HYBRID CRUSHERS ARE MORE SUSTAINABLE

Mobile crushers have been widely used in aggregates production and recycling applications around the world for many years. However, the recent shi towards more sustainable initiatives means that hybrid crushers are on the rise.

In essence, these crushing solutions are unique, in that they are fitted with a hybrid electric/hydraulic drive system – one that is capable of leveraging an external electricity supply onsite. In addition, certain crushers can even be fitted with an onboard generator. This means that those using the machine are able to power it electrically, even in cases where there is no grid connection.

What this means is that these crushers can use a local power supply if available, as this entails a much more cost-e ective operation. Interestingly, the benefits o ered by these machines are numerous, but they are being adopted in di erent regions to obtain very di erent benefits.

According to Francois Marais, director of sales and marketing at Pilot Crushtec, these reasons di er between the developed and developing markets.

“In developed nations, the primary reasons stem from an environmental and e iciency perspective. On the other hand, the reasons in Southern Africa are related to the challenges with power supply,” says Marais.

“Hybrid solutions allow operations to continue with processing and production when power supply interruptions delay operations. The added benefit of cost saving is usually the second main reason that makes a hybrid solution appealing.” and a marked reduction in carbon emissions.

“The key benefits we have experienced with units in the field have included the major cost savings because of the improved e iciency. Some of our hybrid units in the field have been plugged directly into solar power sources as well, creating a completely green operation with less pollution being emitted from the crushers.

“Other operations have reported back that the ease of maintenance for an electric solution is what di erentiates these products in the markets, as they no longer have to deal with diesel engines only onsite.”

Another major advantage is the flexibility o ered by these crushers. In environments regulated in terms of noise and emission reduction, the hybrid solution can reduce both, depending on how electricity is generated.

These cost reductions can be quite significant, especially if the mine in question has its own renewable energy source that they can connect their mobile crushers to. Contractors that use this approach have seen a massive reduction in their cost per tonne of material produced.

Dual-powered crushing solutions are designed, he says, to provide customers with the best of both worlds – significant fuel savings

“In the hybrid crushing solutions we have deployed to the market, we have seen savings of up to 35% on crushing operations. This figure is variable and depends on some market conditions such as the price of fuel, but overall, the savings have justified the investment decisions.

“The reduction in pollution is di icult to measure, but a direct connection to an electrical source means less diesel consumption and less emissions into the environment,” says Marais.