Equipment and suppliers news (August 01, 2003)

Upgrades made to 992G wheel loader

Illinois-based Caterpillar announces that several new features have been added to its 992G wheel loader to improve the durability, operating comfort and ease of service. Key improvements include design changes that enhance the linkage, increase the structural integrity and extend the power train life.

Linkage pin joints have been redesigned to accommodate grease lubrication, enhance joint integrity and extend operating life. The cast box boom is now more robust with a thicker top wall and new core plugs. The rear frame has been reengineered for greater rigidity and longer service life. The Hydraulic tank support engine compartment doors have also been strengthened. Other design improvements give the rear axle, transmission drop box and parking brake additional durability in severe conditions. All Cat buckets for the 992G have been enhanced to provide extra structural integrity and longer wear life. The air filtration system in the cab also has been improved for greater operator comfort.

Along with the design changes, the new 992G has a standard Autolube system to provide the proper amount of grease to all daily lubrication joints. The grease tank also can be refilled from the platform or a remote port. Autolube reduces the daily service time and improves machine availability.

UQAT, Noranda and Fugro collaborate for regional development

Partners Noranda Inc., the University of Qubec Abitibi-Temiscamique (UQAT) and Fugro Airborne Surveys have entered into a three-year collaborative agreement to research ways to further enhance survey data acquired with the MEGATEM airborne EM system.

The objective of the project is to increase the probability for mineral discoveries within the Abitibi region of Qubec and thereby contribute to the economic development of the region. The focus of the project is to:

Develop and document MEGATEM data over several well documented mineral deposits within the Abitibi

Evaluate and develop new methods of MEGATEM data processing

Evaluate and develop new MEGATEM interpretation tools.

It is expected the project, funded by Development Economique Canada and the government of Qubec with contributions from Noranda and Fugro, will provide a set of documented case histories over mineral deposits. These histories will include geology, geochemical, drilling and development results as well as historical surface and airborne geophysical results that will assist prospector, junior and senior companies exploring in the Abitibi. The histories will also serve as excellent teaching materials for geoscience students. For further information contact: Denis Bois at (819) 762-0971, Michel Allard at (450) 972- 2839 or David Fountain at (613) 731-9575 ex 206.

Flour opens Toronto office

Flour Mining & Minerals has now established a permanent operating office in Toronto, Ontario, expanding its network of North American Mining & Minerals offices to three. Other locations are Calgary and Vancouver. Services offered by the Toronto office will include due diligence, project audits, scoping studies, pre-feasibility studies, bankable feasibility studies as well as engineering and EPCM projects. For further information contact Roger Nendick at (416) 675-4621.

ABB’s Qubec plant offers special capacitors

As part of a focused factory strategy, ABB has transferred production of its specialty capacitors from the United Kingdom to the company’s distribution transformer and capacitor plant in Qubec City.

The Qubec City plant already produces single-phase HV capacitors and the move will expand products produced at the plant and increase the economies of scale for the operation.

Continuos monitoring proves cost-effective

German-based FAG Kugelfischer Ag & Co. has developed an “Easy Check” continuos monitor designed to permanently monitor vibration and temperature conditions for ventilators, fans, pumps and electric motors. The monitors are easy to use and read and can determine in advance when machinery will fail because of a damaged component or bearing. The monitors can be used in conjunction with an automatic lubricator to ensure proper lubrication. For further information contact 49-2407-914999.

Colour change makes for easier maintenance

A change in the colour of insulator tubes for PLM mining couplers manufactured by Adalet will lead to easier maintenance. The change to flesh tone insulator tubes from light gray insulator tubes will make dirt, contamination and tracking more identifiable in deep mining applications where lighting conditions are poor. The new coloured insulator tube maintains the same electrical properties but offers more track resistance and less degredation from corona.

Cable bolt developed for fast installation and cost-savings

Jenmar Corp. has developed a new cable bolt that will result in quicker installation and added cost savings. The INSTaL Tensionable Cable Bolt comes with a specially designed expansion shell which eliminates resin hold time and subsequently increases the speed of installation. In addition the bolt has been approved by MSHA for use as a primary support. Use of this cable bolt reduces total support costs when used as a primary support. Until now, cable bolts have usually been installed as supplemental support. The Grade 270, 0.6-inch diameter, 7-strand cable is capable of supporting a 30-ton nominal capacity. For more information phone (412) 963-9071.

Versatile Drill Developed by Sandvik Tamrock and CMAC Manufacturing

Extensive practical experience combined with ergonomic and safety concerns have led to the development of the Solo CMAC underground drill by Sandvik Tamrock Canada Inc. and CMAC Manufacturing. The highly versatile unit is capable of long hole drilling, production and development drilling, cable bolting, face drilling, as well as parallel, drop raise and fan drilling.

Since the unit is modular, it can be dismantled and individual pieces can be moved through a 30-inch diameter opening. The ease of mobility of the drilling table is a great feature enabling as the drill can cover a 180 degree from one set up and the entire unit can work in stopes as small as 2.5m by 2.5m. To learn more, call (705)-692-5881 ex 7243.

Newly developed alloy has multiple uses in mining

The new ToughMet material, a spinodal alloy of copper, nickel and tin has the strength of steel and the low-friction and lubricity typical of leaded bronzes and as such has many applications in both underground and surface mining operations. Developed by Brush Wellman Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio, the alloy has been used in underground mining equipment and dump trucks for open cast mines.

Underground, the alloy has proved effective in reducing seizures, bearing failures and premature wear in the steel sleeve bushings of continuous mining machines caused by inefficient lubrication. Above ground, the alloy has been used between the upper and lower kingpin spindle bushings on the front suspension of a wide range of dump trucks manufactured by Euclid Hitachi. In this case, the wear between the upper and lower kingpin can lead to slackness in the steering and ultimately damage to other truck components. In both examples, the strength of the alloy combined with its lubricity has provided characteristics necessary for longevity in the component. To learn more call (216)-486-4200

Wrap to protect stainless steel hose

A new spirally cut polyethylene wrap developed by M.M. Newman Corporation will provide additional abrasion protection for large braided stainless steel hose. The wrap, which is UV-resistant, is unaffected by gasoline, oil sunlight or salt water and comes in sizes ranging from 1/8 inches to 1 1/2 inches to protect hoses with an outer diametre of up to 10 inches. To learn more, call (800)-777-6309.

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