Proximity detection implementation concerns
WORLD PROSPECTS
Achieving exceptional filling speeds
Banlaw, a global leader in refuelling, overfill protection, fluid transfer and fuel management, says it has just set a new benchmark for mechanical overfill protection systems. Its‘ FillSafe Zero’ is thought to be the fastest and most reliable tank overfill protection system on the market.
FillSafe Zero allows exceptional refuelling speeds, from 200 lpm( 53 gpm) all the way up to 1,000 lpm( 264 gpm).“ The patent pending product has superior flow characteristics because Banlaw engineers have designed the Dry Break refuelling and overfill protection functionality as one integrated solution. This means optimised fuel flow, and very low pressure-drop through the Flow Control Valve which ensures higher refuelling flowrates without premature nozzle shut-off.”
FillSafe Zero features all-metal wearing parts for longer, reliable operation. Uniquely, the system incorporates both primary( pressure-less) and secondary overfill protection“ to ensure tank filling is stopped automatically, every time. Operators can initiate a refuelling event, and then invest their time in other important maintenance tasks. FillSafe Zero provides consistently accurate tank filling to the specified levels. The system automatically terminates fuel flow once the tank is full, so no overfilling of machines, and no break downs from accidental underfills.”
The 2 " Flow Control Valve and Venting Level Sensor have been designed for compatibility with the widest possible range of diesel-powered machines and small to medium stationary tanks, says Banlaw.
The new overfill protection system from Banlaw is available in an‘ Arctic Range’ variant, and can also be provided with‘ Auto ID’ receivers for fuel management system integration. Banlaw’ s Arctic Range has undergone independent laboratory testing to MIL-STD-810 specifications, and this particular product achieved a Severe Cold( C3) rating(-51 ° C). www. banlaw. com
Proximity detection implementation concerns
Moving machinery is the second highest cause of fatalities in South African mines after falls of ground, making the implementation of effective proximity detection systems( PDS) a crucial step, but there are still perceived grey areas in mine safety regulations. According to Anton Lourens, Managing Director of leading PDS supplier Booyco Electronics, the Department of Mineral Resources has laid the groundwork for the wider application of PDS through the February 2015 amendment to Chapter 8 of the Mines Health and Safety Act( MHSA). It is now required that PDS be installed on all mobile equipment on mines.
“ Mines are required to assess significant risk in terms of moving machinery and people; and based on that assessment an action plan needs to be in place to mitigate that risk,” Lourens says.“ But there is still some uncertainty about exactly what mines must do, as the legislation has changed in the last decade from being very prescriptive to now being more reliant on the‘ reasonable man’ test. The law does not say exactly what activity must be carried out; rather, it says that the mine must mitigate the risk.”
He says there was also confusion on the issue of intervention. The Act deals with four industry categories: underground electric machines( where the law is clear that these must have an intervention system); underground diesel equipment( where only a warning system is required by law for now); surface diesel machines( which also legally require a warning system for now); and mining plant like refineries and smelters( where PDS requirements are not clearly defined).
“ The revised MHSA allows for intervention systems on diesel machines underground and on surface, but is currently excluded from the promulgation so that’ s where the confusion comes in,” Lourens says.“ Underground electrical machines
must have intervention systems while underground diesel machines don’ t have to; it does appear that the requirement will be enforced, but not right now.”
Lourens says PDS technology is still being developed to fully cater for all the requirements of the revised law; hence the staged implementation of the various requirements. A global initiative by large mining companies – the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table – was facilitating collaboration between stakeholders to help advance the technology. www. booyco-electronics. co. za
New bauxite engineering contract for Fluor
Fluor Corporation has announced that Guinea Alumina Corporation SA( GAC) has awarded Fluor an engineering and program management consultancy contract for a major bauxite mine in the Boké region of Guinea, Africa. Working alongside GAC, Fluor will manage the development of a 12 Mt / y bauxite mine, a dedicated export terminal in Port Kamsar and rail and other infrastructure upgrades. The mine, which is scheduled to begin production in 2018, will supply high-quality raw materials for alumina production facilities globally. Fluor successfully completed the feasibility study for GAC in the second quarter of 2016.
“ Fluor has worked with GAC since the preliminary phase of the project to develop a customised, capital-efficient design to meet the company’ s unique business objectives,” said Rick Koumouris, President of Fluor’ s Mining & Metals business.“ We will leverage our global expertise in marine structures, port terminals and mineral processing along with our experience in Guinea to deliver innovative design and project execution solutions that improve capital efficiency.”
“ Guinea Alumina Corporation, a key investment for Emirates Global Aluminium, will drive significant local growth within Guinea and secure Emirates Global Aluminium’ s position upstream in the aluminium chain," said Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, which owns GAC. " We look forward to our continued relationship with Fluor to ensure further cost optimisation and ultimately a safe and successful project.”
GAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emirates
Global Aluminium, which is equally owned by Mubadala Development Company and Investment Corporation of Dubai. The project serves as Emirates Global Aluminium’ s entry into the global bauxite market. www. fluor. com
4 International Mining | MARCH 2017