SURFACE LOADING
Komatsu electric PC7000-11 E with cable drum loading a 930E machine is available . “ Komatsu is a global leader in construction and mining - so technology advances are shared across the group – the experience with the PC210E will be valuable when looking at scaling up battery solutions to larger excavator models when the power density and technology makes it feasible ." And it is important to take the long term view – many of KGM ’ s shovels have been working for 20 years or more and in excess of 150,000 up to even 170,000 hours – so the switch or adjustment when it comes has to be right one for that customer .
KGM currently makes all of the company ’ s large hydraulic shovels from the PC3000 upwards , with the exception of the PC3400-11M0 which is made in Japan , primarily for the Asian market , the first machine being delivered in 2020 to Philippines coal miner Semirara Mining and Power Corporation ( SMPC ). It reduced by one the loads required to fill key trucks used in the region like the HD785 and HD1500 . The model is
positioned between the PC3000 and PC4000 .
What about retrofits of older diesel machines to electric ? “ We have had some requests about this and it ’ s possible to do it , but a lot depends on the age of the unit . With older DEMAG machines , this essentially is cost prohibitive as it would require replacement of most of the parts above the superstructure . For more recent machines it is much more feasible from a capex and practicality point of view . Generally , we are offering retrofit solutions , but there are further advancements in the next couple of years to come from us to simplify the retrofit and promote it further . It does make more sense from a carbon footprint view versus delivering an entirely new machine .”
Other carbon saving initiatives from KGM are maintenance related – such as oversized sprockets with a larger clearance between the tooths on the drive pinion , meaning when a customer has wear on their track chains instead of having to replace them they can operate with them for longer . Jordan says a lot of these small solutions collectively can make a big difference .
Finally , what of Komatsu ’ s teleremote shovel program , which was shown off to the world via a demo at MINExpo 2021 ? The prototype remote control PC7000 face shovel continues to operate at Komatsu ’ s Arizona Proving Grounds ( AZPG ) in Tucson . Jordan says the interest is very high in the technology , including advanced discussions with several customers on potential trialling it in a real operation . There is significant interest , for example , in using it for FIFO operations . In terms of the prototype , this year it will be converted to backhoe configuration using a conversion kit but also carrying out necessary sensor adjustments ; followed by testing of an electric tethered version .
Is it achieving the same performance and cycle times as the conventional shovel ? " It ’ s a learning curve and today there are some minor cycle-time losses , but these are more than offset by our semi-autonomous functionalities such as AutoSwing and AutoDump . These functions rely on the machine ’ s onboard sensors and technologies developed by our sister companies Modular Mining and Immersive Technologies . It means the operator , who has the benefit of an array of high resolution cameras , is purely focused on digging the material efficiently , the system automatically does the rest . We think of these operator assist elements as part of an inpit ecosystem – supporting the operator and letting them focus on their core competencies , that is digging the right material and filling the bucket optimally . Real time data also allows operators to improve their technique and is also used to improve simulator-based training ."
Hitachi builds further on ZCORE platform
Hitachi is also driving ahead with teleremote technology on mining shovels with a view to eventually offering autonomous machines , all
BuilderX expands scope & functionality
China ’ s remote control tech company BuilderX first came into the spotlight in mining in 2020 when it delivered a major project with XCMG for a remote control 95 t XE950DA excavator for Jiangxi Copper . It then worked with leading Chinese electric rope shovel OEM TYHI at coal miner SPIC ’ s Huolinhe operation and has also worked with Hitachi Construction Machinery . The company told IM recently : “ Our product categories have expanded from excavators to wheel loaders , rope shovels and drilling rigs , which have been put into use in open pit mines , underground mines , ports and other scenarios . With BuilderX ’ s remote-control system , those machines can continuously operate for 24 hours per day . In order to improve production efficiency , intelligent functions such as anti-collision and bucket tooth recognition have been added . Moreover , with intelligent functions , the remote-control efficiency per hour is closely equivalent to that of an experienced operator .”
The BuilderX platform has also had some practical AI features upgraded including the BDI ( Bucket Depth Indicator ) function . “ Operating an excavator using a standard 2D monitor can be challenging due to the lack of perceived depth and limited field of view ( FOV ). The operator cannot fully assess the undulation of the working surface , or the digging depth of the bucket . Therefore , the bucket is sometimes not full when digging , and the position of the dump truck cannot be accurately ascertained when unloading , which leads to efficiency loss . BuilderX applies AR and AI technology to monitor the position of the excavator ' s bucket in 3D space in real time , and displays its vertical shadow point as a ‘ green grid ’ on the screen . This provides the accurate determination of the target position and enhances the sense of space of the working surface , which makes the work of an operator more convenient and boosts efficiency .”
24 International Mining | MARCH 2023