UNDERGROUND LOAD AND HAUL
and better material retention during tramming . New Cat Bolt On ground engaging tools ( GET ) are designed for use in abrasive applications where high wear rates make welded GET impractical . The system also delivers more available wear material for longer life and greater uptime . Builtin wear indicators and replacement corner segments allow the system to be integrated into scheduled maintenance regimens .
The innovative traction control system enables the R1700K to control drive power to each wheel independently . The result is minimal tyre slip , optimum traction , and the ability to penetrate the pile more effectively for fast loading .
The R1700K also delivers significant technology enhancements . It is equipped with multiple subsystems for fast technology implementation . The Cat line-of-sight remote control systems allow operators to control their machines from safe distances , and the Cat Command for underground , semi-autonomous system enables operators to work from a remote location . Remote machine health monitoring , payload monitoring and other technology options can be installed at the factory or in the field .
Paus considers that bad road and narrow conditions as well as sharp corners “ are probably the most mentioned characteristics in conjunction with underground mining .” Loading and hauling often become work tasks requiring millimetre accuracy “ because you have to go out the same way you came in . In case you need a turnaround , the radius could be extremely small and the only thing that counts at this time is how long the vehicle is . Paus developed for these and other instances the LHD PFL 20 , a 4 t loader compact and optimised with a length of only 7.30 m .”
The Paus loader range offers many problem solving options for mining . Constructed with ROPS / FOPS canopies and with payloads between 1.5 and 9 t , there are different sizes for different needs and even flameproof vehicles ; by way of example the Paus LHD PFL 30S as a regular or flameproof vehicle . The loader has had a new face lift and a new design for more safety and mobility . For instance the driver ’ s cab has been given more stability and comfort through the provision of more space . To mount the machine , operators can now enter directly through a side access instead of having to confront the articulated joint behind the kinematics .
The kinematics have also changed from the former parallel to the better Z-kinematics “ to give more power and to increase dumping . That means for users easier handling , time saving and better operating efficiency . Always an aim is to optimise the sight aspects in underground mining in general . The design team of Paus reduced the rear part and optimised the motorblock to be more compact so that the driver ’ s cab is high enough for a better sight backwards .” As flameproof machines under the EU ATEX regulations , the engine temperature is supposed to be no higher than 150 ° C . “ That means Paus needed to implement a contrived cooling system .” A five-step cooling system now ensures proper temperature control . The exhaust gas is cooled through the in- and outside of the lines . “ On request this awesome cooling system is even able to cool to an exhaust gas temperature of 70 ° C only . Additional flame arrestors placed at the exhaust gas and air intake lines guarantee for even more safety as well as the capsuled electric parts .”
A further gas issue is mine gas ( methane , hydrogen gas ) in shafts . “ Getting a warning and still having enough time to get out in safety is not rarely a question of time . Intelligent sensors are installed into the driver ’ s cab to send out a signal as soon as gas will be detected .”
But there are also further aspects which influence the health of underground workers in an extensive way ; a huge dust exposure , the permanent rocking motions of the vehicles while driving and last but not least the continuous noise pollution . “ Dust is not easy to handle , there will be always a vibration or shaking while working with vehicles and of course underground will always be a place where machines will sound louder as an average . The only way of protection would be an automation of machines and the driver will control the operational work from a distance . The Paus loader range is constructed and contains tools for installing remote controls .”
In addition to the successful loaders Paus has developed a dumper series with some special features .
As mentioned before , roadways can be very tight and in most of the vehicles the driver sits sideways to be able to look in both directions , “ of course because you are going out the same way you came in .
“ But after a while the driver has to fight against losing concentration and neck / shoulder
The Paus PFL 20 is a favourite for working with a remote control system ; innovative and well proven with easy handling
problems and the safety aspect for a better sight is affected . As solution and help to ease these requirements , Paus builds and offers the dumper with only bi-direction driver ’ s cabs for best sight to both directions .”
Additionally these trucks are available as a concrete mixer or with an integrated pusher so that loaded material can be fully ejected at the rear in case of low ceiling heights .
“ Challenges in loading and hauling are the motor to keep engineers being innovative and to motivate teams at Paus for offering efficient solutions .”
Low profile specials
Sandvik ’ s wide offering covers underground loaders and haul trucks for mass mining , low profile and narrow vein applications . The Sandvik LH208L , for example , is a 7.7 t capacity LHD built for operation in low-profile room-and-pillar mines and extra-low-profile reef mines . It operates in 1.7 m seam heights for low profile applications in platinum , chrome and potash mines .
Sandvik has a large installed base operating in South Africa and well established customers who operate large fleets . There are also have installations in Russia and Brazil .
The LH208L has the Sandvik boom geometry that results in more powerful break-out force , allowing for easier loading and higher bucket fill factors . This also assists loading when on a gradient “ and this machine is significantly more powerful than its competition . It is also robust and easy to maintain ,” Sandvik reports .
“ To make the Sandvik LH208L even more safe and productive a number of upgrades have been made .”
The Sandvik OptiMine ® Data Collection Unit is standard , collecting data from the machine on operating hours , temperatures , pressures and
International Mining | JUNE 2017