MINING ENGINES
Building bridges
Internal combustion engines continue to drive mining forward as the sector considers its longer-term transition options , Dan Gleeson reports
John Essegbey , Cummins Mining Market Sensing & Innovation Manager , urged attendees of The Electric Mine 2024 in Perth , Western Australia , to start considering bridging solutions that “ take us into [ net ] zero ” now , as opposed to waiting for a silver bullet that could fully decarbonise operations .
The fact Essegbey made such a call to action at the event was interesting given Cummins has several zero-carbon solutions in its portfolio – hydrogen and battery solutions among them – that could , in theory , be scaled up for mining to achieve its net-zero goals .
His caution is well founded , though , as all mining companies are on their own pathways to achieve what appear – on the surface – to be common goals .
“ A 30 % [ emission ] reduction by 2030 might be a common milestone , for instance , but it is a unique journey that every miner needs to solve ,” he said .
Against such a backdrop , Cummins is highlighting where mine sites can make incremental emission savings as part of their net-zero pathways . It sees internal combustion engines ( ICEs ) playing an essential role in mining for decades to come , but not as we know them today , according to Essegbey .
“ Significant research and modelling suggest true value in evolving the ICE as a solid technology base for progressive decarbonisation – integrating cleaner drop-in and dual-fuel capabilities , as well as hybridisation ,” he says .
Modern ICE engines , such as those meeting EPA Tier 4 / EU Stage V standards , can lower emissions today without sacrificing performance , according to Cummins , highlighting the ability of its QSK60 engine to deliver up to 2,850 hp ( 2,125 kW ) and 8,274 lb-ft ( 11,218 N-m ) of torque for mining applications , while boasting an average 5 % reduction in fuel consumption compared with Tier 2 equivalents .
“ With advanced diagnostics and global service support , it can operate for more than 20,000 hours without overhaul requirements and can be rebuilt more than three times ,” Cummins says of the QSK60 , explaining that this lowers the total cost of ownership for miners , as well as the emissions associated with the development and transportation of brand-new engines .
Cummins and Essegbey also see engine maintenance and rebuild projects offering up the ability to rationalise the amount of embedded carbon emissions associated with its products , adding that a further upgrade from the mechanical High Pressure Injection ( HPI ) to Modular Common Rail System ( MCRS ) technology during rebuilds could extend overhaul life by up to 10 %, save up to 5 % on fuel and reduce particulate matter for a quieter , smoother operation without the need for a complete engine replacement .
And , of course , there are alternative fuels to
“ A 30 % [ emission ] reduction by 2030 might be a common milestone , for instance , but it is a unique journey that every miner needs to solve ,” John Essegbey told attendees at The Electric Mine 2024
consider in this context . Around a year ago , Cummins announced a major development in this regard , confirming its entire line of diesel high horsepower engines across all ratings were now able to use unblended paraffinic fuels ( EN15940 ), often referred to as renewable diesel , including hydrotreated vegetable oil ( HVO ).
It stated in the release announcement : “ Utilising renewable diesels like HVO are shown
The Cummins QSK60 engine delivers up to 2,850 hp ( 2,125 kW ) and 8,274 lb-ft ( 11,218 N-m ) of torque for mining applications , while boasting an average 5 % reduction in fuel consumption compared with Tier 2 equivalents
SEPTEMBER 2024 | International Mining 97