ROCK REINFORCEMENT
Typical applications of Minova CarboThix™ include grouting of cable bolts , solid steel or GFRP bolts , self-drilling anchors and one-step bolting operations in automated mode
intimately mixed and achieve a grease-like viscosity ( the Thix effect ), so that the grout stops flowing and cures to form a tough elastic and non-porous resin that will not mix with water or be diluted in wet holes . Together they form an interpenetrating network , as a tough elastic nonporous silicate resin . The resulting viscous emulsion will not take up any additional water ( from the rock ), will not mix with water and is resistant to dilute acids and alkalis as well as fats .
As the system is under pump pressure , some grout is pushed into minor cracks and fissures around the anchor hole , ensuring full encapsulation of the anchor . As the two resin components are mixed at a set volume , consistent mixing of the grout is guaranteed , an advantage over cementitious grouts . This delivers a reliable quality of grout and anchoring performance .
Operator safety and handling issues are also improved over cementitious grouting systems . As a pumpable resin system , CarboThix Fast can be handled over long distances ( up to 500 m ) improving operational flexibility .
Minova ’ s comprehensive UniPass bolting system combines its static , yielding and dynamic hollow bolts and CarboThix bulk resins to provide an all-in-one bolting system that has been engineered to suit the most demanding requirements of underground mining and tunnelling . It has been designed with semi- or full- automation of ground support installation in mind .
The UniPass system can be installed in a one step operation by using our self-drilling bolts . The system can also be installed in pre-drilled holes ( two step process ). UniPass is adaptable to varying ambient temperatures , humidity and ground conditions .
UTT Mapei ’ s top tier technologies
Top-tier products and technologies have been
developed by the UTT group to solve common challenges in mining . The UTT Group through UTT Mapei designs solutions that completely satisfy all the technical requirements of our clients who serve the mining industry in North America ( and on a global scale ).
The company states : “ Research and product innovation have become a normal part of the everyday culture of Mapei and the UTT Group . A considerable portion of Mapei ’ s annual revenue is reinvested in important R & D projects , allowing us to maintain our leadership position around the globe . Mapei people make the difference . We focus on the needs of the mining industry with the combined experience of the UTT Group and its dedication to solving common and uncommon challenges underground . We support our mining customers where they work underground , in the mines , laboring side by side until the project is completed or the application meets our clients ’ satisfaction .”
UTT mining services include technical consulting , support and assistance at the mine site , laboratory testing and support to meet specific application challenges plus formulations – the development and optimisation of various system solutions and product classification , certification and approvals for the mining industry . It says client training is also provided in the form of personalised , practical site-based training as needed .
The UTT ( Underground Technology Team ) group says it offers a comprehensive range of chemical , mineral and cementitious grout options to help the mining industry solve common problems in ground consolidation , soil
MacLean Shotcrete system ROI
The MacLean Engineering SS5 Shotcrete Sprayer was introduced in 2021 and part of the new design included on-vehicle technologies that helped improve the precision and efficiency of shotcrete application , as well as reduce the amount of chemical usage required in the shotcreting process . The Maclean Quickscan system gives operators near real-time , digital measurement of shotcrete thickness on a user-friendly touch screen in the unit ’ s cab . As more and more of these equipment options get commissioned on SS5s in the field , MacLean says it will be able to amass a data-driven picture of exactly how much concrete usage is reduced due to the quality of the spray thickness data that the technology offers up . " But we are confident that the speed and the quality of Quickscan imaging will make a significant , positive difference to mining companies and the shotcrete operators who are integral to these companies ’ ground support plans ."
MacLean does have field data from the deployment of its Chemsave dosing system , which in a heavy volume spraying scenario can save mining companies up to 50 % of their shotcreting accelerant chemical costs . This means the ROI on a MacLean shotcrete sprayer - the full repayment of the mining vehicle ’ s capital cost - it estimates could be achieved in less than a year ’ s operation . Even in low volume spraying application scenarios , the machine repayment via chemical savings could still be realised in less than two years . " The Chemsave system will not only benefit mining and tunneling operations financially but with proven data MacLean customers have seen heavy decreases in re-entry time , aiding with in-cycle shotcrete operations as well as an enhanced benefit on the quality of the shotcrete applied , no longer needing overdesigned mixes to compensate for potential strength degeneration over the long term ."
The co-number one benefit of MacLean mining vehicle safety and productivity it told IM has always been the value proposition that the company has marketed to the mining world , and now you can add TCO – Total Cost of Ownership – as an additional benefit of taking the ‘ MacLean Way ’ for innovation , manufacturing quality , and global product support .
62 International Mining | AUGUST 2024