Analysis of teeth detection systems in Aitik mines

Abstract: This paper is based on a study carried out at Aitik Boliden mine in
Gällivare in the spring of 2008. At the Aitik mine there are a number of
electric rope shovel machines used for loading both ore and waste rock onto
trucks. During loading and hauling of ore to the truck teeth/adapters from
the bucket sometimes undetected break off. The undetected tooth follows the
truck to the crusher where it causes jamming resulting in significant
repair cost and downtime for the mine production.

This thesis focuses on a method to prevent the teeth/adapter from ending up
in the crusher Based on an Infrared detection system that reads the bucket
profile every time it hauls the ore onto the truck. Also other detection
system available on the market has been studied and a probable preventive
maintenance program suggested.

This thesis explores different solutions to the above problem and provides
a basis for future research in this field.