Krummenauer will feature its Globoid shearer drum and EB-water spray system, said to set new standards in efficiency, durability, safety and dust reduction in underground longwall mines, on Stand SG27 during AIMEX in Sydney, September 6-9. The German company is establishing itself in Australia following the supply of its equipment to mines in Europe, Russia, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, South Africa, China and, recently, the Westcliff mine in NSW. The Globoid shearer drum and EB-water spray system were developed to alleviate many of the problems associated with longwall shearer operations and conventional cylindrical drums.

These included a high percentage of product fines, high water and power consumption, a high percentage of tool wear, dust, downtime and noise, and methane ignition hazards, Krummenauer’s Australian mining consultant, Dr Albert Dawood, said.

The Krummenauer drums use new vane design technology and sophisticated computer programs to increase clearance volumes while preventing cut coal build-up andobstruction by coal and rock lumps, he said.

In addition, the Globoid drum was designed for high durability and easy repairs, reducing down costs, he said. The complementary water spray system reduced dust, lessening the exposure of miners to respirable coal dust, which might lead to lung disease, he said.

It also created a larger area of protection from gas explosions.