DRILLING AND LOADING
The next step will be to upgrade the drilling rigs with industrial controllers from ABB that have a high level of protection and interchangeability .
Komatsu new PC4000 Tier 4 Final model
Moving on to loading tools and excavators , Komatsu following the introduction of the PC7000 in 2016 , has launched the latest update of its products : the Komatsu PC4000-11 Diesel Tier 4 . With a new exhaust gas after treatment system , the machine meets the EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations .
These standards are required in North America and will also soon be the EU Stage IV emission standard on the European market . For less regulated markets , the PC4000-6 with EPA Tier 2 is also still available . The new engine with the selective catalytic reduction ( SCR ), higher fuel efficiency and low engine emissions level EPA Tier 4 extends the current service intervals .
Maintenance efficiency has also been improved . With extended oil change intervals and easier and safer machine access , the required maintenance effort is lower than ever before . The new 45 ° access system allows operation and maintenance personnel easier and much safer access to the machine . The stairways to the machinery house level , as well as the stairway from machinery house level to cabin , now offer greater simplicity .
Equipped with three emergency exits on two sides , the safety concept ensures a high safety standard for all operators on the machine . Located on the cab side as well as the opposite side on the machinery house , the stable ladder is mounted in two pieces as a flip down . The third emergency egress is from the machinery house to its roof . The anti-slip surface ensures safe egress .
Newly standardised for the cabin is a special impact resistant front window giving added protection to the operator . Another plus for the latest update of the PC4000 is the new lighting system . It consists of the latest LED technology , with 14 high performance working lights , as well as additional LED lights for the access system and service points . This light provides better visibility during darker hours for the operator .
The KOMTRAX Plus system – a reliable and long proven Komatsu feature – provides real time information about the operating status of the machine . KOMTRAX Plus monitors all data for quick and efficient management directly in the operator ’ s cabin . The latest Komatsu controllers reduce the requirement for electrical components and wiring , while providing redundancy in the electric system for more efficiency in the mine .
Finally , a 360 ° bird ’ s eye view for safer operation is offered by Kom Vision . The whole machine is viewed from above during working . A monitor in the operator ’ s cabin shows the full
The new Komatsu PC4000-11 Diesel Tier 4
view of the machine and its surroundings . The operator is additionally able to select one of the cameras for a detailed view of a required area with a 10 in touch panel . The machine is also ProVision ready , which means it is prepared for an easy installation of Modular Mining ’ s ProVision Shovel system .
Joy Global continues on automation path
Automation is on the forefront of product development in the mining industry as shifts in mining locales and varying available skill sets are forcing miners and OEMs to continue aggressively developing this technology .
Patrick Singleton , Product Director – Shovels , Joy Global told IM : “ As Joy Global continues down the path of automation for its P & H rope shovels , the company ’ s Adaptive Controls Technology Suite has emerged as a significant first step . The Adaptive Controls are a series of four advanced control functions designed to optimise shovel power usage during different phases of the dig cycle . The purpose of the system is to increase machine productivity while maintaining component life . The manifestation of these controls throughout the validation period as well as at the sites globally where the system has been introduced , has been a consistent increase in hourly production , a decrease in cycle time , and a decrease in boom jacking .”
By leveraging electrical system smarts to increase machine performance at various positions throughout the dig cycle and essentially eliminating the worst structurally insidious effects of boom jacking , Joy Global says it has succeeded in increasing machine survivability even in the most difficult conditions . “ The system has been summarily accepted by operators who can sense the intuitiveness of the system as the machine operates . The Adaptive Controls represent the first step in an automation roadmap designed to help machines and operators perform as efficiently as possible .”
Another driving force around shovel performance improvement has been dipper design . As the only part of the shovel that actively engages the bank , the dipper can be considered the most critical piece of the machine when looking at production . Singleton states : “ Joy Global has made modifications to the dipper which aim to reduce the interface resistance between bank and machine . By limiting the negative effects of friction on the dipper we have created a better filling , faster cycling , more efficient , and wear reducing dipper body which has been proven to tighten the bell curve of payload distributions in various applications . Another significant component of recent dipper development , continuing the drive for reliability as well as faster cycle times , is the next generation latch . Several methodologies were reviewed and tested with the new roller latch design being selected based on validation test data and customer feedback .”
At the core of the next generation latch is , much like the dipper design , a reduction in system friction . Friction causes wear , and wear drives the need for system adjustment . These adjustments can take place as often as once a shift and are often driven by operator preference as opposed to fixed latch location and engagement with the latchkeeper .
“ This makes setting and shimming the latch more of an art than a science driven by existing system wear and operator feel and experience . Eliminating the need to shim allows for a standard latch positon and engagement setting to be utilised . This is driving ‘ push button ’ latch availability bringing an increase in operator confidence and corresponding decrease in cycle time .”
By reducing friction and the associated system wear , the next generation latch effectively eliminates the need to shim whilst saving on maintenance intervention and parts consumption over a typical 6,000 hour dipper maintenance interval . The results over a one year validation test were up to an 80 % reduction in maintenance time related to the latch and up to an 80 % reduction in parts cost over the course of an operating cycle . “ Another key factor , and arguably the most important factor , in the performance and acceptance of the P & H next generation latching system is removing the operator ’ s hands from harm ’ s way when looking at shimming . The time savings are considerable but the safety increase is paramount to the design success .”
International Mining | APRIL 2017