FLIR Systems thermal cameras

FLIR Systems has a range of thermal cameras that are applicable in the mining industry.

FLIR uses thermography for predictive maintenance inspection programs for virtually all types of industries.

From predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, non-destructive testing, R&D, medical science, temperature measurement and thermal testing to law enforcement, surveillance, security and manufacturing process control, FLIR offers the widest selection of infrared cameras for beginners to pros.

With over 60 offices and the largest installed infrared camera base in the world, FLIR offers its customers unparalleled service, the best post-sale technical applications support available and world-class infrared camera and thermography applications training.

On mining sites and at refineries, infrared cameras can be used to locate problems, wear and tear or to detect hot spots and other problems before they turn into failures and production downtime or dangerous electrical fires.

A thermal imaging camera is a non contact instrument which is able to scan and visualize the temperature distribution of entire surfaces of machinery and electrical equipment quickly and accurately.

Norman G Clark launches YLZ Series hydraulic wheel brake

Norman G Clark has released the YLZ Series Hydraulic Wheel Brake, which directly act on the wheel to realise storm braking in the form of wheel pressure.

According to the company, the wheel brakes can be used in outdoor applications ranging from large cranes, port handling equipment and construction machinery.

The YLZ Series Hydraulic Wheel Brake can act as an operational storm braking device or as an auxiliary braking device.

The brakes are mainly used for passive forms of wheel braking.

Norman G Clark says the unit features an active wheel on a high speed shaft, which adopts a two-step brake.

The brake also features a normally-closed design, which can be released by disc spring drive via a hydraulic control unit.

The brake lining is made from a non-asbestos material, making it resistant to friction, water, acid or any other environmental agents.

Fluid Components International FlexSwitch flow switch

Fluid Components International (FCI) has released the FlexSwitch FLT93S flow switch, designed to monitor fugitive emissions from compressors, pressure relief valves, pumps and other gas flowing components.

According to FCI, the flow switch’s high sensitivity and ability to detect and alarm on very low flows offers fast response leak monitoring and detection of gas flows.

It is designed to provide early warning and process shut-down signals that can prevent damage to these expensive components and their processes as well as reduce the probability of accidents and government incident reporting.

The FLT93S Switch is an easy to install insertion-style instrument that includes dual 6A relays, which are fully user settable for any HI, LO, HI/HI or LO/LO detection and trip scenario, FCI said.

The switch features built-in temperature compensation, which are designed to ensure repeatable and reliable operation, even in extreme environments.

Konecranes introduces SMARTON crane systems to Australia

Konecranes has introduced the SMARTON crane system, which the company said can save building and building services costs by fitting into smaller structures.

The SMARTON crane system is designed for optimum flexibility and reliability in challenging and changing environments, Konecranes said.

According to the company, the compact design of the crane system allows for smaller working areas, so SMARTON saves money in the form of lower construction and heating expenses.

The SMARTON system is also designed to be very energy efficient, featuring regenerative network braking systems that feed energy back into the crane’s power grid.

The cranes are also 98% recyclable, Konecranes said.

Anti-sway technology that automatically prevents the load from swaying, along with shock load prevention to prevent sudden jolts when starting lifting and during lifting with loose slings are both features of new global standards for safety and efficiency.

Bucyrus adds variable frequency drive control to equipment

Bucyrus has applied Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) controls to many of its Room and Pillar products.

The modified products include the company’s range of battery-powered haulers, shield movers, continuous miners and feeder breakers, including the Un-A-Hauler and Vers-A-Trac.

According to the manufacturer, the compact VFD modules have been robustly designed for mine-duty applications.

The units control AC traction and pump motors, advanced flux vector control and autocheck system diagnostics.

Bucyrus says a network of data-sharing system modules can also ensure safe operation and optimal productivity.

According to the company, adding VFD control to equipment can increase speed, manoeuvrability and responsiveness, while allowing the operator to monitor machine performance.

The AC drives feature motor overload protection, a CAN communication interface, enhanced diagnostics and closed loop control.

Australian Pump Industries launches Hard Heart self-priming pumps

Australian Pump Industries has released the Aussie Hard Heart stainless steel pumps, which are designed specifically for mining applications.

The pumps are made from 316-grade stainless steel in a self-priming design and have the ability to draught water through a six metre vertical lift

The units are available in five, 7.5 and 10 cm configurations and offer flows of up to 3000 L per minute and heads of up to 40 m.

According to the company, when a submersible pump shuts down, the column of water above the pump is often heavily laden with fines, or even solids.

Eventually, those solids settle into the bottom of the pump chamber, creating a potential “choke,” and require additional torque to re-start the pump.

This puts a load on the motor, which can cause premature burn out.

Australian Pump Industries says service can also be problematic, with pumps needing to be removed from the pit for even routine maintenance.

Sometimes it can be necessary to empty the pit first, causing cost blow out and delays.

The self-priming Hard Heart pumps can suck liquids from vertical lifts and their semi-trash design allows large solids to pass in suspension through big open style non-clog stainless steel impellers.

The semi-trash design includes an easily removable stainless steel cover plate fitted to the front of the pump chamber.

The company says the pumps can handle both corrosive and abrasive slurries.

Enware Australia releases the SafeEquip Safety Stations

Enware Australia has released the SafeEquip Safety Stations, a series of relocatable safety stations that can be customised to the safety needs of particular sites.

The SafeEquip Safety Stations include a fire extinguisher, eyewash, a spill kit and a first aid kit as standard components and are compactly integrated into a FIRERACK trolley.

According to the company, the units do not require power or plumbing to fully operate.

The first aid kit is suitable for up to 20 staff, while the gravity-fed eyewash station can supply the 15 minutes of flushing fluid as required by safety regulations.

The station also includes the Enpac Overpack 30 Drum, which can act as a storage unit for the equipment or to capture the eyewash water or any spilled material.

The Enpac Spill Kit includes 50 Pads, two large socks, six small socks, one pack of wipers, STARDUST adsorbent powder, disposal bags and safety gear, such as gloves and goggles.

CAPS achieves Nirvana

CAPS is distributing Ingersoll-Rand’s Nirvana 2-stage Variable Speed Drive (VSD) pneumatic compressor.

The compact Nirvana 2-stage VSD uses two compression stages in operation.

The first stage sees the compressor’s rotor use a profile for high displacement and a discharge at relatively low pressure.

The second stage profile attains compression to final package pressure.

These two stages require less energy to compress a set volume of air when compared to a single stage conventional compressor.

The VSD can also be combined with the Nirvana’s Hybrid Permanent Magnet (HPM) Synchronous Motor Technology, allowing it to run at 95% operating efficiency through out its speed range, according to CAPS.

The motor is controlled by variable speed inverters which align compressor output to demand at all times.

According to CAPS, the Nirvana 2 stage VSD can assist in reducing energy usage and help companies to achieve their internal carbon and emissions reduction targets.

The compressor also features a leak free design and is easy to maintain.

Minspec unveils new chute liner

Minspec has released the Brelko Keyliner Chute Lining System.

The bulk materials handling system is a mounting track and locking system designed to prevent material build up on chute sides while protecting the chute from impact loads.

Suited to fine materials and lump size up to 150 mm, the liner is made of flexible rubber, and has a boltless installation process which allows for replacement of sections of worn out liner without having to replace the entire liner system.

The replacement process can be carried out by a single person.

The track backing strips are tack welded to the chute, and the keyliner is slid into the backing strips.

The overall height of the keyliner is 355 mm, with the backing strips reaching a width of 50 mm with lengths able to be cut to fit the chute shape.

Dynapumps distributes 3600 Series Hook and Claw compressors

Dynapumps is supplying the new Northey Technologies 3600 Series Hook and Claw compressors.

The 3600 Series units can handle corrosive and dirty gases and operate at variable speeds with water cooling.

The units are also available in skid-mounted packages, which include an acoustic enclosure, valves and controls.

The compressors can pump fluids at rate up to 860 m³ per hour at pressures up to 3.5 bar.

According to the company, the gas is compressed between contra-rotating rotors which never touch.

This dry-running design eliminates wear and therefore removes the need for lubrication.

It also means the unit will not contaminate the process gas.

Dynapumps says the compressor’s rugged construction allows the pumps to run for long periods in arduous conditions with minimal maintenance required.

Dynapumps distributes Northey Technologies products in Australia.

Hawk Measurement Systems releases Gladiator Admittance switches

Hawk Measurement Systems has released the Gladiator Admittance switch, which is designed to detect fly ash levels.

According to the company, the switch eliminates the need for regulatory, safety and administrative concerns when using radiometric devices.

Hawk says the capacitance devices traditionally used to measure the bin level within fly ash hoppers are lower cost alternatives, but have limited success.

The low dielectric constant of fly ash and the temperature extremes make it difficult for these probes.

The Gladiator Admittance series extends the performance of capacitance and RF probes with an extremely stable oscillator core, which exhibits almost no drift with process temperature changes.

According to the company, high stability increases the sensitivity when setting switch points.

This improves the ability to reliably detect products having lower dielectric constants.

The unit features ceramic insulation that withstands temperatures up to 450ºC.

Similarly, the 36 mm stainless steel sensing element can withstand heavy impact loads without bending or damage.

Interworld Electronics’ water-proof controller

Interworld Electronics has released the ACS-2701 water-proof IP-65 embedded controller, a small sized fully sealed computer system designed for extreme environmental conditions.

According to Interworld, the ACS-2701 can be subjected to hose down conditions making it well suited for operation in environments where dirt and water is a concern such as mine sites.

Key environmental operating conditions include: wide temperature -20 to 60 C operating range; 17-640Hz; 1.5G acceleration peak-to-peak vibration and 1G peak acceleration shock.

The ACS-2701 is a fanless box PCs based on the Intel 910GMLE + ICH6M chipset with support for Intel ULV Celeron processors.

Other features of the ACS-2701 include IP-65 connectors for 1x LAN port; 1x USB 2.0 port; 1x RS-232 COM and VGA graphics port.

Space is also provided for an internal 2.5 inch hard drive, Interworld said.

Advantech releases UNO-2173A and UNO-2173AF computers

Advantech has released two Atom-based fanless box PCs, the UNO-2173A and UNO-2173AF.

The UNO-2173A and UNO-2173AF are equipped with Atom 1.6 GHz CPUs, Gigabit Ethernet ports, rich I/Os, a Mini-PCIe socket for WLAN and 3G support.

According to the company, the units have passed Energy Star certification, include IP-40 anti-dust protection and feature a wide operating temperature range from -20°C to 70°C.

Advantech says the computers also feature several operating efficiency modes, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%.

The systems are designed for special industrial applications, like manufacturing executing systems, in-vehicle management, industrial thin client applications and facility automation.

Power Parameters launches Ponovo PM 605A Multi-Function Calibrator

Power Parameters has released the Ponovo model PM 605A Multi-Function Calibrator for three- and single-phase circuits and DC devices.

According to the company, the calibrator is suitable for AC and DC voltage, current, frequency, phase angle, power factor and power applications.

The Ponovo PM 605A is equipped with manual controls and a colour screen display, but can also be remotely controlled over a PC interface utilizing Ethernet 10/100M.

The unit works with voltages and currents to 0.05%, frequencies to 0.001 Hz and phase angle to 0.05°.

Power Parameters says three phase AC voltages are adjustable over two ranges from zero to 150 V, while DC voltage can be adjusted from zero to 10 V over two ranges.

The AC current is adjustable from 0 to six amperes over two ranges, while DC current is adjustable from zero to 20 mA over two ranges.

Phase angle is adjustable from zero to 360°.

Fortress Interlocks’ explosion protected safety switch key station

Industrial safety specialist Fortress Interlocks has introduced an explosion protected safety switch key station.

According to the company, the ATEX certified CPS4STOPXP key station is designed to release keys which can be used to control mechanical door locks that provide access to machinery and process lines operating in potentially explosive environments.

The heavy duty CPS4STOPXP safety switch key station is explosion protected and also available with up to a maximum of five safety key adaptors.

These keys can be used to open five ATEX certified ‘DM’ mechanical door locks that give access to the safeguarded area, and restarting the machine is only possible when all keys are back in the CPS4STOPXP key control station.

The CPS4STOPXP features dual channel safety circuits with positive break switches and is manufactured from stainless steel and zinc alloys for smooth and reliable operation, Fortress Interlocks said.

Terex unleashes new articulated truck

Terex has released the new TA400 articulated truck.

This latest 40 tonne truck is designed to operate on sites ranging from coal mines through to sand and gravel quarries.

It comes with a payload capacity of 38 tonnes and a heaped capacity of 23.3m3, which is driven by a tier 3 compliant 336 kW diesel engine that provides a maximum torque of 1350 Nm.

The TA400’s six forward gears, and one reverse, allow for a top speed of 60 kilometres per hour.

Terex’s articulated truck has maximum rim-pull and gradeability for negotiating inclines, as well as a large body capacity with low body weight to maximize load size and retention.

All three axles on the TA400 are locked in permanent all-wheel drive (6×6), and these articulated trucks are equipped with oil-cooled, wet disc brakes on all six wheels.

Retarding is supplied by a standard engine brake and transmission retarder to ensure maximum control in loaded, downhill hauls.

The truck comes with computerised systems that communicate to each other through a CAN-bus system which helps ensure that the truck is running at peak efficiency.

With this communication system, truck data can be transmitted via satellite to operators.

Maintenance is simple on the TA400, which has an electric opening hood and ground level access to the major components, as well as wide platforms on both sides of the engine which allow mechanics to undertake under hood services.

The articulated truck has a unique four-bar trailing arm suspension system that allows operators to travel faster and more comfortably on difficult terrain.

TUNRA unveils new slurry ash monitor

TUNRA Clean coal has developed a Slurry Ash Monitor (SAM) that monitors tailing streams to allow for maximum coal or mineral recovery during processing.

Currently being trialled in the Hunter Valley, the SAM was developed to increase coal recovery for both low and medium grade thermal coals.

The compact Slurry Ash Monitor can be installed on any type of slurry feed, while also being adaptable to a plants’ existing communications network.

Designed for the processing sector, the SAM monitors the ash value of a tailings stream, allowing the operators to optimise the flotation process to provide an increase in the yield of coal recovered.

At a trial at coal preparation plant which operates for approximately 6,000 hours per year, with a feed of 1,000 tonnes of low grade thermal coal per hour and a fines feed of 200 tonnes per hour, the average tails ash was increased by 20 percentage points, which increased the coal yield by 51 tonnes.

The company said readings are displayed on a screen, where an operator can see the ash value and are able to adjust the flotation process to recover the fine coal.

Teralba Industries releases Coilflo miniature heat exchangers

Teralba Industries has released the Coilflo miniature heat exchangers, which are designed to heat, cool or sterilise fluid streams.

According to Teralba, the compact heat exchangers can work on any liquid samples and pumpable products.

The Coilflo heat exchangers use the same style ultra-high efficiency heat transfer coefficients that the company’s Dimpleflo heat exchangers use.

The units also have a fully-welded, self-draining configuration.

The company says the exchangers feature a cylindrical profile, which promotes a highly turbulent flow to maximise heat transfer coefficients.

The units can be manufactured from duplex stainless steel and titanium and feature an internally mirror-finished tube.

Automated Control Engineering launches ASM PTAM20 inclinometers

Automated Control Engineering is distributing the new PTAM20 series of inclinometers, the latest addition to ASM’s POSITILT range.

The PTAM20 inclinometer is available in single- and dual-axis versions and uses MEMS technology to fit into a compact, flat housing.

The single-axis version has a measurement range from +/-15° to +/-180°, in increments of 15°.

Conversely, the dual-axis version has a measurement range from +/-15° to +/-60°, in increments of 15°.

According to the company, the unit has a resolution of 0.05° and linearity up to +/-0.5°.

Each version offers high shock resistance and is rated IP-60, making it suitable for many instrumentation functions.

The unit is available in 0.5 to 4.5 V, 0.5 to 10 V and four to 20 mA outputs.

TURCK releases BIM-UNR magnetic cylinder position sensor

TURCK has added the BIM-UNR to sensor its existing line of magnetic cylinder position sensors.

The miniature sensor is designed to mount within C-groove cylinders from the top rather than from the side without the need for accessories.

According to TURCK, the BIM-UNR is also one of the most compact sensors on the market.

The sensor has a built-in tab that keeps the sensor in place to facilitate one-handed mounting.

The BIM-UNR sensor also incorporates a 1.5 mm hexagon mounting screw that requires only a quarter-turn to securely mount the sensor.

As this mounting screw is located near the cable exit, the sensor remains fastened even if the cable is pulled.

The sensor’s active sensing element is located as close to the magnet as possible at the bottom of the groove.

The company says the unit is also protected from mechanical damage.