GERMAN TECHNOLOGY
JOEST has developed a double-shaft screen for challenging screening applications
vibrator. The speed and vibration angle can be changed without stopping the machine. This results in different transport speeds and accelerations on each screen deck, which enables optimisations during the ongoing screening process.“ When selecting the screening system to be used, JOEST accommodates the customer’ s requirements and wishes, thus ensuring that all common screen covering systems can be used. Customers can also choose between oil or grease-lubricated drive units.”
MTU’ s mining Tier 4 Final journey
Clean engines are good for the environment – and for profits in the mining industry. And as well as being cleaner, the Tier 4 engine generation for mine vehicles uses far less fuel than older engines. There is a common belief that whilst ecologically sound engines may be good for the environment, higher fuel consumption makes them uneconomical. That is simply wrong, says MTU.“ Modern MTU Tier 4 mining engines are significantly more efficient than their predecessors and that makes them more costeffective,” explained Ran Archer, Sales Manager, Mining, at MTU.“ Some Tier 4 engines even use just as little fuel as MTU’ s extremely frugal Tier 1 units,” he added. In the USA, mining engines over 550 kW have been subject to Tier 4 exhaust emissions regulations since January 1, 2015. However, during a transitional period extending to January 1, 2018, the US Environmental Protection Agency( EPA) is permitting the use of Tier 2 or Tier 4 interim engines in mining vehicles. Despite this, many mine operators have decided to skip this option and move directly to MTU’ s clean Tier 4 engines. With annual fuel costs for a single large 400 short ton haul truck running at $ 1.5 million, that means considerable cost savings. Fuel costs can make up 80 % or even 90 % of a mine’ s operating costs. Reducing that bill has a major influence on profits.
In many mines, production levels also depend on emissions performance because permits to extract raw materials are often coupled with total emissions generated during the mining process. For example, if vehicles repowered with clean engines output fewer emissions, the mine may be allowed to operate more vehicles. That means clean engines not only improve profitability, they also boost productivity.“ Repowering existing haul trucks has yet another benefit. It means the new engines can be operated to match their ideal performance curve. For example, a truck used to haul copper or gold-bearing ores from a mine has a significantly higher load factor than a coalmining truck. Operating all haul trucks with the same engine model at the same rated power( as often happens) is uneconomical. Repowering provides the chance to match the engine perfectly to its application, achieving even further fuel savings.”
Several mine operators seized the chance to test the new MTU engines before the official sales kick-off. Four years ago, for example, MTU replaced the 16V Series 4000 Tier 1 engine in a Komatsu 930E haul truck with a modern Tier 4 engine in the same series. The mine operator ran the tests to find out more about the latest Tier 4 engine technology before the new emissions regulations kicked in.“ The aim was to accurately gauge how the new units would influence mine operation and maintenance processes. The MTU engineers involved used the opportunity to get a more accurate picture of the performance capabilities of their Tier 4 technology in a tough mining environment. Instead of using a 16- cylinder engine, they fitted a 12-cylinder Series 4000 unit – and the move proved successful.” The Type 12V 4000 Tier 4 engine delivered 1,864 kW( 2,500 PS) of power and reached the same speed on slopes as its 16-cylinder Tier 1 predecessor – whilst using significantly less fuel.“ We couldn’ t have given the customer better proof that our Tier 4 engines deliver outstanding value,” concluded Archer.
Epiroc in Essen advances breaker tech
Epiroc through Epiroc Hydraulic Attachment Tools headquartered in Essen has achieved another first in hydraulic breaker technology. Many of the company’ s rig mounted heavy hydraulic breakers now feature the patented Intelligent Protection System( IPS).“ Seamlessly
Many of new Epiroc’ s rig-mounted heavy hydraulic breakers now feature a patented Intelligent Protection System
combining Epiroc’ s popular AutoControl and StartSelect functions, this fully automated system provides simpler, more efficient, and more economical operation than ever before.” The Epiroc HB 2000, HB 2500, HB 3100, HB 3600 and HB 4700 are equipped with IPS. During 2018 all other heavy hydraulic breakers in Epiroc ´ s range will incorporate this unique system.
AutoControl and StartSelect have been popular features on Epiroc hydraulic breakers for some years. AutoControl optimises breaker performance by automatically adjusting the piston stroke length. The StartSelect system offers manual switching between two modes: the AutoStart mode enables easy positioning at the beginning of the breaking cycle, and in the AutoStop mode the breaker stops automatically to avoid blank firing at the end of the breaking cycle. Epiroc now takes these features to a higher level.
“ Now the functions are ingeniously combined in Epiroc’ s Intelligent Protection System( IPS). IPS ensures that the hydraulic breaker always starts in the AutoStart mode. When the contact pressure between chisel and material increases and AutoControl switches from a short piston stroke to a long piston stroke, IPS switches automatically to the AutoStop mode. When the chisel breaks through the material the breaker automatically shuts off and prevents blank firing.”
IPS makes the breaking process even simpler for the operator by automatically adapting the breaker’ s operating behaviour to any working condition. Uptime is higher, since, with its fully automated functionality, IPS requires no operator intervention or reaction and thus there is no interruption of the working process. IM
20 International Mining | MARCH 2018