Quarrying
benefit, however, is their ability to be quickly relocated - made possible by connecting the Lokolink conveyor to the Lokotrack crushing plant, which in turn moves the whole assembly. This rapid relocation reduces down-time when blasting and changing location within the pit.
Over 30% cost savings available
The potential cost savings from using a mobile crushing and conveying system based at the rock face are significant: a study conducted by Tampere University in Finland found a 31% cost saving over semi-mobile installations in similar applications. The savings over using haulers is greater, as the excavators or wheel loaders used for feeding the haulers can be downsized (to ones more suited to the crusher rather than the hauler); labour costs are reduced too as there are no longer hauler operators to employ. In terms of manpower, the excavator or wheel loader operator can control the complete crushing operation. Fuel usage is also drastically reduced and there is also no longer a need to build elaborate and well maintained haul roads – a significant additional (and ongoing) expense.
With a similar lifespan to that of stationary systems (the first
LT160 unit Metso supplied generated 65,000 hours over 10 years, with still a ‘second life’ ahead of it away from front line operation) mobile plants have few disadvantages. There are even significant environmental advantages of using a mobile system: eliminating haulers reduces noise, vibrations and emissions - and fuel. Safety too is enhanced, as fast moving vehicles play a significant role in site accident statistics.
email:
whites@longley.uk.com web:
www.whitesconcrete.co.uk 32 Solids & Bulk Handling • March 2011
The world´s biggest fully mobile crushing plant, Lokotrack LT160 combined with the LL16 mobile conveyor system, is
being operated in the UK
Mobile systems will not totally replace the stationary variety. In quarries where supply is large (>500,000 tpa) and constant in a small radius the stationary plant is justified. But where supply is not large then mobile plants have the advantage of being able to circulate between locations and build up stockpiles. In mining, the advantages of having a primary crusher feeding a conveyor system are becoming more recognised as an effective solution.Once this is fully established the industry will move to a mobile second stage and finally third stage of crushing. The UK is already at this third stage, whereas the US has been catching up fast from a late start. Worldwide, Metso Minerals has sold well over 2,500 tracked crushing plants since it introduced the concept in the mid 1980s. The adoption of a Lokotrack/Lokolink/Field Conveyor system at a quarry in the UK for client Tarmac has delivered savings of over 50% compared to the previous blast and haul method. With their lower capital and operating costs, flexibility of siting and elimination of the need for haulers and haul roads, mobile crushing plants offer an attractive alternative to the traditional stationary crusher & hauler system. The reduction in manpower, fuel usage and pollution is mirrored by an increase in health and safety.
Offering higher productivity and low cost per tonne production, truly mobile tracked crushing plants are destined to become a more common sight in quarries and mines worldwide. For more information contact Metso Minerals (UK) on tel: 01788 532221 or email:
marie-joelle.jarvis@metso.com
www.solidsandbulk.co.uk
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