DRILL & BLAST SPECIALDELIVERY Creating a step change in productivity via the next generation of explosives delivery system O
ne of the world’s largest manufacturers of commercial explosives and innovative blasting
systems has recently introduced its latest explosives delivery system. T e new Bulkmaster 7 mobile manufacturing unit (MMU) from Orica is designed for use in the open- cut mining sector. It is the latest evolution of the fi rm’s well-known delivery system technology, delivering a leap in productivity and safety on bench, and another signifi cant step towards automating drill and blast operations in the future. Orica group executive and president,
Australia Pacifi c & Asia, Darryl Cuzzubbo, says: “T e Bulkmaster 7’s increased payload, loadout rates and bin fl exibility is fundamental to improving our customers’ productivity, off ering a clear competitive advantage for them, and in turn for us. “We are continually advancing our
delivery systems in both underground and surface applications, and believe delivery systems form a fundamental building block to providing a superior service to our customers.” T e fi rst Bulkmaster 7 unit
commenced operation in early 2018 at the Fortescue Metals Group Solomon operations, located in the resource-rich Pilbara region of Western Australia. By fully integrating the Bulkmaster
7 units, combined with advanced operational services, Orica expects to reduce the number of MMU asset requirements by 30%, delivering explosives safely and effi ciently, while reducing the total cost of operation for the mine. T e performance improvements
have been achieved through a series of technical innovations in the new generation delivery system. T ese include a proprietary bin shape to optimise ammonium nitrate fl owability, minimise weight, evenly distribute stresses and lower the centre of gravity. Designed to improve reliability, stability, safety and increase total bulk explosives product holding capacity of up to 20.9t of Fortan and 22.5t of Fortis. Specially designed augers and
increased power capacity improve delivery rates and allow for new material metering methods. Allowing for accurate Fortan and Fortis delivery rates of 1100kg/min and 550kg/min respectively.
Advanced integrated hydraulic, sensor and control system technology helps optimise usability and formulation quality at high speeds. T e Bulkmaster 7 also fully integrates with LoadPlus, a BlastIQ- enabled smart control system technology, to deliver products transparently and accurately in accordance with site requirements. T e BlastIQ system delivers a range of technology solutions to improve productivity, save time and reduce the overall cost of drill and blast operations.
As the mining industry moves
ever closer to automating the entire value chain, the release of the new Bulkmaster 7 signifi es another successful milestone in Orica’s overall technology vision. T is vision includes WebGen, a wireless initiating system, the BlastIQ system and continually advancing the fi rm’s bulk product range and delivery methods that set out to revolutionise drill and blast operations of the future. ●
14
www.engineerlive.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
