Continuing its commitment during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S., Martin Engineering is inviting customers to “Go pink!” For the month of October, along with replacing the traditional Martin orange paint scheme on truck vibrators, the company will add the option of conveyor guarding, twist tensioners and inspection doors to go pink as well.

Along with the colour change, the equipment retains the same high-quality standards. Discharging heavy and often compacted material from dump trucks, hopper rail cars, and other vehicles can require a lot of vibration power in a punishing environment putting high demands on equipment. Operators choose Cougar DC truck vibrators and Cougar THD hydraulic vibrators to replace OEM vibrators that tend to have a limited service life. Reliable and durable truck vibrators like the DC and THD reduce manual labour and downtime while ensuring the safe evacuation of cargo. Faster unloading increases the number of trips by operators, improves efficiency and reduces the cost of operation.

By merely saying “Make mine pink” when purchasing of the company’s popular Cougar DC truck vibrator or Cougar THD hydraulic vibrator, Martin Engineering will donate a portion of its sales revenue to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“Since 2017, this popular campaign has allowed Martin Engineering to donate almost $50,000 to the Susan G. Komen organization,” said vibration business development manager Susie Orlandi. “Every contribution supports those in need today, while the researchers continue their work for a cure.

In addition to its donations, Martin Engineering is also hosting a team in Komen Peoria’s More Than Pink Walk to raise awareness and encourage individual contributions to this worthy cause.

“Every year, our customers generously join us in this fight, placing orders to contribute to its success,” Orlandi added. “Programs like this allow the pink colour scheme to represent the cause year-round, generating awareness and getting people talking.”

To learn more, visit www.martin-eng.com.

If you work in the far North, you are no stranger to tough, remote conditions – and neither is your equipment. However, harsh winters can be especially hard on slurry systems, particularly if you have not properly winterized your pumps.

With so much moisture present during operation, slurry pumps become notably vulnerable to damage in cold weather. Frozen water in your pump system can lead to crippling issues ranging from improper functioning and premature parts failure all the way to more costly damage caused by freeze-and-thaw issues or thermal shock.

The good news is – with a little preparation and careful operation – your system can be winterized without trouble. Here are five steps to help you maintain your system in extreme cold conditions:

1. Protect your pipes and pumps from the elements.
   Since mechanical seals and bearings are particularly vulnerable to damage while operating in freezing conditions, protect them by heat tracing and wrapping your seal water piping. A heated shelter is ideal, but not every slurry pump in the North has this luxury. If this is not practical, do not stop the slurry flow! Instead, find a way to protect your pump from the elements and use an appropriate heat source to raise the temperature of the bearing assembly, lubricating oil, and pump casing before starting it up. Look to your local codes to determine the most suitable heat source for the job.
2. Prevent freezing during shutdowns.
   If you are shutting your unit down in sub-zero conditions, make sure it is completely free of water so it does not freeze, expand, and result in damage. Some pumps are designed for periodical stops with built-in plugs in the shell base. However, other systems require you to remove the system piping and pump out the casing. Looking for another option? Install a dump valve in the lowest point of the piping system and use it. Whichever method you choose, don’t forget about the stuffing box and lines.
3. Check your oil.
   Your pump’s bearings will need extra attention during the winter months. That is because any moisture or condensation inside the bearing races will quickly turn to ice, preventing smooth movement in the assembly and resulting in damage and untimely failure. Before cold weather arrives, change your CBA oil and check the viscosity or “weight” of the oil against the coldest expected air temperature to ensure the oil is correct for the conditions. Depending on your bearing size, a synthetic oil may be recommended. Unlike traditional mineral oils, the pour point of synthetics is designed to maintain effective lubrication at low temperatures.
4. Prepare your pneumatics and v-drives.
   If your isolation valves are pneumatically actuated, make sure your air dryer is functioning optimally. For v-drives, consider installing new belts for the winter so you don’t have to deal with replacing them when the temperature reaches –40°C.
5. Operate with care.
   When operating your slurry system in a wintery environment, take care to properly start up and oversee your system. Your pump casing should always be brought up to operating temperature gradually, either with process flow or external heat, to prevent thermal shock. The stuffing box also needs a constant supply of water, which may need to be insulated or heated, and flush water must be drained to prevent ice buildup.

These tips should help you keep your slurry system in working order through the winter and beyond. For those seeking to upgrade their system or purchase new pumps for their line, it is also important to keep in mind that pumps and slurry systems can be designed with harsh environments – and severe temperature fluctuations – in mind.

For more tips on the care and operation of GIW slurry pumps, visit www.KSB.com.

Caterpillar has launched the new Cat 789 mining truck, building on a legacy of proven performance to offer efficiency gains, the next generation of cab comfort and cutting-edge connectivity. Its design offers a weight advantage over the competition to haul more material every load and deliver a cost-per-tonne advantage. A proven performer, high uptime reliability reduces overall costs to deliver a better bottom line.

The new 789 moves more material with less fuel, offering up to 9% reduced fuel consumption compared to the Tier 2 design. An advanced powertrain increases engine life by 12% and delivers better shifting and acceleration. Offering the highest horsepower in its class, this mining truck features 10% more payload and is over 5% faster on grade than competitive trucks.

The Cat 3516E engine in the new 789 is fuel-optimized for lesser regulated countries or can be configured with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for meeting EU Stage V and U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final standards. Two power selections offer 1,417 kW to match performance of existing fleet trucks or 1,566 kW for faster cycle times.

Delivering long-life reliability, the new engine features design modifications to the camshaft and piston for optimal fuel efficiency, and structural improvements to the cylinder head and crankshaft deliver 12% more durability than the 3516C. The engine’s 23% net torque rise delivers unequalled lugging force during acceleration, on steep grades and in rough underfoot conditions.

The 789’s features advanced power electronic control strategy (APECS) transmission delivers productivity and efficiency improvements that can reduce cycle times. Forward momentum and torque are maintained while shifting with optimum gear selection resulting in faster acceleration. It offers more continuous torque and rimpull to deliver more power to the ground, making it possible to use a higher gear on grade to optimize fuel efficiency.

A choice of multiple body style configurations allows mines to equip the 789 to meet specific site needs. The high-performance body maximizes payload by reducing the weight by 2.0 to 5.0 tonnes or more. The mine specific body excels in mature mines, while the combination body combines features of high volume and optional liners to haul both ore and overburden. The original standard, dual slope body, provides excellent load retention, and the X body features the latest structural designs and offers more volume at a lower weight.

The 789’s larger, more ergonomic next generation cab has a walk-through design and more interior room. Featuring 40% less sound pressure level, the quieter cab includes automated temperature control and cab filtration for a more comfortable environment.

Two ideally located 254-mm screens consolidate all machine data, controls and guidance information, and applications like Cat MineStar to reduce the number of required displays. New speed coaching provides operators real-time feedback on truck operation to maximize productivity, while more accurate measurements on the payload monitoring system delivers improved load tracking. Its 360° surround view camera with object detection improves safety.

Cutting-edge connectivity

Fully integrated Cat electronics on the 789 includes 100 Mbps, two-wire ethernet connectivity for faster data transfer to improve access to information. The future-proof technology platform includes every 789 being factory-equipped with Cat Product Link Elite with standard connectivity via cellular 4G/LTE and available cellular or satellite radio for reliable data transfer. A new telematics platform promotes greater data acquisition and faster transmission to locally hosted or Cat’s cloud-based applications.

The 789’s next generation of enhanced serviceability incorporates extended-interval filters with ground-level access, grouped service points and a new centralized service center option. It features an extended 12,000-hour coolant life and double the hydraulic and transmission filter life to 1,000 hours to reduce service time. New remote flash and remote troubleshoot help to further improve machine uptime and performance by instantly providing access to the latest software updates and making it possible to remotely troubleshoot the truck.

Superior braking and retarding control for the 789 is delivered by Caterpillar’s patented, oil-cooled, multiple disc brakes to provide immediate, fade-resistant braking and retarding.

The 789 next generation mining truck replaces the current 789 Stage V/Tier 4 Final model. The popular Cat 789D will continue to be produced and is available to markets outside of North America and Europe.

More information about the new Cat 789 mining truck can be found at www.cat.com.

Load-haul-dump (LHD) machines are a mainstay of any underground hard rock operation. Engineered for the most demanding mining environments, the Komatsu WX03 LHD is a 3-tonne diesel-powered heavy-duty machine designed for especially small, narrow vein applications with limited maneuvering space.

This solid LHD features simple operation controls and a rugged long-life structure specifically designed for ease of use and ease of maintenance with an onboard self-diagnostic user interface.

With an efficient powertrain and hydraulic system designed for improved performance, as well as a modern operator compartment with easy-to-use controls, this small-class LHD can offer big performance.

The WX03 LHD is engineered for reliability with a steel frame and all-mechanical powertrain. It offers 74 kW of power and optimum breakout power for fast bucket filling. Pre-engineered options are available to suit most applications and requirements.

Operators will benefit from ergonomic design, roll-over protection, operational interlocks, anti-slip steps, and hot component isolation. The cab features comfort as well as safety with two-handed, intuitive controls.

Offering exceptional serviceability, the WX03 has vital maintenance components conveniently accessible from the ground level that are designed to help the service crew make fast, efficient repairs.

The WX03 is customizable with options such as an automatic lubrication system, ejector bucket, fire suppression system, quick-attach coupling system, radio remote control, and recovery hook.

Learn more about the WX03 LHD and other machines in Komatsu’s hard rock line up.

KSB is introducing the the newest and largest addition to its line of GIW slurry pumps: MDX-850.

Mining operators are experiencing increased demand for minerals and ore. As KSB customers sought to increase production, the need for a mill duty pump larger than the MDX-750 was clear.

With its 762 mm discharge and 2336.8 mm impeller, the MDX-850 is a major step up in size from the MDX-750. The MDX-850 is now the largest hard rock pump that KSB produces with an 850 mm discharge, 2,600 mm impeller. It is intended for mill duty applications and optimized for severe duty service class four slurries at heads up to 40 metres and flows as high as 16,000 m³/hr and class three slurries at heads up to 55 metres and flows as high as 18,500 m³/hr.

With its unmatched capacity and wear performance in class four service, the MDX-850 sets a new standard for mill duty slurry pumps in hard rock mining and boasts ideal hydraulic and casting designs. The sizing also contributes to the ease of pump maintenance – a source of pride in the design of KSB’s line of GIW pumps.

Design features of the MDX-850 also include a variety of improvements applied to the MDX range in recent years, such as an increased pump width to allow for improved diverter design, and a thickness increase in critical areas of the impeller to improve operation and wear life. Thickened impeller vanes, cast in proprietary materials Gasite 28G and Endurasite, improve wear life, so the lifecycles of wet-end parts match scheduled downtime.

The MDX-850 features an improved interface between the suction liner and the suction plate, which allows for the use of a wear ring and innovative hydraulic features at the pump inlet. The MDX-850 design is compatible with the GIW RAMSL technology upgrade, so customers have the option to make their maintenance program even more efficient with a state-of-the-art digitally enabled suction liner adjustment system. RAMSL allows for remote nose gap adjustments and monitoring. One engineer can adjust the suction liner in a pump remotely, with a precision of 0.25 mm, at the touch of a button on a control panel.

Applications and advantages

The impeller vanes are designed with a goal of improved wear life. This allows for the life cycle of all wet-end parts to match in order to streamline maintenance and minimize potential downtime. Genuine OEM replacement parts are essential to maximizing machinery wear life. Both standard sealing options utilize packing and are low flow to aid in water conservation.

For more information, visit www.ksb.com.

SCG Process has announced a new distribution agreement to represent the full line of non-metallic Munsch horizontal pumps, vertical cantilever pumps and vertical chemical pumps that are ideal for pumping corrosive fluids including acids, alkalis, chemically-contaminated fluids, and scrubbing liquids.

Corrosive fluids can result in frequent pump failures and pose health and safety concerns for facility staff. Munsch pumps feature innovative thick-walled plastic casings and durable non-metallic mechanical seals to ensure resistance to chemical corrosion. Munsch pumps are in use in a variety of metal finishing industries, mineral processing sites, smelting facilities, chemical production and general industrial sites throughout Canada due to their robust construction, energy efficiency, ease of maintenance, and low lifecycle costs.

“Munsch is a global leader in the manufacturing of non-metallic pumps, and we are pleased to add their products to our portfolio,” said James Davis, VP of sales and marketing at SCG Process. “We have built a leading portfolio of OEM pump solutions in Canada, and the addition of MUNSCH products helps ensure that our customers have access to the best products for their fluid processing challenges.”

Germany-based Munsch has been designing, manufacturing and servicing non-metallic pumps for more than 55 years and has established a global installation base. A vertically integrated manufacturer with modern facilities and highly automated production capabilities, MUNSCH works closely with end-users to develop tailored pump solutions that set the standard for ease of handling, safety and efficiency.

For more information about non-metallic pumps, click here.