Mobile shiploader and link conveyor

Paul Boughton

Store Norske Spitsbergen Grubekompani (SNSG) has ordered a Mobile Shiploader and a Link Conveyor at B&W Mechanical Handling to replace an existing installation that was damaged beyond repair in March.

The equipment is fed by a crusher/feeder unit which in turn is fed by front end loaders. The combined system is handling coal at a peak rate or 1200 tons per hour at “Gruve 7” (Mine 7) which is 15 kilometres from Longyearbyen, Norway. The sub assembled equipment will be delivered by vessel. It has to be on site and operational until 15th of November 2011. On time delivery is a major issue for SNSG as there are currently no other means available for exporting of material.

The Mobile Shiploader’s main boom is 55 metres long and 1.4 metres wide with a plain belt and a 350 degree radial action thrower. The onboard generator set provides for full mobility and all power functions including the Link Conveyor. The control cabin is mounted to the chassis. Heating, lighting and positive air pressure is included. In addition the unit comes with enhanced lighting equipment and a remote camera system for work safety. Although the south of Spitsbergen benefits from the Gulf Stream effect on the climate, a Cold Climate Pack is necessary for optimum availability. It has proven its effectiveness on mining sites in Greenland (45 metre Mobile Shiploader to handle olivine rock for Minelco) and Russia (30 metre Mobile Shiploader to handle coal at the Port of Vysotsk).

The Link Conveyor has a 30 metre boom with a belt width of 1.4 metres. Its electrical drive renders 37 kW; the conveyor offers towed travel options.

Since the March storm destroyed the aged loading equipment at Mine 7 SNSG tried to replace the facility as fast as possible. The company investigated new fixed loading installations and looked for used mobile equipment on the second hand market. Eventually the decision to purchase new equipment from B&W was made for two main reasons: Fist of all SNSG looked for rapidly available and easy to handle proven technology. In addition to that, the time schedule was most important. The equipment has to be delivered by a vessel planned for November and has to be ready to operate the very same month. The high quality coal from Mine 7 is used to in the production of modern Compacted Graphite Iron diesel engine cylinders, as produced by some of the major European engine manufacturers. Exports have to be resumed in November 2011.

For more information, visit www.aumund.com

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