The work to the pump station was carried out in conjunction with five separate parties including Crinum mine longwall engineers, operators, ATF, Pirtek Hoses and Assemblies, and Longwall Associates Australia in its Mackay workshop.
The major work of the pump station involved the construction of a larger chassis to accommodate a third pump assembly. The system retains its original crawler-mounted tracks as a means of maneuverability. Other features of the overhaul work included four components to the pump station:
Pump Assemblies
- Modified to run three dual type assemblies.
- Shearer water boost pressure controlled through pump inlet valve control and onboard system accumulators via pre-programmed PLC, which produces supply-on-demand type systems with no header tank or return required.
Overhauling and servicing of the high pressure pumps, pump unloaders, accumulators, wet ends on all pumps and water boost pump controllers.
Electrical modifications and reprogramming carried out by ATF with all transducers and monitoring equipment being relocated to a single position for ease of maintenance and fault finding.
System Control Features:
- Marshalled transducer for ease of installation and maintenance.
- Predominantly analogue condition monitoring to provide improved control with trend analysis and to aid in predicted maintenance and reduce intermediate maintenance costs.
- Emulsion system algorithm developed to produce maximum power on demand with automatic adjustment response to prevent over-pressure shut down- minimizing down time and maximizing pump availability.
Re-hosing and Pipe Work:
- Replacement hosings and fittings by Pirtek Hoses and Assemblies with installation carried out in conjunction with Longwall Associates Australia.
- Accommodation of a new chassis with all piping and hosing installed under floor grids to allow for ease or movement around pumps aiding in inspection and maintenance procedures.
- Floor grids have unique design for easy removal and handling by a single operator.
Pump Station Duty:
- Self-propelled and self-leveling features.
- Automatic emulsion mixing and storage.
- Emulsion system low pressure filtration.
- Self-condition monitoring.
- Adjustment warning and emergency shut down.
- Self regulating control for longwall emulsion supply and shearer pressure water supply.
Ken Bayliss, engineering manager, Angelo Spina, workshop coordinator, and Rod Hallett, operations manager for Longwall Associates Australia, agreed that the most unique feature about this pump station is the involvement of five separate parties.
“We are thrilled that we were able to work with OEM’s, customers, and suppliers to yield a machine that incorporates all the features Crinum personnel required while maintaining the integrity of the OEM and other suppliers involved,” Bayliss said.
“This overhaul project was truly a team effort on everyone’s part which allowed us to meet the delivery date.”
Rod Hallett says: “We are thrilled with the customer response. The gentlemen at Crinum were able to commission the pump station underground without any difficulties. All parties involved designed their respective facets of the work to ensure hassle-free installation and maintenance of the pump station. The result is an exceptional product.”
Longwall Associates Australia is scheduled to perform work on a second Crinum pump station for November 2001.
