Michelin launches 'talking' tires in mining sector

Clermont-Ferrand, France – Michelin has launched its advanced tire-related data sensing and transmission system MEMS (Michelin earthmover management system) Evolution3, the French group announced on 15 June.

The system is a mining tire monitoring technology, which according to Michelin, is introducing "the communicating tire2 into the mining sector.

Given the extreme conditions of use, said Michelin, an integrated approach was adopted in the designing of the sensors and the analytical software to provide reliability.

Two sensor models have been developed, conventional sensors and sensors for water-ballasted tires with additives, isolated in a capsule filled with an inert liquid, Michelin added.

MEMS, monitors each tire through a unique identifier, which allows analysis throughout its entire life to improve performance in the mine.

The system also provides real time data recording, allowing reactive monitoring of alarms. The data is then transferred via 3G or Ethernet, sending multichannel real-time alerts.

Tires equipped with MEMS Evolution3 are able to continuously inform operators about their temperature and pressure conditions.

Thus, slow pressure losses are detected and downtime can be anticipated and avoided.