ELECTRIFYING THE MINING PROCESS
Kinetic Energy Storage System from Joy Global, to enable the storage and reuse of braking energy, reducing overall fuel consumption by 30 %. KESS supplements engine power by more than 50 % to improve machine acceleration, reduce the effects of engine turbo lag and dramatically improve cycle times, Joy says.
With a focus on reliability, the LHDs’ lowmaintenance SR Hybrid driveline is designed for a 20,000 + hour life before rebuild. The machines’ rugged steel frames and ball and socket joints are constructed to withstand challenging hard rock mining applications. A suite of onboard operator tools then helps enhance performance.
To help drive for zero harm, the 18HD and 22HD feature easy-to-use controls and a responsive system to reduce operator fatigue. ROPS / FOPS-certified cabins further protect operators, and the machines’ smaller Tier 3 or Tier 4 Final engines reduce diesel emissions. At the same event, Sandvik introduced a battery-powered loader, the LH307B, with new technology for emission-free underground loading and hauling. This will help customers address ever-increasing requirements to reduce emissions and fuel costs.
The new Sandvik LH307B brings the best of both worlds to underground mines: using electric power providing the independence of movement similar to diesel loaders, yet without the related diesel emissions and costs.
The payload of 6.7 t( 3 m 3 standard bucket) will be moved using components that are shared with the diesel Sandvik LH307, with much the same performance characteristics. Using the charging station’ s‘ quick charge’, the LH307B can be ready for use in approximately 15 minutes. It is also compatible with Sandvik mine automation and information management systems.
Its lithium titanate oxide( LTO) battery technology enables rapid recharging, providing continuous operation with a single battery pack – there is no need to swap batteries during or between shifts. Liquid cooling guarantees a long battery lifetime across a broad range of ambient temperatures – in fact, sufficient to cover the useful service life of the loader itself. The singlebattery strategy offers several tangible benefits: eliminating the need for spare batteries and / or a dedicated crane and battery swap area effectively cuts capex costs.
The machine comes with a service pack that includes maintenance kits for each and every service interval, together with planned repairs of major components over the equipment’ s life. These repairs will be planned in line with actual component condition, giving consideration to the mine’ s production schedule and minimising downtime. n No exhaust emissions: better mine air quality, potential for ventilation cost savings n Lower heat emissions: savings potential in ventilation n Clean electrical power, with no cable: improved operational flexibility, no limitations for vehicles in the same area n Advanced LTO battery technology: safer and faster recharging, long lifetime. For these and diesel-powered LHDs, Sandvik’ s MAKO is a new lip system engineered and manufactured to meet the demands of highabrasion underground hard rock mining. Cast bucket corners, heel shrouds and the hammerless locking system add structural strength and high wear protection to the bucket, ensuring consistent savings on each tonne hauled. The company’ s latest ground engaging tools( GET) solution increases loader availability and helps maintain bucket capacity throughout the service life.
The MAKO system has an all-new patented lock system, comprised of a single cassette-style lock- simply insert and tighten. The hammerless removal system included in the lock design increases the ease of shroud removal, simplifying life for operators and maintenance crews.
The new lip system will also reduce cost per hour, the company reports,“ as a result of the new Sandvik material specification SS5000, with increased hardness and improvements in yield and tensile strength. The new design also reduces fatigue through bucket corners, resulting in a longer fatigue life and longer bucket lip life.”
The 100 % electric Scooptram ST7 Battery from Atlas Copco was unveiled on May 1, 2016. Once again, battery power offers the potential for greater production, at reduced cost. The Scooptram ST7 Battery is fully battery operated.
“ Compared to a tethered machine the battery powered Scooptram has the flexibility of the diesel but without the limitation of the trailing cable. Cutting the cord means cutting costs and adding flexibility to your underground operations.” With zero emissions and up to an 80 % reduction in heat generation compared to diesel power, the cost of installing ventilation is minimised and the expensive refrigeration of mines can potentially be eliminated in the long run.
Each little detail matters when it comes to designing a powerful, 7 t loader. Besides the major change from diesel to battery Atlas Copco says it also focuses on small, but smart functions to create big savings.“ For example, the Scooptram ST7 Battery is also equipped with the company’ s unique traction control to increase tyre life up to 30 %. Together with the fact that battery vehicles enable longer service intervals, it increases overall up-time and thus productivity,” says Erik Svedlund, Global Product Manager- Electric Vehicles- Underground Material Handling.
Operator comfort and productivity is a big priority, which is why the unit has excellent visibility and intuitive, ergonomic controls in an ROPS / FOPS approved canopy for safe ergonomic operations. The telematics system provides production data and online troubleshooting. The Scooptram ST7 battery is automation-ready, meaning it can be equipped with smart functions like the option teleremote control that allows control of multiple loaders from a safe remote location.
“ The new Scooptram ST7 Battery shares most parts with the successful diesel Scooptram of which hundreds have been sold-to-date around the globe. Service and repair are therefore no problem, even in the most remote locations.
“ The Scooptram ST7 Battery will first be introduced in Canada and the US and will be gradually rolled out across the globe.”
GE Mining introduced the mining world to a new lead acid battery-powered 7 t LHD at MINExpo. It uses GE’ s Invertex™ underground propulsion system and is currently being tested in South America and Canada with, reports GE Mining,“ great feedback.” It eliminates diesel particulate emissions“ without sacrificing performance or flexibility.” The next generation of this product will be lithium ion battery-powered.
Aramine launched its new battery-powered miniLoader L120B in September 2016 during MINExpo. First born of a future eco-friendly range, this new miniLoader working on rechargeable batteries of type lithium iron phosphate( LiFePO 4)“ has kept all the advantages of electric equipment( less noise, no pollution), bringing you a purer and safer environment.”
GE Mining’ s new 7 t battery-powered LHD for underground hard rock mining combines GE’ s leading electric propulsion systems with proven underground equipment technology; creating, the company says,“ a greener, lower life-cycle operating cost mining vehicle”
72 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2017