Tag Archives: engines

Cummins to open high-horsepower engine rebuild centre in Poland

Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , ,

Cummins is to open a state-of-the-art high-horsepower engine rebuild centre in Krakow, Poland, becoming the company’s first such specialist rebuild facility in Europe.

The new site is set to be fully operational at the end of this year.

This $10 million investment will enable Cummins Poland to provide strategic support for its customers throughout the region, not only in the specialised engine rebuild process but also supporting local customers throughout Poland with its considerably extended distribution and warehousing capabilities, Cummins said.

Marek Matuszewski, Country Leader for Poland, the Baltic States & Ukraine at Cummins, said: “This is a significant step in increasing Cummins’ presence in Poland and other European countries, enabling us to meet the demand for engine rebuild services across several market segments more effectively.

“Once the rigorous engine rebuild process is complete, a product can be considered ‘as new’, delivering performance that is the same or better than the original engine, so the investment is sure to prove beneficial for our current and future partners. This is also a strategic move for Cummins globally in that it significantly expands the range of services in the region while expanding storage and distribution capacity, including a six-fold increase in warehouse space.”

Sandvik LH202 joins the Toro family and moves to Stage V engine configuration

Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , ,

Sandvik is upgrading its three–tonne loader for narrow-vein applications, offering the newly rebranded Toro™ LH202 with an EU Stage V compliant engine.

The Toro LH202 loader is, Sandvik says, a reliable workhorse designed specifically for narrow-vein underground mining applications. With its robust structure, very compact size and three–tonne payload capacity, the loader is tailored to meet productivity targets in challenging environments and is optimised to fit tunnel widths between 2 m and 2.5 m, to reduce dilution.

In addition to underground narrow-vein mines, the Toro LH202 is suited for tunnelling.

Due to its relatively light weight and the possibility to disassemble the equipment for transport, the Toro LH202 is ideal for projects located in remote areas with challenging access, according to the company.

The new Stage V engine from Deutz on board the machine delivers best in class MSHA and CANMET ventilation rates with ultra-low-sulphur diesel fuel while maintaining performance and fuel efficiency, Sandvik says. The Stage V engine aftertreatment is a diesel particulate filter (DPF), which uses passive regeneration during normal engine operation to oxidise the soot trapped in the DPF core. The other available engine configuration is a 50 kW air-cooled turbocharged direct injection diesel engine, also from the engine manufacturer Deutz, with catalytic purifier and muffler, the company added

In addition to traditional fossil diesel fuel, the Stage V engine can use paraffinic diesel fuels, meeting the requirements of EN 15940, which reduces emissions of CO, CO2, HC, NOx and diesel particulates. Further, these engines can also use biofuel blends (such as FAME) meeting requirements of EN 590. Higher blends may also be used after consulting with Sandvik representatives, the company says.

Epiroc’s Scooptram ST14 to receive the Cummins X12 Stage V engine treatment

Mining equipment, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , ,

Epiroc says it is continuing to reduce the emissions and fuel consumption of its solutions with the incorporation of the new Cummins X12 Stage V engine for its Scooptram ST14 LHD.

“We are happy to further expand our Stage V offering by adding the Stage V engine to Scooptram ST14,” Erik Gert, Global Product Manager – Scooptram at Epiroc’s Underground division, said. “This means fulfillment of the latest emission standards in the EU and North America. We also expect other regions to follow the development towards more sustainable operations.”

First introduced in 2017, the Cummins X12 Stage V engine builds on Cummins’ proven technology, Epiroc says. The emissions of toxic gases and diesel particulate matter (DPM) are reduced by a sophisticated aftertreatment system consisting of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) combined with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

Gert added: “By reducing the particles in the diesel exhaust, a better working environment and air quality for the people working in the mine can be reached. In addition, the Stage V engine is expected to reduce diesel consumption with up to 5% compared to Stage IIIA engines.”

The Cummins X12 Stage V engine is globally available as an option for the Scooptram ST14 and Minetruck MT436B. Epiroc already offers Stage V engines for the Scooptram ST18, Minetruck MT42, Minetruck MT65 and Minetruck MT54.

Stage V engines require ultra-low sulphur fuel to operate, which reduces harmful emissions compared to traditional diesel. The Cummins X12 engine is approved to use paraffinic fuel, meeting the EN 15940 requirements. Paraffinic fuels, often called “clean diesel”, are made from alternative feedstocks, including natural gas (GTL, gas-to-liquid), vegetable oils, waste and residues (HVO, hydrotreated vegetable oil).

Yanmar strives for smart electrified systems integrator status at Bauma 2022

Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, , , , , , , , ,

Yanmar, a provider of power solutions and industrial machinery, is introducing its electrification strategy for off-road vehicles and equipment at Bauma 2022, in Munich, Germany, the world’s biggest construction equipment exhibition.

Yanmar will showcase its off-road product portfolio, commitment to customer lifecycle value and future vision for industrial equipment, including the following highlights:

  • Electrification strategy for e-powertrains;
  • Electric equipment demonstrator;
  • Yanmar/ELEO modular, high-density battery system; and
  • Extended five-year warranty for TN Series engines

Yanmar will establish itself as the all-in-one systems integrator for smart electrified power solutions tailored to the application-specific needs of individual OEMs, it says. In its capacity as a systems integrator, Yanmar will implement system engineering, design and manufacturing of e-powertrains, while also providing control development, system evaluation, procurement, manufacturing and quality assurance.

Tomohisa Tao, President Yanmar Power Technology Co. Ltd, said: “As Yanmar looks to meet the challenges of the coming century, our transformation will encompass new products with alternative fuel technologies. Our aim, together with our dealers and OEM partners, in this strategy is to build stronger relationships and create even greater customer value with new-energy technology. We will work hard to support our OEM partners and customers to achieve their environmental and performance goals.”

At Bauma 2022 on October 24-30, Yanmar will show an electrified demonstration vehicle that shows the practical application of the company’s system integrator technologies. Powered by an efficient electric drive and hard working 48 V batteries with fast charging capability, the electric excavator is a quiet, zero-emission machine designed to meet the most demanding emissions restrictions.

An important milestone for realising the urgent environmental challenges that must be overcome is Yanmar’s acquisition of battery-technology company ELEO, a fast-growing developer and manufacturer of high-performance modular battery systems. This acquisition will further Yanmar’s electrified powertrain capabilities with versatile, customised solutions for off-road applications. ELEO is building a new battery production plant, increasing its annual battery production capacity tenfold to 500 MWh – the equivalent of approximately 10,000 battery packs.

The company is also launching a new 5-year warranty (or 5,000 hours) offer, further enhancing sustainability and extended ownership of the current line-up of clean diesel solutions during the transformation to carbon-neutral power solutions, it says. This extended warranty is free of charge and valid for TN Series engines sold in Europe and operating on European territory.

Yanmar says it has already embarked on several new-energy projects in various business lines, including hydrogen-powered co-generation, research into hydrogen fuel marine engines, bio-gas cogeneration, dual-fuel power solutions with natural gas, fuel cell marine technology, smart agriculture and resource recycling technologies.

dynaCERT carbon emission reduction engine tech heads to South American open-pit mines

Environmental, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , ,

dynaCERT Inc says seven of its HydraGEN™ Technology Units (HG1R, 4C and 6C units) are to be installed at open-pit mines in Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

H2 Tek, dynaCERT’s dealer, focuses on equipping mining companies throughout the globe with dynaCERT’s proprietary patented HydraGEN technology. In conjunction with its partners, H2 Tek has indicated to dynaCERT that the company’s proprietary 4C and 6C HydraGEN Units are very desired by several world-class open-pit mining operations in the Americas, which are owned and operated by some of the world’s largest international mining conglomerates.

Along with other H2 Tek installations, these technologies will be installed in open-pit mines on various equipment, including Caterpillar 793 and 777 haul trucks and a large 4.5 MW diesel generator with a Cat 280-16 engine.

“Global mining companies recognize the immediate imperatives of utilising commercially and readily available technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and welcome and embrace dynaCERT’s patented 4C and 6C HydraGEN Technology, which is particularly suited to the mining, construction and oil & gas industries,” dynaCERT says.

In 2021 and 2022, dynaCERT’s 4C and 6C HydraGEN technology has been redesigned to adapt to the rigourous requirements of the harsh environments of open-pit mining operations, which are commonly located at high altitudes and inclement conditions in remote areas throughout the globe, it said.

David Van Klaveren, Vice President of Global Sales of H2 Tek, said: “Our national and multinational customers appreciate the significant promise of dynaCERT’s HydraGEN technology and look forward to advancing progress for their ESG priorities through its successful implementation.”

Jim Payne, President & CEO of dynaCERT, added: “I am very pleased to now deploy our proprietary HydraGEN technology with global mining companies operating under harsh conditions. Our proprietary and patented HydraGEN technology is designed to reduce fuel consumption in internal combustion engines and reduce carbon and NOx emissions: so important to providing a global solution to reduce pollution. Progressive mining companies are the trailblazers that fight a noble battle against air pollution.”

dynaCERT manufactures and distributes carbon emission reduction technology for use with internal combustion engines. As part of the growing global hydrogen economy, its patented technology creates hydrogen and oxygen on-demand through a unique electrolysis system and supplies these gases through the air intake to enhance combustion, resulting in lower carbon emissions and greater fuel efficiency, it says.

Volvo expands R100 rigid hauler market reach with Stage V/Tier 4 Final engine

Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , ,

Volvo CE says it has expanded the distribution of its 95 t (105 ton) R100 rigid hauler with the addition of an EU Stage V/US Tier 4 Final certified engine.

The Volvo R100 was originally launched in 2018 under the brand name R100E, but the new engine addition allows the truck to enter the strictest emissions regulated markets, opening up worldwide distribution, the company says.

“With a size and capacity that makes it the largest hauler in the company’s line-up, the R100 rigid hauler promises to drive down operating costs for customers by boosting productivity, fuel efficiency, operator comfort and uptime,” it added.

Power comes courtesy of a premium 783 kW Stage V/Tier 4 Final engine, with a combined drivetrain that provides high torque capabilities, unparalleled pulling functionality and class-leading rim pull for optimum performance, Volvo CE says. Drivetrain performance is supplied by the Volvo Dynamic Shift Control, which automatically installs optimum gear selection, speed and torque for improved fuel efficiency.

The truck features a 60.4 cu.m capacity dual-sloped body for improved load retention and minimal load shift, with the load profile policy enabling the operator to meet a consistent average target payload. The body-tipping fast cycle time, meanwhile, ensures all-round efficiency, the company says.

The Stage V/Tier 4 Final R100 includes a selectable Economy shifting mode for lighter working applications or high-speed applications and an auto-idle engine shutdown feature with adaptable timing that cuts unnecessary engine idling to reduce engine wear and operating costs.

Volvo says it has built on the high capacity and hauling performance of its rigid hauler with intelligent monitoring systems, with the On-Board Weighing option ensuring the machine moves the maximum safe payload, for cost-effective production.

The R100 is available with CareTrack – Volvo’s telematics system – to remotely monitor operational data, including fuel consumption, machine use, idling reports and GPS position.

Additionall, Volvo Site Simulation helps to define the most profitable fleet of equipment, site configuration and project results based on customer needs.

“By using the simulation, customers and dealers can work together to put an equipment plan in place before a project begins,” the company explains.

Swedish Stirling powers up South Africa ferrochrome industry advances

Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Precious metals, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Swedish Stirling AB’s container-based energy recycling solution is taking off in South Africa’s ferrochrome sector, with two of the largest producers on board with the technology.

Based close to Gothenburg, Swedish Stirling Group is a clean tech company with a mission to scale up the conversion of thermal energy to electricity.

It is the company’s latest product – the PWR BLOK 400-F – that is finding favour in South Africa. This is a unique proprietary solution that uses Swedish Stirling’s Stirling engines for recovering energy from industrial residual and flare gases and converting them to 100% carbon-neutral electricity at a high rate of efficiency, according to the company.

The PWR BLOK 400-F contains 14 Stirling engines and delivers a net output of 400 kW.

Citing an independent certification, Swedish Stirling says the PWR BLOK is the cheapest way to generate electricity that exists today, yielding greater CO2 savings per Euro invested than any other type of energy.

Ferrochrome is renowned for being an energy-intensive process and load shedding is a common practice in power-constrained South Africa, hence the reason why it has been one of the frontrunners in adopting this technology.

Swedish Stirling explained: “Many industrial applications produce by-products in the form of gases (residual gas) that are currently burned without harnessing its energy content. Several solutions have been tried to recycle the energy in the gases.

“In the ferrochrome industry in South Africa, producers have tried to recover the energy using internal combustion engines, gas and steam turbines, but all solutions have failed. The reason is usually that the gas is of such uneven quality that most engines with internal combustion don’t work, or the technical solutions are extremely costly.

“The Stirling engine, on the other hand, is, due to its external combustion, almost insensitive to the type of gas that is burned or the quality of the gas in question. Therefore, it is now possible to start converting these residual gases into climate-smart electricity with PWR BLOK.”

And, this is exactly what is happening.

After installing a test PWR BLOK at Afarak Mogale’s smelter in South Africa over a year ago, the company has sealed contracts with Glencore and Samancor.

In the recent March quarter results, Swedish Stirling CEO, Gunnar Larsson, said: “Together, these (companies’ output) account for over 90% of the entire market in the country. This gives us a solid base for a wider-scale roll-out of the PWR BLOK in South Africa in the coming years.”

The agreement with Glencore will see it install and deliver up to 25 PWR BLOKs, generating 9.9 MW, to the Lydenburg smelter, while Samancor has signed up for a pilot facility with one PWR BLOK unit at the TC Smelter facility.

The company also, earlier this year, arranged a tour of the Mogale smelter for interested parties to spur further enquiries.

While the spread of COVID-19 has somewhat affected the company hitting its deadlines for these projects, it made progress with the Samancor delivery early last month, confirming that, after spending a number of weeks on a ship in Durban Harbour during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa, a PWR BLOK 2 unit was unloaded for transport to Samancor’s TC Smelter (pictured).

The company still hopes to install and commission the facility at TC Smelter during the June quarter as planned.

The agreement with Glencore’s Lydenburg smelter, meanwhile, could see carbon dioxide emissions from the smelter reduce by more than 80,000 t/y, due to the reduced need for purchased electricity, Swedish Stirling previously said.

Sandvik trialling Stage V engine technology at Boliden’s Tara mine

Automation, Environmental, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining services, Power supply for mines, , , , , , , , , , ,

Sandvik is continuing its sustainability drive, announcing that it is trialling its first Stage V compliant underground truck at the Boliden-owned Tara zinc mine in Ireland.

The company, in December 2019, launched its first Stage V compliant underground LHDs for hard-rock mining applications following extensive testing. Back then, it said its newest intelligent loaders, the Sandvik LH517i and Sandvik LH621i, would receive the Stage V treatment in early 2020.

Now, Sandvik’s flagship truck, the TH663i, equipped with brand new Stage V Volvo Penta engine technology, is undergoing an extensive field trial period at Tara, allowing the company to obtain first-hand customer feedback on its technical and operational performance. Sandvik said this was “an integral part of Sandvik’s way of working and customer-focused mindset”.

The Stage V engine in the 63 t truck is expected to deliver lower emissions, contributing to reduced mine ventilation rates.

“Designed to fit seamlessly together with the truck and to perform specifically in underground use, the engine system includes built-in fire prevention solutions, increased wiring protection with shrink mesh wiring harness and electric hardware that is specifically designed for demanding conditions, with corrosion, heat and water resistance,” it said. “The new Stage V, requiring ultra-low sulphur fuel and low-ash engine oil to operate, will be an optional engine for the TH663i.”

To reduce particle emissions in the lower Stages/Tiers, standard engines on both the TH663i and TH551i trucks can be equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), according to Sandvik. The company explained: “Based on studies conducted, the optional sintered metal DPF reduces particle mass by approximately 99%. From a reliability and maintenance viewpoint, the DPF is well protected but still designed for easy cleaning to reduce downtime and operating costs. The DPF is also available as retrofit kit.”

Pia Sundberg, Product Line Manager for Trucks at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, says thorough field tests are valuable to both the OEM and customer: “We want to allow enough time for sufficient testing of new technology, since it is of benefit to both sides.

“Possible hiccups that can often occur when developing something new are identified prior to the product being fully commercialised, which enables us to serve our customers better in the long run.

“Based on the feedback that we receive, we are still able to do some modifications if necessary and thereby make sure that the TH663i meets expectations when it is released to the market with the latest engine technology at a later stage. Of course, there is also some additional new technology on the test truck that we are testing at the same time.”

The TH663i also benefits from the recent improvements in Sandvik’s AutoMine® offering, as AutoMine for Trucks now enables autonomous truck haulage not only underground but also on the surface.

Sandvik said interesting glimpses into the company’s future truck offering have also been seen in Australia, where the Artisan Z50 battery truck from Sandvik carried out an extensive tour in early 2020 and gathered customer feedback for the new upcoming battery generation.

The company has also recently deployed a Z50 into Barrick Gold’s Turquoise Ridge underground gold mine, in Nevada.

MTU and ASI Mining to offer ‘integrated future-oriented autonomous solutions’

Automation, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, Power supply for mines, , , , ,

Rolls-Royce and Autonomous Solutions Incorporated (ASI) have signed a memorandum of understanding enabling Rolls-Royce to offer autonomous-compatible, Mobius-ready MTU engine solutions for equipment in a wide range of mining applications.

As part of the agreement, ASI Mining, a subsidiary of ASI, has agreed to ensure compatibility of MTU engines and ASI’s Mobius command and control software for autonomous vehicles.

With its brand MTU, Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems is a leading provider of advanced power solutions for a wide variety of applications, including mining equipment. ASI Mining, meanwhile, is an industry leader in the development and sales of high-tech autonomous solutions for mining equipment and other machinery in a wide range of applications. The companies plan to leverage their experience to offer customers engine solutions that are compatible with ASI’s vehicle automation software to help optimise vehicle power performance and efficiency, thus enabling more environmentally friendly and safer mining operations, the two said.

Scott Woodruff, Global Director for Mining and Oil & Gas at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “We are excited to shape the mining industry’s future together with ASI and further leverage our advanced MTU technologies. Together we will offer our customers integrated future-oriented autonomous solutions. This agreement may help mining operators save big on operational costs and at the same time, reduce their environmental footprint by cutting emissions.”

Drew Larsen, Director of Business Development for ASI Mining, said: “We are excited to start these discussions with Rolls-Royce Power Systems. This is another testament to the interoperability of Mobius and real value it adds to our mining customers.”

One potential benefit to customers of Rolls-Royce and ASI Mining may be the ability to retrofit the power system on existing haul trucks and convert them to autonomous operation, the companies said. The companies are interested in exploring the value customers would receive by modernising their trucks with more efficient MTU engines along with implementation of ASI’s industry-leading autonomous mining solutions. Customers would thus save on operating costs and further benefit from the increased performance of the autonomously optimised MTU engines, they said.

MTU says its diesel engines have been setting the standards for performance and fuel efficiency in mining applications around the globe for decades. “They reliably power vehicles for underground and surface mining, including loading vehicles such as excavators and wheel loaders, transport vehicles such as haul trucks or blasthole drilling rigs, and other mining machines – diesel-mechanic, diesel-electric or diesel-hydraulic,” it said. “For these applications, MTU engines provide high performance, reliability and availability as well as a maintenance-friendly construction. Long service intervals and an efficient use of fuel provide for exceptionally low operating costs of machines powered with MTU engines.”

ASI Mining’s Mobius, meanwhile, leverages advanced multi-vehicle command and control software to set up and manage a coordinated system of haul trucks. The Mobius Haulage Platform manages autonomous traffic, coordinates manned or unmanned vehicles and regulates the haul cycle in the most efficient way possible. By employing Mobius software, mines can improve utilisation, along with increase safety and productivity.

Sandvik and Volvo Penta collaborate on Stage V underground LHDs

Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

Sandvik says it is readying the release of its first Stage V compliant underground loaders for hard-rock mining applications following extensive testing.

In early 2020, the company’s newest intelligent loaders, the Sandvik LH517i and Sandvik LH621i, will get the Stage V treatment. The Stage V Volvo Penta engines will be globally available as options, but require ultra-low sulphur fuel and low-ash engine oil to operate, Sandvik said.

The planned release follows more than 10,000 hours of LHD testing underground, on multiple customer sites in Europe, and with millions of hours of on-highway experience from Volvo. This has led to the new technology meeting customer expectations, equipment performance requirements and the most stringent emission regulations valid at the moment, according to Sandvik.

The base engine and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) purifier are proven Volvo technology, enhanced now with a ceramic diesel particle filter (DPF), according to Sandvik.

“As a result of the collaborative product development work, the engine – delivered by Volvo Penta – and Sandvik load and haul equipment work seamlessly together to maintain productivity and reliability in the most challenging environments,” Sandvik said.

The benefits of Stage V compliant loaders include reduced amounts of particles in the diesel exhaust – helping mines to improve air quality underground – and the ability to operate with up to 3% reduced fuel consumption, compared with previous stage engines.

Sandvik said: “Another key enabler for the equipment availability is passive regeneration of the diesel particulate filter; the soot accumulated in the filter is burned off during equipment normal operation, without the need for frequent stand still regeneration.”

A new feature in the Stage V engine is the modulating engine brake, which enables the operator to adjust the engine braking power, allowing for better control of vehicle speed downhill, while minimising brake and transmission overheating and brake wear. Both the modulating engine brake and the passive regeneration contribute to high uptime of the equipment.

Added benefits of the Stage V engines include high altitude operating capability – up to plus-3,500 m above sea level – and lower noise levels compared with previous Stage engines.