A Method for Assessing the Performance of Breaking Hammers Based on Acoustic Signal and Video Analysis

Mining is a branch of industry that continuously implements new technologies to optimise processes, in terms of increasing performance and decreasing the negative impact on the environment. To enhance the efficiency of the rock material fragmentation process, it is proposed to replace the existing hydraulic hammer with a fully electric alternative. This study used simple data-acquisition methods, including acoustic signals, vibrations, electric currents, and video recordings, to compare the efficiency of both hammers. Measurements were taken for hydraulic and electric hammers under comparable conditions, using the same boom, operator, and rock material. Two methodologies are proposed: the first one is based on acoustic data measurement and parametrisation, and the second one, for validation purposes, is based on visual (video) data analysis. The acoustic approach analyses the stability parameter (α) of the α-stable distribution, the shape parameter (ν) of the t Location–Scale distribution that can assess signal impulsiveness, and three additional basic parameters (number of peaks, sum of amplitudes of impulses, and duration of the cycle for each truck/loader). The visual approach, used for validation, detects individual rock sizes and roughly evaluates the number of oversized pieces. However, it is a manual approach, due to challenging conditions. The results of both methods demonstrate that the electric hammer is more than three times more efficient. This increased efficiency is attributable to adaptive impact frequency control, a feature that is unavailable in hydraulic hammers.