UNDERGROUND RAIL
The company expected to deliver these electrically operated monorail hanging railways to the two mining companies in May and June of this year .
“ These monorail hanging railways are characterised by the fact that , in addition to the usual power supply via conductor rail systems , state-of-the-art battery technology is used , which makes it possible to carry out transport tasks for short periods even if the main power supply fails ,” it added . “ Following successful trials , this product has considerable potential for follow-up orders , particularly in the South African mining sector .”
In its traditional soft-rock mining market , SMT Scharf says it is responding to the ever louder calls for emission-free , sustainable transport equipment , developing a modular , batteryoperated monorail hanging railway system for underground mines in firedamp-prone environments .
“ This meets the requirements of both the Chinese market in terms of variable application options and the Polish market with its specific requirements in terms of size and underground environmental conditions ,” it said .
Paus tackles track maintenance , rail recovery
Also based out of Germany , Hermann Paus Maschinenfabrik GmbH is looking to improve underground rail operations through the roll out of its Paus KRF 40 series .
The Paus KRF 40 series is designed as an advanced solution to meet the rigorous demands of underground mining track maintenance and recovery operations .
The ditch cleaner Paus KRF 40 is built for the removal of fallen gravel / rock on railway tracks or the cleaning of dewatering ditches parallel to the tracks .
This is facilitated by an operator that has access to a swivel cabin with attached excavator boom – one that can be articulated , so the boom can work parallel to the tracks with an offset of up to 2,450 mm to the right and 1,800 mm to the left .
“ With this unique design , the KRF 40 can clear mud or any other debris from dewatering ditches and load it into a wagon in front of the KRF ,” the company says . “ The Paus KRF 40 stands out as an exceptional machine for digging and maintenance work on the track bed , reducing downtime . With its sensitive controls , it excels in clearing drainage ditches and tracks , ensuring that rail systems remain fully operational .”
The key highlights of the KRF 40 are the suspended axles , the swivel cab and the swivel boom and the solid underground mining design , Paus says . The suspended axles ensure smooth and stable operation , even in the most
The Paus KRF 40 series is designed as an advanced solution to meet the rigorous demands of underground mining track maintenance and recovery
challenging underground conditions . When it comes to “ rerailing operations ”, the
KRF 40 series has something to offer here , too . The KRF 40.10 has a special crane that can operate in the low heights and narrow conditions experienced in underground mines , all while being able to lift 10 t . This means loaded wagons can be lifted back onto the tracks quickly and safely .
The key features of the Paus KRF 40.10 are the telescopic boom , which offers the necessary flexibility for a wide range of lifting tasks , and a four-point support to ensure stability and safety when handling heavy loads . Another highlight is the remote control ability , which enhances precision and safety in operation .
“ The KRF 40.10 can manoeuvre below overhead lines thanks to relatively small dimensions by measuring 1,650 mm in height and 1,300 mm in width ,” Paus says . “ The telescopic crane can lift 10 t , swivel ± 45 ° and has a reach of 5,500 mm .”
Paus says all its machines are designed with durability , efficiency and the greatest possible ease of operation and service in mind .
The KRF 40 series machines come with a variety of customisation options such as varying track gauges ( 750 mm or 900 mm ), a camera system and gas warning system to further enhance versatility and safety .
Both models in the Paus KRF 40 series are built with a strong emphasis on safety and operator comfort . The standard mining safety package includes a ROPS / FOPS design , ensuring protection against rollovers and falling objects . Additionally , the ergonomic controls are designed to increase both comfort and efficiency , reducing operator fatigue and improving productivity .
“ The Paus KRF 40 and KRF 40.10 are machines that elevate the standards of underground mining operations ,” the company concludes . “ Their robust design , advanced features and customisation options make them indispensable for maintaining and recovering rail transport systems in mines . With the Paus KRF 40 series , mining operations can expect enhanced efficiency , safety and reliability in maintenance .”
A rail-based safe haven
The latest joint development from Strata Worldwide and Mining Equipment Ltd also leverages off rail infrastructure .
The pair have teamed up to release Strata ’ s Mobile Rail-Mounted ERC , a battery-powered , self-propelled emergency refuge chamber that has applications in underground mining and tunnelling .
As Strata says , “ emergency refuge chambers are a crucial safety system for workers underground . Built to provide a safe haven of breathable air in the event the air underground becomes compromised , they are ideal for use in case of fire , ventilation failure or toxic gas release .”
The mobile chamber is operated from within the unit and remains readily available in the case of an emergency .
When needed , the locomotive chamber is accessible to workers in the construction area or on a tunnel boring machine , and expedites their evacuation from underground .
“ The ERC can return to retrieve additional workers , if necessary ,” Strata says .
The Mobile Rail-Mounted ERC is equipped with a battery that has sufficient power for a minimum of two rescue trips , while the charging time to 100 % power is approximately 40 minutes .
The chambers , themselves , come as standard with 24 hours of on-board breathable air , capacity for 16-20 people ( built to specification ), fold-down seats and an emergency escape hatch .
The locomotives , meanwhile , operate on a 600-914 mm rail gauge track and come with either a “ smart battery ” or are diesel-driven . They are hydrostatic drive , have an enclosed operating cabin on one end and are enhanced with a camera system for driver viewing on the other end . IM
76 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2024