Sulzer’s wheel set exchange program will significantly reduce the downtime for mine haul trucks
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Mining operations run continuously and any time for maintenance needs to be minimized. One of the major procedures is the overhaul of mine haul truck wheel sets, and for customers that operate the popular Komatsu 930E, the time to complete this task has been greatly reduced by Sulzer’s new exchange program.
As one of the world’s leading independent maintenance providers, Sulzer understands the needs and demands of the mining sector and has been using its engineering expertise to deliver operational excellence for these large haul trucks for many years.
Modern mining equipment has to operate round-the-clock in order to be productive. Central to open-cast mining operations are the haul trucks which bring the raw materials out of the mine for processing. Over the years, haul trucks have grown to gigantic proportions, capable of carrying up to 500 tons and they rely on the rear drive axle to propel the enormous vehicle and its payload.
One of the most widely used mine haul trucks is the Komatsu 930E, which uses a GE 106Y wheel set, and is capable of carrying 390 tons. Operating multiple shifts every day in order to maximize efficiency means that the wheel set typically needs to be rebuilt every four years, a service that Sulzer has performed for its customers for many years.
The GE 106Y wheel set is widely used in the mining industry
Faster turnaround using exchange program
Now the downtime for a wheel set refurbishment can be drastically reduced with the launch of Sulzer’s exchange program. Recent investment by the company has enabled it to deliver completely refurbished wheel sets in exchange for a component due for overhaul. This reduces maintenance time to an absolute minimum, allowing the customer to maximize productivity.
The GE 106Y wheel set uses electrical power to drive a traction motor, connected to a drive shaft which drives the epicyclic reductions in the wheel hub. Constant use to move thousands of tons of material every day in such an unforgiving environment leads to wear that needs to be repaired in order to ensure continued service. Initially this work is carried out by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) under a service agreement, but when the contracts expire, end users are able to take advantage of independent engineering providers such as Sulzer.
Sulzer has fully equipped and experienced engineers in its service centers to remanufacture complete wheel sets to OEM standards. The exchange program takes in wheel sets that are due for overhaul and sends out a fully rebuilt and tested replacement, ensuring continued reliability and productivity. The wheel sets that are received undergo an extensive refurbishment process that includes replacement of all worn or damaged components, non-destructive testing of all geared components as well as comprehensive electrical and mechanical testing.
In addition, proven modifications to the original design can also be introduced to the refurbished component, further improving the reliability and durability of the vehicle. The rebuilt wheel sets come with standard warranty terms that exceed the OEM offering. For complete peace of mind, this warranty can be tailored to suit the operational conditions of a particular mine.
For more information on Sulzer’s latest maintenance solution for the mining sector, contact your local Sulzer service center.
The Sulzer exchange program remanufactures complete wheel sets to OEM standards
About Sulzer:
Sulzer is the leading worldwide, independent service provider for the repair and maintenance of rotating machines including turbomachinery, pumps and electro-mechanical equipment. With a global network of over 150 technically advanced manufacturing and test facilities, Sulzer offers a collaborative advantage that delivers high-quality, cost-effective, customized and turnkey solutions, providing its customers with the peace of mind to focus on their core operations.
Sulzer Rotating Equipment Services, a division of Sulzer, can accommodate all brands of rotating equipment including turbines, compressors, generators, motors and pumps. With an enviable track record, dedicated teams of on-site engineers provide best-in-class solutions to ensure that the most effective service is delivered.
Sulzer is dedicated to providing superior service solutions to a range of industries including power generation, oil and gas, hydrocarbon and chemical processing, water and air separation. Every solution is customized to suit the business needs of each application – whenever or wherever that may be.
With a long history of providing engineering service support, Sulzer is headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland where it began in 1834. Today, with sales over US$ 3 billion and with approximately 15,000 employees, the Sulzer footprint spans across the globe. The core aim is to deliver a flexible and cost-effective service that optimizes customer operational efficiency and minimizes downtime.
For more information on Sulzer, visit www.sulzer.com