Archives: Products

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Cable certifiers

 

Power Parameters have unveiled the newest LanTEK II series cable certifiers.

They are designed for comprehensive testing and certification of basic link, channel link, and permanent link testing.

The LanTEK II series is available in three models with frequency sweep ranges of 350, 500 and 1000 MHz thus permitting testing of cat 5, 6 and 7(C1) cables and networks.

The testers are available with fibre optic link testing for multi-mode (850/1300 nm utilizing LED[C2] source) and single mode (1310/1550 nm with laser source) in full duplex testing configuration.

According to the company it is fast in conducting tests, completing Cat 5e testing within nine seconds and Cat 6 in thirteen seconds, and is on average a third faster than many other certifiers.

The testers provide on-board memory for test results, and in the case of Cat 6, 1700 test results complete with graphical information can be stored.

A lithium-ion battery provides energy for up to 19 hours with display on maximum brightness, and a testing period of every two and half minutes (Cat 6), and the instrument’s dual charge capacity permits charging to take place while testing. If the battery is faulty it can operate off external power.

It can be certified for TERA, GG45 and EC7 category as well as M12 industrial Ethernet.

 

Power Parameters

1800 623 350

power@pararmeters.com.au

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Varitector Logger 30

Weidmuller has released its Varitector Logger 30, which registers and documents large current pulses and the frequency and time of the incidents.

The plug and play Varitector Logger 30 counts the current pulses greater than a set threshold value, which are discharged by PE conductors on surge protection devices.

Any lightning strike and surge voltage are continuously recorded and each measurement is issued with a time stamp accurate to the hour. Both the time and the date of the occurrence are recorded.

It also features an external sensor with a ferrite toroid for accurate measurements of currents. Clipped to the earth cable, it detects current peaks on the PE conductor, from events such as a lightning strike.

The data and time documentation means users can document incidents to determine the cause of the surge. It comes with large memory space for comprehensive data collection.

A two-line LCD display provides easy visualisation of current/incident data. Buttons on the device allow users to navigate through the menus easily.

The Logger 30 has a standard internal CR123A replaceable 3-V battery with at least a four-year service life. This means the device can be connected to the mains at all times.

It has an operating temperature range between -20º and +60º. It has a V-0 flammability rating in accordance with UL94 and meets EN62561-6 and VDE 0185-561-6 standards.

For more information call 1900 739 988 or e-mail info@weidmuller.com.au

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Explorac 100- new rig for RC drilling

Atlas Copco introduces the Explorac 100, a new reverse circulation drilling rig.

Global demand for reverse circulation drilling is growing gradually for ore body development and in-pit control, as equipment becomes more versatile, cost effective and far reaching in terms of exploration capacity.

The new reverse circulation rig is designed specifically for this purpose.

The Explorac 100 offers modern benefits with a focus on improved efficiency with the power necessary for fast collection of dry, quality samples, personal safety, reliability, service and environmental friendliness.

It has higher power, torque and pressure than previous rig generations. While specialised for minerals exploration, the Explorac rig can be easily adapted for water well drilling.

It is compact and easy to transport from site to site, yet powerful enough to work in challenging environments. It is suitable for both RC and down-the-hole drilling (DTH) applications at depths of 100-200 metres.

The Explorac 100 is presented on a crawler chassis with a new, automated rod handling system, a mechanised breakout table and remote control.

Vice president, marketing at Atlas Copco’s Geotechnical Drilling and Exploration division Martin Sommers said the rig offers fast setup and drilling speeds, easy maintenance, reduced noise levels, minimum oil spillage and high-quality samples requested by geologists.

The Explorac 100 comes with rod handling as standard, including a 30-pipe rack and a mechanised breakout table with two spanners. The operator’s panel is strategically placed on a tripod or carried on the operator’s shoulder. It operates on a low noise level for improved safety.

A 35-bar compressor allows deeper drilling with the Explorac 100, without the need for a booster.

It comes with Tier III 82kW Cummins power pack for fuel efficient operations. It has a hydraulic tank of cyclone type with 30 per cent oil volume compared with conventional tanks, reducing the rig’s carbon footprint.

The drill string equipment is designed for Greenfield exploration. The digout sub comes with four bars, stabilising and preventing damage to the hammer when digging out holes. The RC50 high-frequency reverse circulation hammers come with 15-20 per cent higher penetration than conventional tools for reliability in all rock formations.

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Mitsubishi Grendia forklift

MLA Holdings has introduced the Mitsubishi Grendia for greater benefits to the planet, and the operator and the employer.

Grendia offers forklift users a choice of diesel/dual fuel engines and electronically controlled gasoline engine that complies with all 2007 emission standards.

The forklift is equipped with features like Integrated Presence System (IPS), neutral safety, high-mounted rear combi lamp and clear all-round visibility, all of which are within the basic price of the truck.

For driver comfort, there is a floating power train with Mitsubishi Powershift transmission, which delivers power and gradeability with minimum noise and vibration.

Other features include a suspension seat with a hip support mechanism, acrylic roof for comfortable operation in outdoor conditions, and a fully hydraulic power steering fitted with steering synchroniser. This automatically matches the rear wheel angle to the steering wheel.

It is an economic forklift with low overall running cost. They are built to last, with the frame, body, mast and even the smallest bearing designed to resist damage. It uses maintenance-free gears instead of belts.

The Grendia comes in a range of 1.0-3.5 ton machines.

For more information visit mlaholdings.com.au

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New-generation Echo Barrier

Echo Barrier has released a new-generation noise barrier into the Australian market that can reduce construction noise by up to 30dB(A).

Echo Barrier is a portable noise barrier that soaks up sound rather than just reflecting it.

The company’s Ray Lee said before the introduction of Echo Barrier, mitigating noise from construction projects meant building heavy duty noise walls, which can be expensive and time consuming and sometimes impractical.

With Echo Barrier, you can create a noise wall where one could not have been made previously. The barriers can be taken down on a daily basis, making them easy to use.

The noise barriers are engineered from a patented lightweight material which is highly sound absorbent, but does not absorb water. This means they stay light and manoeuvrable on wet days so one person can easily move them around sites as required.

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Peltor Oratac In-Ear System

3M’s Peltor OraTac In-Ear system has lightweight hearing protection with ambient, tactical listening. Users can communicate via two-way radios in high noise areas without needing a boom microphone.

With the tactical function mode users can hear conversations, vehicles, warning signal and alarms, while protecting them from sudden impact and other hazardous sounds.

Since the OraTac fits in the ear, it can easily be worn with other personal protective equipment like the full face mask, hard hats, eyewear and powered and supplied air respiratory protection.

It is designed for high noise/high heat duties like manufacturing, smelting and mining.

The OraTac also includes a push-to-talk adapter and a disconnect cable. The cable connects to individual two-way radios and can be changed when a new radio is purchased without replacing the whole system

For more information visit www.3m.com.au/ppesafety or call 136 136.

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Composite water jackets

 

Wichita Clutch has developed new corrosion resistant, lightweight composite water jackets designed as drop-in replacements for cast iron jackets in brakes.

The new water jacket composite material was originally developed by Wichita engineers for use in their water-cooled clutch/brakes.

Used in the field for over three years, the engineered polymer blend has proven to be as strong as iron jackets while meeting or exceeding typical design stresses.

The composite material provides superior external corrosion resistance in any corrosive water environment including off-shore applications.

The composite material also allows for worry-free use of corrosive water for internal jacket cooling (requires proper filtration).

For added corrosion protection, all hardware used on the composite water jacket assemblies is marine-coated.

Wichita composite water jackets offer the additional benefit of weight reduction, with some jackets weighing at least 60 per cent less than iron jackets.

For example, a 91.44 centimetre cast iron water jacket assembly weighs approximately 340 kilograms, while a composite water jacket assembly weighs only 84 kilograms. The reduced weight is a significant maintenance advantage, as well as when equipment is installed in weight-restricted applications.

 

Wichita Clutch

www.wichitaclutch.com

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Greater fuel efficiency in new 988K Wheel Loader

Manufacturer of construction and mining machines Caterpillar has introduced its seventh-generation Cat 988K Wheel Loader.

The introduction marks the 50th anniversary of the 988 delivering performance for worldwide customers.

Fuel efficiency is enhanced by up to 20 per cent compared to the 988H, with the electronic fuel control. It also includes the 988K Mode (on-demand throttle), engine-idle shutdown system, and engine-idle kickdown/auto-resume system.

The new operator stations features the next generation Vital Information Management System (VIMS). This provides real-time fuel consumption and fuel efficiency data through an interactive touch screen. In-cab sound levels are reduced to 71.1 dB(A), from 74.2 dB(A) in the 988H.    

It is designed as an optimum loading tool for Cat construction and mining trucks. It includes redesigned loader linkage, worldwide engine configurations, drive train modifications, redesigned cab and enhancements in safety and serviceability.

The 988K is powered by the Cat C18 ACERT and is available as a Tier 4 Final/Stage IV version, using selective catalytic reduction to control nitrogen-oxide emissions. It is also available as a Tier 2/Stafe II version for less regulated areas.

It also comes with the optimised Z-bar loader linkage and expands its versatility in small quarries and underground applications. This uses solid steel lift arms in either a standard or high-lift configuration, decreases machine height at maximum lift yet increases dump clearance.  The shorter machine length means better manoeuvrability.

The impeller clutch torque converter uses a lock-up clutch for direct drive. This cuts cycle times and reduces heat especially in load-and-carry applications. The system lets operators balance rimpull and hydraulic power for efficient loading.

The impeller clutch torque converter uses a lock-up clutch, with direct drive to boost fuel.

It also includes a remote panel with a stairway light switch, engine shutdown switch, and lockouts for the transmission and engine starter. A second panel comes with access to the battery disconnect switch and a jump start receptacle.

A rear view camera system provides images through the in-cab monitor. There is easy access to maintenance points including hydraulic pressure taps and oil sampling ports.

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New mining screens

As miners globally reign in costs, they are looking to get more uptime from their machinery with fewer maintenance costs.

If an operator lets their screens stand down for maintenance too frequently and for too long it makes it hard to reach maximum profitability.

However at the same time they do not want to sacrifice safety on site simply for a few extra tonnes of ore processed.

With this in mind Metso has developed a new screen that not only provides fewer downtimes, but also allows for safer maintenance while delivering more screening capacity.

The Metso ES – a new high-energy elliptical motion horizontal screen, is able to deliver up to 25 per cent more screening capacity compared to a conventional screen of the same size, according to Metso.

Mats Dahlberg, Metso's global business manager of vibrating equipment, mining and construction, explained that "because our customers are aiming for more accurate and consistent material separation with lower operational cost, we have taken the acclaimed Metso modular MV vibrator and integrated it into a unique, new screen design" that is providing more capacity.

It is able to achieve this higher throughput because it features a robust deck frame design, with no welding along the cross member sections which aids the Metso ES's continued performance.

The weld-free side plates ensure durability and a high stress tolerance while a huck-bolted design also guarantees easier assembly and maintenance conditions.

As there are no mechanical timing devices, gears, belts or oil leakage, which together with the reliable grease lubrication system simply keeps downtime and maintenance to a minimum.

Safety has also been a focus.

According to the machinery manufacturer, the space between the decks is now almost 50 per cent larger compared to similar flat screens, which means that it is now safer and more comfortable for workers to access the machine for maintenance and cleanining.

The Metso ES is also equipped with coil spring covers to minimise the risk of pinching accidents, rubber stabilisers, high-safety belt guards and one centralised, conveniently located greasing manifold.

On top of this the gearless mechanism concept reduces noise, lessening the risk of industrial hearing loss for workers.

Its feedbox, discharge spout and cardan shafts feature Trellex modular wear and impact resistance rubber linings.

The screen is preconfigured to handle both modular and tension screening media.

The Metso ES will be released in May.

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Environmentally friendly paint and coating removal

 

Maintaining equipment and repainting protective coatings is getting greener.

Traditionally operators had to resort to using blast media to remove paint and anti-corrosion products during equipment cleaning.

During these maintenance activities not only were workers potentially put at risk of injury during blasting, there was also an increased environmental impact as blast media often ended up in waterways and the surround environment due to traditional blasting creating a large number of small hazardous particles.

Not to mention the damage that improper abrasive blasting may cause to machinery or equipment.

Now increasing pressure on the industry to minimise its environmental impacts caused by maintenance activities has seen the development of new paint and coatings removal technology.

Led by the Queensland Government organisation Roadtec, the new RPR machinery removes paint and coatings without using blast media.

First used by Roadtec to remove lead paint from the Burdekin Bridge, the technology works through a process of magnetic induction.

This induction heats the steel beneath the coating to the point where paint and coatings begin blister, after which they can easily be scrapped off into a suitable container for safe disposal, reducing the environmental impact and creating a cleaner, safer worksite.

The advantage RPR has over traditional sand and media blasting is that there is no potentially hazardous airborne or water waste, is safer for operators as it is silent and only minimal safety equipment is required, and is faster, particularly when removing thick difficult coatings and has been measured as being between five to 20 times faster.

It is distributed in Australia through Australian Coating Removal.

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New hydraulic mining shovels

 

Caterpillar has unveiled its new 6020B hydraulic mining shovels.

The machine is a brand new model in its line of hydraulic shovels.

The clean-sheet design features a 22-tonne payload and 220-tonne operating weight and teams with the Cat 777G Off-Highway Truck for optimised loading and hauling.

Designed for simplicity and reliability without compromising safety, the 6020B features a new, state-of-the-art cab and operator station with high visibility provided by a large floor window and expansive windshield and side windows.

Unrestricted lines of sight to the crawler tracks and pit floor aid the operator when repositioning the shovel and when loading trucks.

The cab design also includes two additional seats for a trainer and an observer.

The 6020B three-seat cab design is the first in this size class of shovels.

Modular construction with a walk-through power module enables easy access to components and increased serviceability.

Its modular design also facilitates easier shipping and field assembly of the 6020B.

The single-engine configuration also simplifies maintenance.

The 778-kW Cat engine powers advanced hydraulics.

The new 6020B in backhoe configuration previewed at bauma 2013 and will be commercially available in the fourth quarter this year.

 The operator station offers a wide range of adjustability to enable operators to adapt the machine to suit personal preferences.

The seat suspension and armrests adjust to fit an extended range of body sizes, and the display screen adjusts for brightness and contrast to suit the operator and to adjust for ambient conditions.

The climate control system automatically maintains the operator’s selected temperature.

The isolator-mounted cab effectively reduces fatigue-causing vibration, and the cab floor features a no-step design that reduces tripping hazards. The cab configuration also places an additional emergency stop button within reach of the trainer and observer seats.

The trainer seat positioned adjacent to the operator seat provides an optimal view of the working face and facilitates communication during training. The elevated observer’s work station is positioned behind the operator seat and provides space for a laptop computer as well as an unobstructed view of the operator station and the digging environment.

 

Caterpillar

www.australia.cat.com

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New underground rockbolters

 

With more mines moving underground to access higher grade ores under open pits, the issue of securing and protecting these underground complexes increases in difficulty.
With so much traffic passing over the mines operations have to ensure that the tunnels are effectively strengthened and prepared in the case of rockfall.
Sandvik has developed a new concept in ground reinforcement for underground hard rock mines that is reportedly faster and easier to install than traditional systems, while at the same time providing stronger ground support.
Dubbed the Sandvik Mechanical Dynamic (MD) Rockbolt, it replaces a range of different ground support systems such as resin bolts, stiff splitsets, and even cable bolting.
“The problem with resin bolting is that it’s not reliable due to the relatively large-diameter holes which have to be drilled in hard rock mines,” Sandvik Mining’s manager for rock reinforcement development Mietek Rataj.
“This is because the resin is frequently poorly mixed so the bolts are not anchored properly in the rock. 
“In addition, their installation can be very slow, and they are relatively rigid two-pass bolts, so they are not suitable for dynamic ground conditions,” said Rataj.
“In contrast, the MD Rockbolt is a dynamic bolt which is able to yield and withstand changing ground conditions, it’s a one-pass system, with no need for any grouting,” he said.
MD Rockbolts are galvanised, come in 2.4 m and 3 m lengths, and are rated to hold up to 30 tonnes.
The system is particularly suitable for moving ground conditions as it slides at high load, maintaining high capacity support.
Peter Young, Sandvik’s product line manager for the Rockbolt MD said that “similar to a standard friction bolt, the MD bolt is installed in a single pass, with a simple twist to anchor it once it’s in the ground.
“There’s no chemical insertion or grout injection required, and no need to come back later to tension up the rebar. 
“We’ve had feedback from one mine that they had an area of ground where they struggled to install just a few resin bolts because the ground was so poor; over that same period of time, they had successfully installed 100 MD Rockbolts.”
He went on to state that “they are a direct replacement for resin bolts, so anywhere you can put in these bolts, you can use MD Rockbolts – plus you can put them into very challenging or difficult situations where other bolts just don’t work. 
“They may even replace cable bolting to a degree. There is one application in Australia where the mine was able to delay the installation of their cable bolts from 25 metres of driveage out to 50 metres,” said Young
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An even playing field: The latest in mining transportation

Getting from A to B seems like one of the simplest things to do onsite.

But when you need to move 20 miners at a time across rolling, uneven ground with some of the largest vehicles on earth traversing around you, safety is key.

And with the possibility of these transports rolling high, miners are looking at all options to get their workers safely from A to B.

This simple concept of transporting workers around mine site safely is behind QMW Industries latest roll over protection structure [ROPS].

The MH-18 series Q~Transporter has been engineered to be a fully modular and certified solution for personnel carriers.

The Q~Transporter explained simply is a safer, 4WD version of a bus, which is built to safety venture both on and off road, while at the same time protecting passengers if an accident were to occur.

“It adds an extra level of safety that has been internationally recognised,” QMW managing director Jeff Samuels told Australian Mining.

Gaining international certification for any product can prove to be a challenging process, however QMW seems to have it down to a fine art.

Not only does Samuels sit on the Australian Standards Board and the ISO Board, he also writes many of the standards.

“Australia is leading the world in safety,” Samuels said.

He explained that Australia has rigorous safety standards in place and the rest of the world tends to follow Australia’s safety example.

The Q~Transporter is fully certified to meet ISO 3471 which stipulates practical destructive testing must be carried out.

QMW Industries have rigorously tested the Q~Transporter in the company’s test laboratory to ensure all occupants are encapsulated in the most superior roll over protective systems developed for omnibus vehicles to date.

Innovatively designed, it has been specifically constructed to endure the harsh Australian environment and is even fitted with a military grade air conditioning system so passengers may travel in comfort whatever the climate.

Built for the rigours of the mining industry, the rugged Rhinotuff hull shaped floor, composite automotive grade moulding and marine grade carpets mean the entire interior is rust, mould and rot resistant and can even be hosed out after being tramped through with dirty boots.

The Q~Transporter comes with a 3 year/100,000km/2,000 hour warranty and can seat 18 people.

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Pedestrian pallet trucks

Yale has launched new pedestrian pallet trucks design to offer greater comfort and ease of operation.

Dubbed the Yale MP20, they are built offering a choice of 1125 or 1173mm long forks, with a 670mm fork spread and a 2000kg load capacity.

Yale’s MP20 pedestrian pallet trucks incorporate clever design features which enhance ease of use and operator comfort.

These include an impact-resistant, ergonomically designed mid-mount control handle with cushioned return spring plus a large, turn-table steel bearing for improved manoeuvrability with reduced steering effort.

Performance is also enhanced by a short tilt control arm which delivers a tight turning radius, while cost of ownership is reduced due to low-maintenance brushless AC traction control and the tough and durable new frame design. Yale MP20 Pedestrian Pallet Trucks are ideal for use in applications including logistics operations, intensive vehicle and trailer charging and discharging, cross docking and horizontal transport over medium to long distances, order picking and production line feed in temperatures ranging from 0 to 49°C.

Yale is a division of the NACCO Material Handling Group.

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Boart Longyear launches range of new products

Boart Longyear has announced a range of new drilling and other products in a bid to improve speed, safety and cost efficiency.

Launched at the Prospectors and Developers of Canada (PDAC) 2013, the range includes a next-generation surface drilling rig, electronic interface to underground drill control, reaming shell, casing shoe and a Roller Latch.

The LF120A is a semi-automated surface exploration drill rig that features a hands-free operating system and self-monitoring technology that will increase safety and overall productivity.

“The LF120A was designed for drilling contractors who want to differentiate their exploration program by focusing on safety, information and an advanced level of automation,” Boart Longyear global product manager Sid Gaitonde said.

The surface coring rig also features a hands-free rod handling system, which has a rod handler, an auto-adjusted breakout tool and a hoist plug spinner. The rod handles has a 270 degree pick-up capability, two metre height adjustment, 180-degree rollover and 100-degree slew. This level of flexibility allows the handler to access the rod supply regardless of where rods are located around the drill.

Operating underground drilling equipment just got easier with the introduction of the Drill Control Interface (DCi), which provides drilling contractors a fully electronic interface.

The DCi allows a driller to operate an underground drill rig and rod handler at a safe distance. The LM75 and LM90 rigs are compatible with the DCi system and existing LM drill rigs can be retrofitted. The DCi also has one-touch rod feed and pull functionality, allowing the operator to efficiently trip rods.

“The DCi is a substantial step for increasing safety on-site by moving the driller away from moving parts and hydraulic hoses,” another Broat Longyear global product manager Robin Maxfield said.

“Also lesser experienced drillers can be more productive right away because an experience supervisor can input parameters using the DCi that guide the drilling setup.”

Boart’s new range also included the RSUMX reaming shell for straighter boreholes and maximum number of metres drilled. The reaming shell also has 40 percent more pad surface area and a new patent-pending impregnated diamond matrix that is three times harder than previous reaming shells.

The RSUMX offers better directional control by stabilising the bit in the borehole while also increasing wear resistance, in turn decreasing cost per metre.

Casing shoes are often used to drill through overburden until it reaches bedrock. The overburden often consists of unconsolidated ground filled with till, leading to encounters with rock of varying hardness.

The new CSUMX casing shoe can drill faster and outlast existing casing shoes in a wide range of ground formations ranging from one to nine on the Mohs hardness scale.

The CSUMX also features the unique Razorcut design, which allows for the casing shoe to begin cutting out of the box, even in overburden. The design also improves tracking and balance in the hole.

The surface drilling market also got a new piece of equipment with the introduction of the Quick Descent Roller Latch. It is said to decrease wireline trip time by up to 50 percent and increase the bottom line for drilling contractors. It also reduces the time it takes to retrieve core samples.

The design has a hollow spindle, latch body integrated check valve, axial grooves and a tapered profile that optimises the flow of fluid directly from the inner tube through the head assembly.

The Roller Latch technology removes the low strength and jamming that comes with swing-out latch mechanisms and has a locking coupling that connects the drill string directly to the outer tube. This means there is no need for an adapter coupling, drive key or tang feature, allowing for quick and reliable operation.

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Plant and equipment hire goes online

Plant and equipment hire can now be done online across Australia with the launch of the Australian owned plantminer.com.au.

The website is the first online portal to offer a range of plant and equipment for hire from companies across Australia, comparable to websites like wotif.com.au or carsales.com.au.

The website was conceived by CEO and co-founder, Michael Trusler, who came up with the concept while working onsite in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

“When working on any mine or large construction site, I dreaded starting new jobs and machine breakdowns due to the time-consuming searches to hire plant and equipment. It’s not just a case of finding the right piece of equipment or machinery, but also all of the safety features and correct attachments that go with it,” Trusler said.

The Plant Miner website launched earlier this month and has drawn more than 14,000 listings from over 350 plant and equipment hire companies from across Australia.

Image courtesy Rowland

The plant and equipment hire database is suitable for many industries including mining, construction and farming.

“Since the GFC, mining companies have been more readily utilising plant and equipment hire supplies, yet there has been no central database with the capacity to support this demand,” Trusler said.

“By directly connecting plant and equipment hire suppliers with searchers from across the country via Google and other search engines, mining companies can essentially de-risk their operations financially.”

Plant and equipment hire suppliers can upload detailed descriptions and images of their plant and equipment, safety features, and attachments. Searchers can see the product before contacting the supplier. Suppliers can also upload their company information and images onto the company profile page.  

Searchers can also specify hire requirements like hire duration, safety requirements and attachments.

More than 200,000 searches are made for plant and equipment hire related terms on Google in Australia every month.

 

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RPM’s latest XACT short-term scheduling software released

RungePincockMinarco (RPM) has released the latest update of its short-term scheduling software, XACT.

The software which is intended for use in the mining industry produces short-term production forecasts and can help users respond quickly to changes in their mines. It is designed to help them deploy resources in the most cost-effective manner.

The latest XACT release refines its 3D graphics, Gantt charts and schedule interchange features. The new release is intended to improve functionality and the user experience.

RPM’s Product Manager – Scheduling, Alun Philips comments – “Short-term scheduling is currently a critical focus for miners globally, in their efforts to control spiralling unit costs.”

“Everyone is aiming to get to the bottom end of the cost curve and looking to find efficiencies in every tonne of material that they move.

“With current cost pressures, most miners are scrutinising their costs on a day-by-day, week-by-week basis, which is where XACT can make a huge contribution.”

The software is seen as an important part of RPM’s product mix. It includes collaborative workgroup server functionality, which allows multiple engineers to work on the schedule at the same time. This feature has inspired the company’s enterprise solution development.

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Advanced Robotic Technology alleviates mining downtimes with remote system access

Virtually everything in today's mining industry is done on a gigantic scale, with vast mining deployments on most continents producing everything from coal, ore and minerals to other natural resources. To be operationally efficient and productive, these sites must work around the clock and minimise downtime due to machine breakdowns.

For mine sites located deep in the Australian outback often the only way to ensure a connection to the outside world and to training, assistance, updates and maintenance services is through 24/7 Internet connectivity.

As a result mining operations in Australia and elsewhere have turned to wireless technology to alleviate the operational and financial issues caused by machine breakdowns. By streamlining communications and providing real-time telemetry problems can be identified and stopped before they cause costly operational shutdowns and delays.

The remote access functionality of Advanced Robotic Technology 's machines can assist in alleviating operational and financial issues on remote mining sites. The company notes that the advantages of interactive networking with its CNC routers, plasma cutters and the new Metaltek modular multifunction CNC machining systems can be seen in three categories: before, during and after production or operation.

Before a job is started, the remote access technology can provide job scheduling and production control, with the ability to access tooling databases, verify CAD/CAM or train operators, among other functions.

During machine operation the direct connection to ART's headquarters in Brisbane can provide remote diagnostics and remote operation, enabling real-time monitoring of position, program and displays from any PC on the network. Machine data can be efficiently gathered and remote monitoring at the management and supervisory level is also possible.

After a job is completed, ART can provide data for productivity analysis along with a permanent record of all machine data before, during and after completion of the job.

Serviceability

One area where PC-based control in remote operations such as mines or oil and gas fields is particularly advantageous is serviceability. A lot of a machine's functionality is determined by software, so when that software is externally accessible via the Internet it becomes possible for troubleshooting diagnostics as well as software upgrades to be executed remotely.

ART's ProfileShop V3 touchscreen controller features a diagnostics screen that provides readouts on internal machine information. It displays:

  • gas selections
  • inlet pressures
  • flow settings
  • temperature; and
  • coolant flow.

Real English pop-up messages and automatic tests help to verify correct operation.

This enables users to secure a significantly greater measure of ART's repair and application support without the physical presence of a service technician. By combining remote PC access software with multimedia capabilities, the ProfileShop V3 controller allows a service technician to examine virtually any aspect of control functionality as well as many aspects of the machine itself – regardless of where the machine is physically located – while also interacting with the machine operator via voice and video links.

The service engineer can then diagnose and troubleshoot problems or issues with the machine, decreasing service times by providing accurate and real time information.

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360t Liebherr trucks for Lake Vermont coal project in Central Queensland

Liebherr T282 ultra-class haul trucks are being commissioned by Thiess for the Lake Vermont coal project in Central Queensland.

Components of the trucks have begun arriving at site for reassembly and commissioning. As part of a production ramp-up, 12 of the trucks are scheduled to be operating by April 25.

The first of the trucks arrived at Lake Vermont on February 27 and were commissioned a week later.

The T282 has a larger payload than the 793D Cat haul trucks which are currently deployed at the site. And according to Thiess, they will play an important role in ensuring the mine reaches production targets.

The Liebherr T282 has an electric drive and a payload of 360t. This figure is 66% greater than that of the Caterpillar 793D.

The Lake Vermont coal project will also use new Liebherr 9800 hydraulic excavators.

The mine is owned by Jellinbah Group. The Thiess initial Mine Infrastructure Development contract began when the mine was established in 2007. Operations commenced the following year.

Then in July 2012, Thiess was awarded a six year contract extension. This will extend their operational presence at the mine through to 2018.

Under the mining operations and maintenance contract, Thiess undertakes all mining operations, including clearing and grubbing, topsoil removal, drill and blast, overburden removal, coal mining and rehabilitation of final landforms.

Thiess also provides all mobile plant and equipment, and will operate and maintain the client owned CHPPs including the loading of trains.

The twin state of the art CHPPs are each capable of receiving and handling coal at a rate of up to 11.2 Mt/y.

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Pit and trench protection

 

Pronal has released pneumatic protection shields for workers operating in pits or trenches.

The Blindeo shield is a pneumatic protection shield that is easily and quickly set up to guard against cave-ins in a wide variety of excavation work is being introduced to Australia by pneumatic actuation and isolation specialist Air Springs Supply.

It was developed in response to European labour legislation requiring that excavations deeper than 1.3 m with vertical walls have to be secured.

It is comprised of four cushions 2000m high and 1440MM wide, and is intended for use in secured excavations up to two metres deep. It is designed as an alternative to existing wooden and metallic shoring devices, which can be difficult and time-consuming to set up, as well as involving the transport of cumbersome material to remote sites.

Made out of vulcanised rubber, the abrasion-resistant Blindeo cushions are equipped with handling straps, a quick air connector and a safety valve to avoid the risk of bursting. Advantages include high resistance construction with anti-burst design; re-usable, easy maintenance; and easy handling and setup, with each cushion weighing only 13kg.

It is also flexible and foldable.

Air volume required is 400/660 litres with a maximum pressure of 650 mbar. Inflated by standard workplace compressors – or from compressed air/gas cylinders at remote locations – the standard product is complemented by an inflation line with safety valve for quick coupling and a venture for quicker deflation.