Human resources are pivotal for any business or endeavor, particularly in today’s mining industry where safety stands as the foremost key performance indicator (KPI). Innovations that enhance working conditions, mitigate risks, or eliminate hazards, thereby ensuring tangible safety for individuals, equipment, and the environment, are given the highest priority.
Changing liners is a critical task in the grinding process that directly affects plant safety and availability. This process involves multiple individuals, exposing them to hazardous conditions within the mill. Efficiency is crucial to minimize maintenance duration and, consequently, reduce exposure. Regrettably, there have been recorded fatal accidents in the industry associated with this work, highlighting the urgency for improved safety measures during relines.
ME Elecmetal has been exploring alternative bolting solutions, specifically focusing on exterior bolting. These solutions cater to large steel parts, ensuring reliability and availability throughout the operational campaign. The company has made significant strides in this domain, with evidence of successful across mills of various sizes.
External bolting offers a swift and secure fastening solution for SAG and ball mill liners. The primary goal is to attach the liner to the mill’s hull by using bolts inserted from the outside. This innovative method eliminates the need for personnel to work within the mill, where they previously had to install bolts from the inside to the outside through each liner.
ME Elecmetal has engineered a groundbreaking fastening solution where liners are affixed to the mill shell using bolts inserted solely from the outside. This method requires the involvement of only the mill operator and an assistant stationed outside the mill, slashing the number of personnel inside the mill by a remarkable 75%.
ME Elecmetal employs a specialized technology within the liner holes’ threading, enhancing the typical fastening conditions with a loose nut. This technology significantly reduces friction during bolt installation, increasing the likelihood of achieving the intended tension. With reduced torque loss due to friction, it ensures a more efficient distribution of load across both the bolt threads and the liner. This optimization in load distribution enhances the efficiency of transmitting forces throughout the operational campaign.
“The primary goal in the mining industry is prioritizing the safety and protection of individuals. We align our efforts with this objective, constantly seeking alternatives that mitigate risks while ensuring they don’t compromise productivity.”
Gonzalo Cortés, Key Account Manager Mining
The external bolting solution underwent rigorous testing and validation by a significant mining client in northern Chile. This evaluation encompassed the complete range of mill sizes, including one recognized as among the largest globally.
Implementing this solution is supported by Valley Forge-USA, a renowned company acclaimed for its superior quality in manufacturing fastening elements. Our collaboration involves commercial agreements that enable us to collectively drive development and innovation towards achieving this solution. This partnership enhances our capabilities to innovate and deliver high-quality solutions.
Our specialized laboratories boast state-of-the-art equipment and are staffed with exceptional personnel who excel in their respective fields. This setup enables us to craft solutions tailored precisely to the identified needs with remarkable precision and accuracy.
