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OPERATING STRATEGIES Fast Fueling: Hydraulic Valves Offer Advantages In an industry that demands cleaner, safer and more reliable liquid-transfer technolo- gy, global mine dewatering specialist Weir Minerals Multiflo (WMM) says it has deliv- ered improved asset utilization, operator safety and environmental outcomes for cus- tomers with its Hydrau-Flo valve system. Manufactured in Australia and in use since 1997, WMM says its Hydrau-Flo fuel filling valves are used globally by many of the biggest names in mining. The patented system is based on a proven mechanical principle: spring-opposed hydraulic pres- sure that delivers a clean, fast and safe solution to sites that routinely transfer liq- uids as part of their operation. According to WMM, Hydrau-Flo valves provide fast refueling times, delivering up to 1,000 liters per minute into alloy, plas- tic or steel fuel tanks; where an operation is already using fast-fill, the Hydrau-Flo system will maintain tank integrity by ensuring that the tank is not pressurized during or following the refueling process. All of these improvements have been achieved without the need for electronics or complex arrangements prone to block- age and failure, said WMM. The Hydrau- Flo valve system incorporates robust fuel filler safety and float control valves that provide a reliable, hydraulically operated arrangement that depends on fluid levels as opposed to pressure. A key benefit of Hydrau-Flo valves is that operator safety is vastly improved, as traditional fueling methods and their asso- ciated risks are eliminated. The use of spring-opposed hydraulic pressure prevents overfilling and relieves the operator from manually activating the fuel shutoff each time a tank is filled. That means it becomes impossible for employees to induce a fuel spill by 'topping off' the tank. WMM claims this zero-pressure, zero-spill system for fast filling provides operations with best prac- tice for asset utilization, operator safety and environmental outcomes. Hydrau-Flo valves, examples of which are shown here, are designed to allow safe, efficient transfer of fuel and other fluids. The Hydrau-Flo valve system can be fit- ted to new or existing assets requiring a better system for delivery of diesel fuel; and can be used on any mobile or station- ary asset requiring delivery of coolant, diesel fuel or water, where mechanical overfill protection is required or fuel anti- surge or rollover protection is needed. A double check arrangement, when used with the receiver, enables Hydrau-Flo valve technology to provide a major benefit to customers operating in markets where fuel theft is common. With no sensitive electronics, the Hydrau-Flo fueling system includes only a small number of moving parts and is claimed to be one of the simplest systems on the market today. It is highly config- urable and operates efficiently in extreme cold (tested up to -65°C). 148 E&MJ; • SEPTEMBER 2012 www.e-mj.com