ON-LINE HOIST MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FROM HEPBURN ENGINEERING

    Hepburn Hoist Manager   

Hepburn Engineering has developed an innovative new hoisting plant management system, the "Hepburn Hoist Manager", in the form of a graphical interface package and relational database which effectively packages available knowledge of the designer, manufacturer and operator of hoisting plants into a software operating system. Careful design and integration of the hoisting plant, instrumentation and software-based operating system, allows this knowledge to be easily accessed on-line to improve hoist safety and productivity.

The Hoist Manager provides increased levels of automation for hoist operations, including automatic brake testing, over travel testing and hoist start-up. It also provides a simple way to control one or more hoists from a central or remote location.

The powerful software that underlies the graphical interface has allowed Hepburn to integrate substantial diagnostic, operating and maintenance support systems into the Hoist Manager. Open software connectivity permits direct data exchange with common spreadsheet and word processor software. Linking of the graphical interface to a relational database allows for further development of diagnostic and historical analysis, and for the integration of hoist maintenance into mine-wide stores or maintenance systems.

The Hoist Manager fault diagnostics system provides comprehensive information for component replacement and allows maintenance staff to retrieve information using graphical and picture-driven selections. Access to both text and CAD documents allows for on-line linking to information traditionally supplied in separate maintenance manuals. Combining remote connectivity (internet or direct line) with the comprehensive database fault logging, allows on-line diagnostic technical support from remote locations. The system is extremely user-friendly for operators and maintenance personnel.

Hoist operation is carried out from the main operating screen. It provides information on the position of the skips or cages, hoist speed, armature current and voltage, field current and brake pressures.

The brake system screen incorporates a hydraulic schematic identifying all components in the system. Information such as brake pressure and condition of brakes is shown together with animation of  valves, pumps, levels and filters. Brake faults are identified to component level and identification is linked to database and associated maintenance records. Pop-up functions provide brake valve testing, dynamic brake testing, and real time recording of valve operation, brake pressure and hoist speed.

The electrical system screen provides a schematic with pushbuttons for each starter and circuit breaker, animated for power flow. Faulty components are highlighted, and each component is linked to data sheets and maintenance records.

The control system screen provides a layout of the control and communication system and displays the status of each communication network. The status or value of every input and output to the control PLC is displayed. The PLC input is linked to the component providing the input with its associated data sheet.

The Hepburn Hoist Manager is a powerful, user friendly, operating and management system that can be retrofitted to existing hoisting systems, as well as incorporated in new hoists, and is designed to improve hoist automation, safety, maintenance and productivity.