UG LOAD AND HAUL
Sandvik automation level benefits
L & H Product Marketing states:“ Sandvik ' s automation offering is scalable for different types and sizes of mining operations. This gives a clear benefit for the customer to further develop their operations in the future when choosing the Sandvik automation solution.”
One interesting new innovation is the automated bucket filling assistant. Sandvik has continued to develop AutoMine and is now delivering an automated bucket filling assistant as a standard function with all AutoMine Loading systems.“ The function further increases the level of autonomy provided by AutoMine by reducing the need for system operators to load the bucket using teleremote control. The intelligent and self-adaptive function enables a fully automated load-hauddump cycle in many applications and delivers consistent bucket fill factors even in challenging loading conditions. The function actively manages wheel spin during loading and significantly reduces tyre wear, which is a major cost factor in remote-controlled loading applications. In loader fleet automation applications, where one operator is managing several loaders, productivity is increased by virtually eliminating waiting time at load points for operators to select and take teleremote control of the loader to fill the bucket.”
On electric machines the company says that there is a constant demand for electric LHDs among the customers that have the infrastructure and application suitable for electric LHDs.“ The clear benefits for using electric LHDs are the zero underground emissions, lower heat rejection and even the lower energy costs regardless of low fuel prices. We even have a fleet of LH514E LHDs in a full automation mine. We are approaching the sustainable solution from various angles, offering a best solution for every customer.”
On what he calls“ the sustainable loading and hauling process” Pikala says Sandvik has chosen a wider scope than just putting all its eggs in one basket.“ The widest fleet of low emissions Tier 4 engine equipped LHDs and trucks already offer the possibility to take a
huge step forward while the electric LHDs offer a zero underground emissions solution for certain applications.”
The Volvo Penta Tier 4 engines and cooling systems being used are of a similar size to the previous Tier versions. The SCR after treatment system is compact and replaces the existing muffler. This has enabled Sandvik to offer Tier 4 retrofit kits to customers who want to upgrade their lower Tier engines on selected loader and truck models. An advantage of the Volvo Tier 4 engine is that the exhaust after treatment system does not have to be periodically removed for cleaning.“ The service intervals remain unchanged from the previous Tier engines. The only change for the customer has been the filling of the DEF or ADblue exhaust additive tank during diesel refuelling. However, this additive is readily available from diesel suppliers and is typically cheaper than diesel fuel. Only 5 litres of additive is required for every 100 litres of diesel consumed.”
Pikala adds on product development:“ There’ s always continuous improvements and model upgrades but our product evolution focuses on certain product families at a time rather than trying to fix everything at once and ending up doing something for every machine but with no real evolution anywhere. The new TH551 and TH663 represent the latest technology of underground hauling and based on customer feedback and volumes I can guarantee that we have chosen the right track.”
Sandvik now offers Tier 4 engine options on loaders with tramming capacities from 7t through to 21 t and trucks from 30 t to 51 t. Tier 4 engines require Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel fuel. Many customers in countries with access to ULSD have selected the Tier 4 engine option to take advantage of the low emissions and low CANMET and MSHA required ventilation rates. The availability of ULSD is increasing with some customers even importing fuel to use the low emission Volvo engines.
Sandvik does continue to offer other engines as standard or an option in selected models. The introduction of the Volvo engines was the result of older engines becoming obsolete or less readily available and the need for a low
emissions, more fuel efficient replacement.
And at the top of the capacity tree with its largest LHD, Sandvik says it has a strong position with the LH621 in specific markets( mainly Australia, Europe, US) and says that customers are very happy with the loader. The group is also entering new markets with the LH621 and the first three South American machines started operation last year in Peru. Pikala states:“ The customer has been really excited with the machines and especially the power of the bucket filling and overall productivity.”
On rebuilds, Sandvik state that“ if your equipment meets preconditions for durability and quality, we’ ll first decommission, clean and disassemble it in our workshop. We then remanufacture or replace worn-out components that could otherwise become a major financial burden in terms of equipment downtime, repair work and lost productivity. Sandvik rebuild kits, subassemblies and system modules ensure efficiency in our rebuild process, during which the latest product and safety updates are incorporated to help improve reliability, endurance and safety once your equipment is back in operation. Finally we reassemble, test and recommission your unit before returning it with updated parts and service manuals and schematics.”
“ Investing in a Sandvik rebuild is an investment in productivity, reliability and safety. When we bring your Sandvik loader or underground truck back to‘ as new’ condition, you’ ll gain as many as 12,000 additional hours out of your original capital investment.”
Sandvik offers three different scopes of loading and hauling rebuilds. Life Extension sees the customer choose specific subsystems of greatest importance to be rebuilt and the group has defined four specific rebuild modules for Sandvik loaders: powertrain, front end, hydraulic and electrical.
Reborn is described as a full-scope rebuild, including all possible subsystems, product standardisations and safety updates.“ When completed in a certified Sandvik workshop, you can expect a similar service life as a new unit. Performance is also a full-scope rebuild, including all possible subsystems, product standardisations and safety updates, plus additional safety and productivity upgrades you choose from our offering.”
Dedicated technicians are trained to rebuild Sandvik loading and hauling equipment following a systematic process and supported by stringent environmental, health and safety( EHS) standards. A standardised approach ensures best possible rebuild quality and reduces turnaround time. Overall, Sandvik estimates up to 70 % cheaper operational costs;
24 International Mining | JUNE 2016