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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E Q U I P M E N T G A L L E RY System Helps Shovel Operators Avoid Track Damage Joy Global says its newly introduced Track Shield Collision detection and mitigation system is the first dipper-to-track collisionavoidance technology solution available for electric mining shovels, for which repeated dipper-track strikes are a major contributor to reduced crawler shoe life and structural cracking. This condition results in unplanned and unbudgeted shoe, pin and hardware replacements. Long term, it can also mean more costly repairs to crawler frames and carbody structures. "Dippers are increasingly becoming larger and deeper. Mining operations in applications such as oil sands require wider tracks to provide flotation," said Eric Hsieh, product manager– technology at Joy Global Surface Mining. "Under these circumstances it is difficult even for the most experienced operators to avoid repeated dipper-track strikes." According to the company, the Track Shield system uses mathematical modeling and prediction based on readings from sensory devices and the shovel's Centurion electrical control system to monitor and minimize impact of dipper strikes to the dipper and crawler shoes. The system, according to Joy Global, can give shovel operators the confidence to maintain machine speed for optimum cycle times, and can also assist new operators by guiding them in where they need to be in respect to distance to the digging face for proper fill factors. www.joyglobal.com 82 E&MJ; • JULY 2013 Hanger Positions Heavy Tools Safely ESCO Tool offers a new, patented safety chain lanyard with dual spring hangers that offset the weight of a heavy tool to facilitate alignment and improve operator safety. The Millhog ET-800 dual spring hanger with an integral safety chain lets users safely maneuver all types of heavy or bulky tools without worrying about spring-only hangers that could break. Featuring a top and bottom steel plate, two drawbar springs, and a built-in chain, this safety hanger provides the balance and control needed to simplify heavy tool alignment, according to the supplier. Designed to limit the travel of the springs to 3.5 in. (90 mm) and prevent bottoming out, breakage and personal injury, the unit is claimed to be intrinsically safe because its 48-in.-long (1.22-m) chain is rated at 4,500 lb (2,041 kg), is secured into milled slots on two steel plates, and is retained by welded covers. Each drawbar spring is rated at 610 lb (277 kg). www.escotool.com Worksite Buildings Offer Many Options Alaska Structures says its new Denali Building System combines the spacious interior of a fabric building with the privacy and comfort of traditional modular buildings. Its Denali line was developed to provide workforce housing and office solutions to mining, exploration and construction industries, filling a gap that existed between soft-walled shelters, hard-wall trailers and metal "flat packs." The buildings are 24 ft wide and 73.5 ft or 136.5 ft long (7.3 m wide by 22.4 m or 41.6 m long), with an interior hard wall system and central hallway with motion detecting/activated lights. Additional features include modular wood floors with vinyl covering; front deck with railing, mudroom entry with lockers and equipment room for HVAC; and glass windows in each bedroom, office, mudroom and equipment room. Various www.e-mj.com