MATERIALS HANDLING
With a milling drum width of 2,750mm and a maximum cutting depth of 650mm, the 280 SMi is an efficient rock mining tool
BANGING THE DRUM T
A clever design in one manufacturer’s Surface Mining equipment enhances operational stability
here are many innovations in the mining industry, but arguably at the forefront is the central drum design built
into the Surface Miners (SM) made by manufacturing company Wirtgen. The placement of the cutting drum at the centre of the machines, known as the Middle Drum Concept, uses the machine’s weight to enhance cutting effectiveness and operational stability.
MAXIMISING CUTTING EFFICIENCY Wirtgen’s Middle Drum Concept allows nearly the entire weight of the machine to be utilised for the cutting process. This design ensures that the machine’s weight force rests directly on the drum, pushing it firmly into the ground and enhancing the cutting action. In practical terms, this means a
Wirtgen SM can operate using very high cutting forces, according to the
50
www.engineerlive.com
company, translating into greater productivity and less wear on the machine. For instance, in a 60-ton Wirtgen 220 SM, nearly 88% of the machine’s weight is used for cutting, providing a higher cutting factor compared with a heavier 120-tonne machine using a different design, which uses only about 45% of its weight.
ENHANCED STABILITY AND PRECISION The central placement of the drum also provides superior stability and precision, according to the company. By maintaining the center of gravity close to the drum, the machine achieves a balanced load distribution, reducing the likelihood of tipping or instability during operation. This stability is important for maintaining a consistent cutting depth, which is essential for producing a clean, even, and stable surface post-extraction.
POWER AND PERFORMANCE Wirtgen Surface Miners’ Middle Drum Concept delivers excellent power and performance, according to the company. The efficient transfer of power from the diesel engine through the clutch, power belts, and planetary transmission directly to the cutting drum ensures that the machine operates at peak efficiency. Approximately 80% of the machine’s power can be used for the cutting process, compared with around 67% in alternative designs, thus enabling faster and more efficient rock-cutting operations.
PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES IN SURFACE MINING The design facilitates direct loading of crushed aggregate, minimising the need for additional equipment and handling, thus streamlining the mining
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 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
