Business Times Issue 102 | Global Air Cylinder Wheels| Oct'23

GLOBAL AIR CYLINDER WHEELS

REVOLUTIONISING MINING WITH INNOVATIVE AIR SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY

BUSINESS TIMES

GLOBAL CYLINDER WHEELS

GLOBAL AIR CYLINDER WHEELS

GLOBAL AIR CYLINDER

WHEELS REVOLUTIONISING MINING WITH INNOVATIVE AIR SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY

Project by: Malvern Kandemwa

Words by: Michelle Duncan

Global Air Cylinder Wheels (GACW) is an engineering company based in Phoenix, Arizona, which specialises in developing and producing the Air Suspension Wheel (ASW) for off-theroad (OTR) mining vehicles. The ASW is a revolutionary design that replaces the conventional rim, rubber tire and chain with a steel wheel that has in-wheel pneumatic suspension. The ASW offers many advantages over the traditional tires, such as increased durability, safety, stability, performance and environmental friendliness.

The president and CEO of GACW is Dr. Zoltan Kemeny, an acknowledged expert in vehicle dynamics with over 44 years of experience in research and development and engineering. Dr. Kemeny holds degrees in structural dy-

namics engineering, architecture and seismology, and owns and co-owns over 250 patents. He has built up four startups and exited with success and has been leading GACW since its inception in 2011.

Kemeny’s vision is to create a product that can change the mining industry for the better, by reducing the costs, risks and environmental impacts of OTR tires. He has assembled a team of experts in the fields of suspension, steel manufacturing and treads, and has collaborated with partners from various sectors, such as mining companies, universities, government agencies and investors. He has also invested in testing and confirming the ASW at different mine sites around the world, such as South Africa, Australia and the USA.

Dr Zoltan Kemeny, President & CEO, GACW

CT Hydraulics (Nqoba) Pty Ltd

‘Quality in Hydraulics’

CT Hydraulics Specialise in the design, manufacturing, reconditioning and repair of all types of hydraulic, pneumatic cylinders and components. All repairs to hydraulic equipment are done in-house, to the highest OEM specifications. CT Hydraulics is affiliated to most of the OEMs in Southern Africa in the mining industry and often our design improvement recommendations are implemented worldwide. The group was awarded the coveted SABS Certification in January 1989, the first company to be accredited in South Africa.

We have been instrumental in the design of the GACW cylinders as well as being specialists in mobile crane cylinder repairs. Fully computerised test benches capable of testing up to 600 Bar and water testing facility up to 300 Bar. Our vertical & horizontal honing machines, honing up to 750mm diameter and 12m length. We offer Training through CT Fluid Power Training and Consultants in Basic and advanced hydraulics, troubleshooting, hydraulic design, maintenance, and repairs. CT Hydraulics are also importers & distributors of PSI Pneumatic cleaning systems and Triple R Bypass filtration systems. Our Head Office is based in Germiston with branches in Northern Cape, Richards Bay and Namibia.

CT Hydraulics is accredited with ISO 9001:2015 quality system.

www.cthydraulics.com

michael@cthydraulics.co.za

+27 11 873 2342

Corner Melville & Sharland Rd, Driehoek, Germiston, Johannesburg

South Africa

The ASW works by combining an inner steel hub with an outer steel drum, which are connected by twelve nitrogen-filled cylinders and six oil dampers that supply suspension. The outer drum can be fitted with bolt-on customised polyurethane or steel treads, which can be replaced without removing the wheel. The ASW is engineered to replicate the tire size, load-bearing ability (or more if desired) and deflection of the conventional tires. It is also designed to cope with up to 50% lateral side load, making it more stable and safer than rubber tires in sharp corners.

These wheels, engineered to perfection under Kemeny’s leadership, have reshaped the mining landscape. Unlike traditional solid wheels, GACW’s air suspension wheels use advanced pneumatic technology, offering many advantages:

STRUCTURE:

THE WHEEL, REINVENTED...

The ASW consists of an inner steel hub and an outer steel drum, which are connected by twelve nitrogen-filled cylinders and six oil dampers that supply suspension. The outer drum can be fitted with bolt-on customised polyurethane or steel treads. Whilst in comparison other airless tires such as Michelin Uptis use a flexible load-bearing structure made from glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) that surrounds the wheel. Some airless tires for example Tannus Portal2 are standalone tires that are held to rims using individual clips.

APPLICATION:

The ASW is engineered to replicate the tire size, load-bearing ability and deflection of the conventional tires used on OTR mining vehicles. It can run at higher speeds, loads and temperatures than the conventional tires, without compromising safety or comfort. It can also cope with up to 50% lateral side load, making it more stable and safer than rubber tires in sharp corners. Whilst most on the market are intended for passenger vehicles or bicycles, which have different performance and safety requirements than OTR mining vehicles.

WHEEL, REINVENTED...

BENEFITS:

The ASW has many benefits over the conventional tires, such as longer lifespan, lower maintenance, higher performance, greater safety and less environmental impact. It reduces the consumption of rubber, steel and fuel that are associated with the production, transportation and disposal of the conventional tires. It also reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases and particulate matter that are generated by the burning or dumping of the con-ventional tires.

REVOLUTIONARY DESIGNS: ENHANCING EFFICIENCY

Under Zoltan Kemeny’s leadership, GACW has pushed the boundaries of design in the mining sector. The company’s air suspension wheels boast a sleek and efficient design that reduces drag and energy consumption. This innovation translates into improved

fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and overall cost savings for mining companies.

Beyond its air suspension wheels, Global Air Cylinder Wheels has developed revolutionary designs that address the specific needs and challenges of mining operations. Their designs focus on perfecting efficiency, enhancing safety, and minimising environmental

impact. By integrating innovative technologies and materials, such as lightweight alloys and advanced tire compounds, Global Air Cylinder Wheels is transforming the way mining equipment works.

To drive innovation Global Air Cylinder Wheels invests heavily in research and development, harnessing the latest advance-

ments in technology. By embracing emerging technologies such as IoT, data analytics, and automation, the company continuously enhances its mining solutions. These technologies ease real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and perfected operational performance, resulting in improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

In addition to technological advancements, Global Air Cylinder Wheels is committed to supplying innovative mining solutions that prioritise sustainability and environmental responsibility. By reducing equipment maintenance and improving tire longevity, their air suspension wheels contribute to lower energy consumption and reduced waste. This commitment aligns with the mining industry.

Dr. Zoltan Kemeny has redefined the mining industry with his visionary leadership and innovative solutions. GACW’s revolutionary air suspension wheels, driven by innovative technology and sustainable design, have transformed mining operations, enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility. Kemeny’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that GACW continues to pioneer a way forward in the mining sector, leaving an indelible mark on the industry’s future. Their mission is to supply sustainable solutions that increase productivity, recovery, and flexibility throughout the mining operations. Pioneering in the field of air suspension wheels for OTR mining vehicles and this has a strong potential to grow and expand its market share globally. With its innovative technology, experienced leadership and dedicated team, GACW is poised to revolutionise the mining industry and create a positive impact on society and the environment.

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