Mineworks takes diesel particulate filter system underground

Following the successful installation of the MANN+HUMMEL diesel particulate filter system at the Esperance Port in Western Australia last year, Mineworks has secured a trial of the system at the Newcrest Mining Cadia East Project in New South Wales.
Newcrest Mining will be the first underground miner to trial the MANN+HUMMEL SMF-FBC diesel particulate filter on an Atlas Copco 5010 underground dump truck for a four to six-week period.
The MANN+HUMMEL SMF®-AR, FBC & CRT filters use innovative technology to clean exhaust gas via a sintered metal element. The filters can be fitted to all diesel engines used in commercial vehicles, construction machines and stationary plants. The SMF®-AR and FBC system is specially designed for an underground environment and is suitable for OEM products and the retrofit markets.
“We have conducted extensive testing of diesel particulate levels on our mine and mining equipment to use as a reference point for before and after comparisons,” said Barry Hearn, maintenance superintendent for the Cadia East Project.
Based on the data obtained through the data logging process and on recommendation from MANN+HUMMEL, Mineworks proceeded with the installation of dual 10.2 SMF-FBC diesel particulate filters on the Atlas Copco 5010 underground dump truck in April.
Late last year, Mineworks completed the first full installation of the diesel particulate filters at Esperance Port Authority’s iron ore operations, where diesel vehicles are used for loading iron ore.
Mineworks group director John Gallop said, “independent analysis of the air quality following the installation at Esperance Port has shown that all air quality parameters were less than the exposure standards or recommended levels, and no particulates were detected in or out of the operator’s cabin.”
According to the World Health Organisation and the US Environmental Protection Agency, particulates from diesel engines are today responsible for five per cent of all respiratory cancer.
“The mining industry in Australia uses a large number of diesel-powered vehicles, so it’s become increasingly important for mining companies to invest in filters that can safely remove diesel particulates from exhaust emissions,” added Gallop.
Mineworks’ Technical Services and Electrical Services divisions provide a complete installation service of the filters, together with the sales and service of the MANN+HUMMEL ECU data logger, designed exclusively for monitoring and controlling diesel particulate filter systems.
For more information visit: www.mineworksgroup.com.au

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