MINEXPO PREVIEW
Kal Tire has recently added Ultra Repair to its Maple Program
secures and releases the last two wheel bolts , it now allows technicians to perform this hazardous step from a safe distance .
For the first time , mines can inspect wheel integrity and safety on-site with Kal Tire ’ s Wheel Inspection , a mobile scope that scans for cracks along weld lines and ring grooves so mines know instantly if a wheel can continue performing safely , or needs repairs or scrapping , Kal Tire said . With earthmover equipment subjected to ever-increasing loads and speeds , mines can use the Wheel Inspection to help reduce the risk of fractures now through on-site testing .
Kal Tire ’ s largest and perhaps most celebrated recent innovation is its new OTR tyre thermal conversion recycling facility in northern Chile ( featured in IM July 2021 ). The thermal conversion process uses heat and friction to induce a reaction that converts tyres into their base elements . At full production , each day , one of two reactors can convert five 63 in tyres weighing nearly 20,000 kg into 6,500 litres of alternative fuel , 4,000 kg of steel and 8,000 kg of carbon black as well as enough synthetic gas to fuel the plant itself for seven hours .
Kal Tire ’ s Maple Program is another solution helping customers achieve their environmental goals . The program , launched first in Chile and in the UK , leverages data from the company ’ s independently-accredited carbon calculator to determine the actual carbon and fuel emissions saved by retreading as an alternative to buying new OTR tyres . Customers receive a Maple Program certificate indicating actual data that can be used in reporting . New in 2021 is the Maple Program ’ s addition of Ultra Repair : mines that use Kal Tire ’ s exclusive process for repairing large injuries to tyres that would otherwise be scrapped can now quantify and report on the environmental benefits of using Ultra Repair versus buying new tyres .
Being able to make informed decisions and take a strategy-driven approach to tyre management is a key benefit of TOMS , Kal Tire ’ s
proprietary Tire Operations Management System , also being showcased at MINExpo and now in use at more than 120 sites . TOMS could also be described as a productivity tool as it enables planned maintenance and turns tyre inspections into actions , the company explained .
By automating planned work orders for condition monitoring , TOMS focuses on identifying tyre work before it is required – and integrates with a site ’ s maintenance plan so tyre work can be performed when a vehicle is already down for maintenance , saving mines dozens of downtime hours every month .
Monaflex ’ s XL Bead Repair and MBRS systems are set to be displayed at MINExpo 2021 , with one of the company ’ s distributors highlighting how they can provide a solution for tackling the common minor bead damage that often results in tyres being scrapped unnecessarily .
The XL Bead Repair and MBRS systems have expanded the radial OTR tyre range for Monaflex ’ s repair system , with tyres from 18.00R25 up to 45 / 65R45 ( bead sole widths of 2-4 in ) and 40.00R57 and 59 / 85R63 ( bead sole width of 4.75 in ) now included in the range .
“ We all know that prevention is better than a cure and the same is true of bead damage ,” Monaflex said . “ Proper training for those mounting and demounting tyres , the correct tools and plentiful use of bead lubrication are the key weapons here .”
If there is no damage to the wire / cords then the bead is repairable , according to Monaflex , with the unique system using inflatable airbags that conform to the bead and provide the
Tyres from 18.00R25 up to 45 / 65R45 ( bead sole widths of 2-4 in ) and 40.00R57 and 59 / 85R63 ( bead sole width of 4.75 in ) are now included in Monaflex ’ s OTR bead repair range necessary pressure to facilitate the vulcanising process . Monaflex heat pads then bring the repair up to the required temperature .
Hedweld is focused on providing customers with an end-to-end tyre handling solution to replace the ‘ traditional ’ methods of handing wheel assemblies , which the company plans to highlight at MINExpo 2021 .
Its Trilift ® 100T and 300T Jack Stands are versatile , heavy-duty jacks and stands designed to lift and support heavy earthmoving equipment . The jacks can be used singularly or as a pair .
Once the load is raised , spring loaded jaws lock into teeth on either side of the jack transforming the Trilift Jack Stands into certified support stands , Hedweld said . This feature eliminates the procedure of making the change from a jack to a support stand , which increases safety and improves productivity by halving the time it takes to perform the task .
The Trilift Universal Wheel Nut Tool will also receive some attention at MINExpo ahead of its official launch .
This tool attaches to the Trilift Variable Work Tables to provide a safer more efficient method of handling wheel nuts on large mining and earthmoving equipment , according to Hedweld . It is designed and manufactured to access both outer and inner wheel nuts .
By semi-automating this maintenance task , personnel are positioned at a safer distance from the task , Hedweld said .
The Trilift ® TH15000 Workshop Tire Handler , meanwhile , has been designed to provide a maintenance tool for the safe removal and installation of wheel assemblies and front hub , brakes and seals .
It resolves safety issues like tyre fall and tyre failure incidents and access to wheel nuts that places personnel in the line-of-fire .
Having a narrow footprint of 9.3 ft ( 2.8 m ) wide by 17.6 ft ( 5.4 m ) long , it allows personnel to work in confined work bay spaces . It does not require the adjacent work bays to be left vacant either .
In independent trials , the TH15000 Workshop Tire Handler was proven to be 60- 75 % more efficient than standard tyre handlers , improving workshop productivity by 47 %, according to Hedweld . These stats mean it offers a return on investment after handling just 99 tyres .
56 International Mining | AUGUST 2021