MINING TRUCKS ability to effectively starve flames of oxygen and to withstand high temperatures , around 20,000 t of these chemicals are sold annually across all fire-fighting foams in the EU alone .
In recent years PFAS have been facing increased scrutiny despite their long-established effectiveness and widespread usage . Due to their non-biodegradability and extreme stability , PFAS have been shown to have low Predicted No Effect Concentration ( PNEC ) scores , meaning that even a very small amount of PFAS entering soil , ground and surface water can have a harmful effect on surrounding plant and animal populations . This factor is especially concerning in the context of a mining vehicle fire suppression , as agents containing PFAS can flow from the vehicle ’ s protected hazard zones into the surrounding environment when discharged . As a result , regulatory bodies around the world , including the Australian government and the European Chemicals Agency , are starting to implement harsher restrictions on the use of PFAS . A seismic industry shift is on the horizon , one for which organisations in the mining sector should be prepared , not only to remain in compliance , but also to ensure the safety of their people , property and operations .
IM caught up with Alden Spencer , Global Product Manager for ANSUL ® Vehicle Systems at Johnson Controls , to discuss how the industry is reacting to these evolving regulations , and the steps fire suppression solution providers are taking to help mine operators rise to the challenge . “ Automatic fire suppression systems designed for the rigours and schedule of the mining markets are commonplace around the world . But the industry is currently in a state of transition . We must all re-evaluate the established suppression methods and explore the potential of fire suppression agents that utilise non-persistent materials .”
He adds : “ As new requirements are adopted , suppression equipment manufacturers must adapt their suppression agents to remove PFAS and other chemicals of concern as mandated by regional agencies . These regulations are often broad in application and extend to all firefighting systems , well beyond vehicles . And it ’ s not just governments – companies are also investigating the different impacts of firefighting agents . At Johnson Controls , we are being increasingly contacted by mining companies ’ environmental teams to discuss the chemical makeup of our agents . We actually have a dedicated group that can talk through the questions on a molecular level , such is the degree of detail with which organisations are now examining fire safety systems .”
Spencer says that if you look at a typical haul truck , specifically the engine , there is little to no possibility of containing a fire suppression agent
Volvo R100 brings power and productivity
Now available for the European market , the 95 t ( 100 ton ) class R100 from Volvo Construction Equipment it says is proving a success in the mining and quarrying sectors " thanks to its strong performance in boosting productivity and uptime , while lowering fuel consumption and running costs . The R100 rigid hauler from Volvo Construction Equipment is driving down operating costs for customers – with particularly strong performance reports coming from the Russian , South Africa and Nordic markets .
The R100 is built on strong DNA , with roots tracing as far back as 1919 . For over 50 years , the Volvo CE Motherwell facility has designed , manufactured and distributed rigid haulers . “ It is no surprise that Volvo CE has cultivated this engineering heritage to develop such an excellent solution for its customer needs .”
Volvo enhances machine performance further with Volvo CE Connected Services . CareTrack ® telematics system provides remote reading of machine conditions allowing the user to monitor machine health , plan for pro-active maintenance , reduce downtime and save on costly repairs .
Linked to the optional On Board Weighing System the platform also provides real time productivity measurement , generating tailored and detailed management reports including ; production achieved , fuel consumption and machine utilisation . The R100 customer enjoys enhanced production planning based on real data . Volvo CE analysis support offers opportunities for further cost savings . t
CareTrack also enables additional productivity tools : the revolutionary Volvo Co-Pilot ( with Haul Assist function ) enhances operator skills , producing higher quality outcomes in less time and with less effort . Its on-board interactive display , detailing accurate information , has demonstrated proven benefits across the Volvo CE product range , such as the Articulated Haulers . " This is an exciting prospect : delivering complimentary tools and helping customers maximise productivity ."
The latest development introduces the R100 EU Stage V emissions compliant hauler . Utilising SCR ( Selective Catalytic Reduction ) technology , with automatic regeneration this machine builds on the foundation of low running cost inherent in the R100E . Competitive fuel consumption and the absence of a DPF ( Diesel Particulate Filter ), augmented with increased machine features such as Automated Retardation and Configurable Auto Idle Shutdown are just some of the key features in this model .
“ Improved environmental care and increased profitability in one machine can only be good for our customers ,” says John Bennett , Product Manager Rigid Haulers , Region Sales Europe for Volvo CE .
to within the vehicle . “ This is something companies must now factor in : what type of system will suppress a fire in that area , and – because of the lack of containment – what agents are suitable to use ? Mining equipment is one of the most difficult sectors to address due to the constant run time , vibration and fire risks inherent with the use of large engines and lots of hydraulic fluids . Cooling the areas below flash point ( 450⁰C ) is also a key concern , as this reduces the overall risk of reignition .”
To address these specialised needs and the changing regulatory climate , Johnson Controls has developed the ANSUL ® LVS Non- Fluorinated Liquid Suppression Agent : a highperformance fire suppression solution that provides rapid flame knockdown and superior surface cooling for reduced equipment
downtime – all without the use of per fluorinated chemicals . " This agent redefines fire suppression performance and compliance , providing mining operators with a reliable , easy to use replacement for existing systems that can help them keep one step ahead of rapidly changing environmental regulations .”
IM
MAY 2021 | International Mining 63