will enable LKAB underground mine to significantly increase energy efficiency_approved | 51.74 KB | Download |
 Preview | An overview of LKAB's Malmberget mine, one of the largest operations of its kind in Europe. Image LKAB | 359.67 KB | Download |
 Preview | For personnel in the mine, the upgrade will mean reduced noise and heat in the conveyor drive area. Image LKAB | 1.77 MB | Download |
 Preview | LKAB is running a conveyor system that carries 15 million tons of iron ore every year. Image LKAB | 308 KB | Download |
 Preview | LKAB will be able to achieve energy efficiency savings of between 6 and 10 percent with the new drives in place. Image LKAB | 229.86 KB | Download |
- Latest ABB Gearless Conveyor Drive model will increase availability and energy efficiency on the existing conveyor
- ABB installation team will work at an underground station where space and transport options are limited
- Technology will support increased production on a system that already hauls 80 percent of the Malmberget mine’s iron ore
The existing setup already carries up to 15 million tons of iron ore every year, but uses a 2,800kW wound rotor induction motor (WRIM) with gearbox to drive the conveyor. It will be replaced with ABB’s latest GCD technology, two 1,600kW models with permanent magnet motors (PMM), to enable an increase in annual production while lowering energy use.
ABB’s installation engineers and project management team face the challenge of working in a tight space at around 1,250 meters underground to remove the large equipment and replace it with the new units. Once the upgrade is complete in 2025, LKAB will be able to achieve energy efficiency savings of between 6 and 10 percent, which will translate to considerable OPEX savings per year.
ABB GCDs have a motor power of between 0.2MW and 8MW, removing the need for a gearbox and thereby lowering maintenance costs while improving overall reliability and leading to greater uptime. A unique ABB innovation, they are known to be the most energy-efficient conveyor drive solution.
“We are managing the largest iron ore mines in Europe where productivity must remain high while energy efficiency increases,” said Pär Sundqvist, Engineer and Project Owner, LKAB. “This important upgrade will improve the throughput on the conveyor and help us to meet our energy targets. ABB’s technology will also reduce both OPEX per ton and ongoing lifecycle costs.”
“The new ABB equipment will allow for an improved working environment in the mine – cleaner and safer,” said Ulf Richter, Product Manager Conveyor Solutions, ABB. “Gearless Conveyor Drives are known to be the most energy-efficient solution for conveyors, enabling reliable transportation of ore. The upgrade also means reduced noise and heat in the conveyor drive area.”
The GCD’s PMM are directly coupled to the existing conveyor’s drive pulley and can also adapted to meet the particular demands of this underground installation. The main advantages are energy savings, health and safety improvements, reduced maintenance costs and steady, solid production due to higher reliability.
ABB was awarded the project contract in the third quarter of 2023 and the installation will take place during scheduled maintenance stops with the final commissioning due in August 2025.
ENDS
ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, and marine offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. go.abb/processautomation
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com.
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