Major Applications for the Gearless Drives in Modern Mines

Research output: Thesis › Master's Thesis (University Course)

Abstract

Gearless conveyor drive (GCD) systems gives significant advantages over conventional geared drive systems in open pit and underground operations, including reduced costs, environmental advantages and prolonged service life. The objective of the project is to study major gearless drive applications used in modern mines, and concentrate on gearless drive solutions in overland conveyors systems. By case study the project paper will investigate the operational and capital costs for selected applications, ABB as an example. Then the cost structure of the typical Sandvik overland conveyor project is studied in details. Another objective of the study is to give important cost information for the decision maker when evaluating the conveyor drive system cost-efficiency. In addition the study will give guidelines how the selection of the drive solution will have direct impact on the performance, flexibility, total efficiency, reliability, the life of the conveyor system and the mining operation. The report is based on a comprehensive literature review and Sandvik office personnel interviews. The email interviews were used to gather necessary technical information regarding gearless conveyor drives. A case study was conducted using ABB's detailed report of gearless conveyor drives, and Sandvik overland conveyor project: Minera Escondida, Chile sales offer, 10th of October, 2014. Although the information needed was proprietary to the gearless drive system suppliers the published and review information was sufficient to achieve the projects objectives.

Details

Translated title of the contributionMajor Applications for the Gearless Drives in Modern Mines
Original languageEnglish
Supervisors/Advisors
Publication statusPublished - 2015