2 minute read
West River Conveyors & Machinery Company
Prior to testing, a fire-resistant hydraulic fluid’s only flaw was that there was no proof it could perform reliably in an underground potash mine, whereas the currently used mineral fluid has worked reliably since the 1960s.
mode of the pump every nine seconds. This was done to accelerate the testing and force movement within the pump. The system was also run at a high temperature to replicate the potash mining environment.
the results and conclusion
Three different tests were performed, and each was repeated three times to ensure accuracy. One 200-hour test was done without any potash contamination, one with an expected amount and one at the highest level of potash contamination seen in the samples provided by potash mines. By testing each fluid at these three levels, discrepancies caused by the addition of the potash contamination could be seen.
At the end of testing the wear loss, volumetric efficiency, mechanical power, changes in fluid samples, reservoir residue, flow rates, filter analysis, and pump performance tests were all compared. In every case, a fire-resistant hydraulic fluid outperformed or matched the mineral fluid. Not only could these fluids perform as well as the mineral fluid, they could do so in a highly contaminated potash environment.
Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids are needed in underground potash mines to decrease lost time, equipment damage, cost of fire suppression equipment, and maintenance. Most importantly, they can decrease risk of fires to mine workers. This testing has proven that switching all underground equipment, and possibly above-ground equipment, to a fire-resistant hydraulic fluid would be able to assist in all these areas. l
Poorly designed transfer chutes reduce the productivity of your conveyor system — and may increase the chances of costly downtime.
Call us today at 800.332.2781 or visit our website for more information on transfer chutes and many other products and services.
TRANSFER CHUTE DESIGN FOR POTASH MINING AND PROCESSING
The transfer chute is a critical piece of equipment in mining, quarrying, and other material handling operations. Considering all factors up-front will result in a transfer chute design that aids, rather than restricts, production. You need a manufacturer that pays careful attention to the properties of the material being conveyed — with an expert understanding of how it moves through the transfer chute. From the design stage forward, West River will help you produce a solution that fits your needs.
West River Conveyors + Machinery Co. are specialists in material handling solutions for mining and other bulk material handling industries. We design and manufacture a range of terminal equipment that increases productivity and improves operations.
8936 Dismal River Road • Oakwood, VA 24631 800.332.2781 • Fax: 276.259.5252
