IM 2016 September 2016 | Page 8

WORLD PROSPECTS_visuals 23/08/2016 09:10 Page 2 WORLD PROSPECTS environmental damage, pollution or ecological degradation, the levels of nitrate in water are usually monitored – as high nitrate levels can render water unsafe for drinking. “By removing the possibility of nitrate leaching from blasting chemicals underground, mines can reduce the risk of groundwater contamination as water drains out of working areas. At the same time, where mines are making efforts to recycle water from underground, lower nitrate levels will enhance the overall quality of recycled water and increase its applications on and off the mine site.” Emulsion explosive is part of a growing range of underground services being innovated by BME, including up-hole blasting technology, vertical pipelines to convey emulsion direct from surface to working levels, mobile chargers and pumps, and control systems to facilitate real-time communication between underground operations and surface systems. www.bme.co.za Final commercial launch for P&H hybrid shovel he new P&H 2650CX hybrid shovel from Joy Global which was first announced during MINExpo 2012, will now be launched commercially at MINExpo 2016. The company says that the design “combines the advantages of an electric rope shovel and a hydraulic excavator, taking surface mining into a new era of efficiency and flexibility.” The hybrid shovel was influenced by customer feedback and is targeted to offer up to a 15% reduction in the total cost of ownership, compared to similar sized hydraulic excavators. This incorporates up to a 25% reduction in fuel consumption, up to a 3% availability advantage and up to a 10% decrease in maintenance and repair costs. The P&H 2650CX pilot machine has been tested and validated in a copper application in Arizona. The machine transferred into the mine’s production plans in June 2016 and continues to achieve strong results, according to Joy Global. The diesel-powered machine leverages both electric and hydraulic components to maximise performance and reliability. The twin diesel engines (MTU or Cummins) eliminate the requirement for an electrical cable and the unique advantage that the hybrid shovel will offer over competitors is its significant reduction in fuel consumption, thanks to the Joy SR Hybrid Drive system. Multiple systems are driven by the electric SR motors which enable regenerated power to be captured and utilised, resulting in efficient machine operation. The hoist, swing, and crowd functions, all driven electrically, allow for a 50% reduction in the number of hydraulic routings; and a 50-70% reduction in onboard hydraulic fluid. The articulated clamshell bucket and propel, or travel, motion are the only systems driven hydraulically. The motors in the Joy SR Hybrid Drive system feature high energy efficiency, evenly distributed loads and have no commutator or brushes, making the motors almost maintenance free. They also have low inertia for higher speed capability and quicker dynamic response. The drives in the Joy SR Hybrid Drive system feature simple and robust electronic controls, with the complete drive in one unit; and have a modular design. The machine’s attachment features a fixed boom, twin rack and pinon handle and a hydraulically articulated clamshell bucket. Multiple dig paths can now be accommodated with this new front end architecture such as perform ing a drop cut and flat floor clean-up. The hydraulic power contributes to high breakout forces throughout the range of 6-16 m T 6 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2016 bench heights the machine is designed for. The 2650CX allows for a height of cut of 16.1 m; radius of cut of 17.7 m; dumping height (with max reach) of 9 m; floor level radius of 14 m; and tail swing radius of 8.4 m. The fixed boom, another proven P&H system, reduces the amount of mass to hoist compared to a hydraulic excavator, which allows for less fuel to be consumed. Its extended reach means increased safety through the machine’s position relative to the bank, and an increased range for truck spotting. It is capable of double sideloading and can accommodate truck sizes from 135-360 t. The handle provides a stable dipper trajectory with superior fill factors; and is an already proven system in cold, severe iron ore applications. This system offers maximum cutting forces and its structure is designed to resist side loads. A dual planetary system located in the interior of the hoist drum eliminates externally mounted transmissions and optimises use of deck space. A drum lock design is also fully integrated into the motor allowing quick and easy engagement. Each crawler frame is equipped with a high ratio, high torque planetary gearbox. Each gearbox is powered by two axial piston hydraulic motors and is splash lubricated. Spring-set hydraulic release wet multi plate disc brakes are used, one per motor. Bottom rollers (seven each side) are oversized, fully hardened and automatically lubricated. Top rollers (three each side) are sealed and maintenance free. The machine also features the P&H DELTA Drive low tension sprocket drive system with heavy duty cast crawler shoes. The cab of the 2650CX was designed through Voice of the Customer interactions with operators from various mine sites around the world. The seat and armrest configuration are the same as the P&H electric rope shovels to provide an ergonomic and comfortable environment while operating. Technology is at the forefront as the machine is equipped with Joy Global’s PreVail remote health management system, and its Payload and Track Shield, which is a collision detection and mitigation system. Track Shield is the only automated operatorassist technology that detects and helps prevent a bucket from striking the crawler. The included Mine Air System (MAS) climate control system provides air conditioning, heating, air filtration, and pressurisation to the operator cab. Featured benefits include a rugged design specifically engineered for surface mining applications which is also modular for unmatched changeout speed and convenience. www.joyglobal.com P&H 2650CX key figures Capacity Nominal payload Nominal bucket capacity (hard rock) Optimum truck size (4-pass load) Engine requirements (Tier II or Tier IV) MTU Cummins Rated power 59 t 31.1 m3 218 t 12V Series 4000 QSK50 2 x 1,193 kW @ 1,800 RPM F