No more toothaches for shovels

ToothMetrics is a novel system for monitoring the condition of bucket teeth and adapters in open-pit mining shovels and loaders. Missing teeth that go undetected can wreak havoc with crushers, conveyors, screens, pumps, and other downstream processing equipment, and can pose a lethal safety risk.

This system employs a rugged, industrial camera, mounted where it has a clear view of the bucket teeth. An embedded computer inside the cab analyzes the image and shows the operator a live view of the bucket with the status of each tooth. The machine operator is immediately alerted visually and by audio alarm in the event of a missing tooth. All hardware has been designed specifically for the harsh mining environment.

ToothMetrics has recently been installed at the Iron Ore Co. of Canada iron mine in Labrador City as well as Quebec Cartier Mining Co.’s Mont Wright mine in eastern Quebec.

The system was developed and is sold by Motion Metrics International Corp., an advanced technology company based in Vancouver, which specializes in the development and commercialization of innovative products for the mining industry. Learn more from Robin Atkins, vice-president installations and marketing, at 604-822-5848 or visit www.MotionMetrics.com.