Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
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DIESEL ENGINES ilies, most components on the V10 and V12 versions of the engine are identical, helping to simplify spare-parts logistics and providing a wide range of options. MTU's primary approach to achieving compliance with Tier 4f requirements has been to reduce the pollutants generated by combustion, by focusing on internal engine emissions-reduction solutions. It has also ensured that all EGR components are integrated into the engine in a compact way so the size of the engine and the exhaust piping are not significantly affected. The twostage turbocharging system engine is equipped with low- and high-level turbochargers at each cylinder bank, meaning the engine can deliver power consistently at all speeds, even at high altitude. This is an ideal solution for off-highway vehicles, which need high torque, even at low speeds. All of the engine and turbocharger functions are controlled, regulated and monitored centrally by MTU's advanced diesel engine control unit (ADEC). By fine-tuning high-pressure fuel injection to precisely suit the given load status, this plays a major role in efficient, low-emission engine operation. For easy integration by OEMs, ADEC is equipped with an integrated SAE J1939 interface and several inputs and outputs, ready for customization, MTU added. Volvo Penta: Underground Mining Range Swedish specialist engine manufacturer Volvo Penta aims to release its full line of Tier 4f-compliant industrial engines next year. Its exhibit at bauma, meanwhile, gave the industry a preview of these new units, as well as the company's new automatic start/stop technology (See E&MJ; June 2013). Volvo Penta has focused specifically on SCR technology to meet Tier 4f requirements, with the added advantage that by doing so, it makes life easier for all the equipment manufacturers already employing this technology. David Hanngren, the company's manager for industrial product planning, said, "With our new Tier 4 Final engine range, we will meet our customers' primary objectives: no regeneration, limited installation challenges, continuous optimized fuel consumption and low operating costs. With as few and as simple changes as possible, we aim to make our customers' job as easy as possible," he said. "This is probably the best EGR system in the world." This "light" EGR system not only provides further emission reductions but also helps to keep the SCR catalyst operating at an optimal temperature, Volvo Penta noted, while installation is greatly simplified by avoiding a costly DOC. Volvo Penta will be offering a range of five basic Tier 4f-compliant engine platforms. Sharing a common design concept to ease OEM design and installation, they will include 5-, 8-, 11-, 13- and 16-liter units, covering a power output range from 105 to 515 kW (141–690 hp). In the meantime, the company currently offers an 18-model range of engines approved for underground mining applications: nine compliant with Tier 2 and nine with Tier 4i. Power outputs range from 224 to 522 kW (300–700 hp), with all of the Tier 4i-compliant units using SCR technology. Volvo Penta points out since they require a ventilation rate of around 30 cfm/hp, these deliver the maximum ventilation rate available for a conventional diesel engine—helping to cut ventilation volumes and costs (See Ventilation p. 66). As the company notes, while Tier 4f represents a major step forward, the process of lowering emissions in off-road engines is far from over, with more stringent regulations in the pipeline. At the moment, there is a clear divide between those parts of the world where emissions control is tightly regulated and those where older standards still apply. As a result, manufacturers have to be able to offer engines that meet the requirements of each individual market, regardless of whether or not that is the most efficient use of manufacturing resources. If nothing else, what the phased introduction of increasingly tight emission-control requirements has done is drive the world's engine companies to greater ingenuity in terms of the technology being applied. And, at the end of the day, better fuel efficiency and improved working conditions can only be of benefit to mining companies and the individual alike. Volvo Penta's mid-range diesel lineup will offer automatic start/stop capability. (Photo courtesy of Volvo Penta) 52 E&MJ; • JULY 2013 www.e-mj.com