Sapphire chemically interferes with the fire combustion process, therefore bringing it to a halt. It works faster than a water sprinkler system, which is designed to work when it detects an actual flame. Sapphire Suppression Systems detect fire at invisible levels, identifying particles of combustion before they turn into damaging flames. The agent is stored in pressurized containers as a liquid and vaporizes when discharged. When applied in a modular design, storage containers take up less space than other fire suppression systems, giving users more options for storage and placement.

Sapphire is environmentally safe. It has zero ozone depletion potential and an atmospheric lifetime of just five days— the closest chemical alternative has an atmospheric lifetime of 33 days.

CertainTeed’s Certa-Lok Yelomine Offers Several Piping Applications
CertainTeed’s Certa-Lok Yelomine is designed and engineered to meet tough or restrained joint piping requirements. The system can provide a unique solution to many specialty and standard piping system needs, whether for temporary or permanent installations. Certa-Lok Yelomine is manufactured from a specially formulated PVC compound that contains impact modifiers and UV (ultraviolet) inhibitors. These modifiers and inhibitors provide higher impact strength over an extended period of time and allow Certa- Lok Yelomine to be used in above-ground, exposed applications as well as in underground or buried applications.

Certa-Lok Yelomine pipe and fittings are available in 2-in. through 16-in. diameters, in pressure classes of 125 to 315 psi. Low-pressure (100 psi) pipe is also available. Certa-Lok Yelomine is manufactured with IPS outside diameters and is available in 20 ft lengths. The inherent properties of PVC provide a product that will not rust or corrode, and is resistant to harsh environments, acids, and most chemicals.

Certa-Lok Yelomine pipe, couplings and fittings provide a restrained joint by using precision-machined grooves on the pipe and in the coupling which, when aligned, allow a spline to be inserted, resulting in a fully circumferential restrained joint that locks the pipe and coupling together. A flexible elastomeric seal (O-ring) in the coupling provides a hydraulic pressure seal. The Certa-Lok joint is fast, simple and reliable, and requires no solvent welding, butt fusion welding, bolting, wrenches or specialty equipment to assemble. Assembled joints are strong and typically require no thrust blocking.

Certa-Lok Yelomine joints can be easily disassembled, allowing for system changes, extension, movement or reuse of the entire system. CertainTeed offers a comprehensive line of Certa-Lok Yelomine fittings: change of direction (elbows, sweeps, tees), adapters to other materials, joining systems (flange adapters, threaded adapters, victaulic) and service outlets (tapped couplings). Certa-Lok Yelomine allows for easy field fabrication. CertainTeed offers a power routing tool for field fabrication of the pipe groove required on Certa-Lok Yelomine.

CertainTeed offers two types of Certa- Lok Yelomine: permanent and non-permanent use. Couplings are similar in design; the main difference is the O-ring supplied. Non-permanent O–rings have a slightly reduced cross-section for easy assembly and disassembly. Permanent use O-rings have a slightly larger crosssection and are not designed for disassembly. Both types of rings are Tefloncoated. Permanent use Certa-Lok Joints require lubricant to assemble, which is supplied by CertainTeed.

ConocoPhillps´ Triton ECT 5W40 Synthetic diesel engine oil.

The new TO-4 fluids come in several different viscosity grades for use in the final drive gear box (heavy), transmission (medium) and hydraulics (light) systems. The revised fluids directly replace the previous generation fluids and set a higher performance standard for lubricants used in loaders, graders, dozers, large trucks and other off-highway machinery, including construction, extractionand mining. The upgraded TO-4 fluids provide optimized frictional properties, precise clutch engagement in transmissions and smooth, shudder-free wet brake operation; load carrying capability, gear protection against heavy loading and wear control to help prolong gear life and trouble-free operation in final drive gear sets; anti-wear protection and deposits control, reduction of wear and corrosion of critical parts in vane and piston pumps, steering and hoist systems; protection of pressure flow and directional valves against varnish and deposits; and yellow metal protection, corrosion protection for copper and copper alloy components assure optimum performance and extend component life.

Also during MINExpo, ConocoPhillips introduced Triton ECT 5W40 Full Synthetic, a premium tier API CJ-4 diesel engine oil, made from high quality synthetic stocks and a state-of-the-art advanced additive for enhanced engine performance from equipment operating in a wide range of temperature and service conditions. This new heavy duty engine oil is designed for lubrication of modern low emissions diesel engines with after-treatment devices and back serviceable for use in older engines specifying the previous categories of engine oils. Triton ECT 5W40 Full Synthetic will be available to ConocoPhillips Lubricants customers who buy products under the Conoco, Phillips 66, and 76 Lubricants brands.

Triton ECT 5W40 Full Synthetic provides soot control, wear protection and low temperature oil pumpability for engines operating in extreme service conditions. Triton ECT 5W40 Full Synthetic meets lubrication requirements of engines compliant with 2007 low emissions regulations and meets heavy duty engine oil specifications for Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Mack and Volvo.

Dana’s Drivetrain Components Made for Mining
Dana Off-Highway Products Group displayed several drivetrain components specifically designed for heavy-duty mining and industrial applications. The group’s mining product range includes state-of-the-art electronic controls, torque-biasing differentials and liquidcooled brakes. Items of interest included:
Spicer TE15 Electronic-Controlled Transmission—intended for underground loader applications, Dana said the Spicer TE15 electronic-controlled transmission delivers advanced control capability to the Spicer 32000 Series transmission platform. Rated at 160–250 hp (120 to 190 kW), the transmission is available with either cast aluminum or stamped steel torque converters of up to 340 mm to provide flexibility for OEMs developing vehicles that meet Tier 3 engine regulations. An improved charge pump system provides increased oil flows to maximize the transmission’s performance in highenergy duty cycles as well as cold temperature environments.

Spicer Model 37RM116 Hercules Drive Axle—engineered specifically for heavy-duty off-road mining applications, the 37RM116 axle features a rigid threepiece load-supporting design with a differential carrier, housing arm and planetary wheel end. Developed for use on underground scoop vehicles with up to a 6.6-ton bucket capacity and mining trucks with up to a 15-ton payload capacity, the axle uses Posi-Stop liquidcooled brakes with spring-applied hydraulic-release (SAHR) actuation. Additionally, outboard wheel-speed multi-disc brakes provide stable torque performance under the most severe underground braking duty cycles. The 37RM116 Hercules axle platform features several torque-biasing differentials— Posi-Torq, Hydraloc, and No- Spin—which provide torque bias performance to suit specific ground tractive conditions across vehicle applications.

Spicer TE32 Four-Speed Powershift Transmission—rated at 330–430 hp (250 to 325 kW), the Spicer TE32 transmission offers helical gearing and electronic control technology, including ECM with overlap control. Designed for underground mine loaders with 25-ton operating weights, as well as 45-ton mining trucks, the TE32 transmission also features flexplate drive, long-drop and short-drop versions and dual auxiliary pump drives.

Spicer Model 58R397 Axle—designed for 20- to 25-ton LHDs and 55- to 60-ton mining trucks. The axle features a specially designed planetary drive to accommodate a large, high-capacity axle shaft. The carrier assembly for this axle includes a Posi-Torq differential and a large, multiple-plate wet clutch that is actuated by wedge ramps to deliver smooth, quiet operation with a 45% locking capacity.

Putting More Teeth into a Bucket's Bite Esco Corp., which builds engineered metal wear parts for mining and other industrial applications, exhibited two new bucket-lip systems along with a new bucket tooth system and dragline bucket design. The company’s EverSharp cast lip system, designed for use on hydraulic excavator buckets is claimed to be lighter and stronger than the company’s Loadmaster system. The EverSharp lip bottom and shroud have been moved up and out of the wear path to reduce wear and improve loading with a more efficient bucket curl. As with the company’s other new systems, the EverSharp line comes with a hammerless locking system that employs two hinged cast locking mechanisms, held in place by a pin that can be installed or removed with a hex head drive tool. Esco described the EverSharp LHD lip system as a fieldproven product for medium to large LHDs, featuring a fully mechanically attached continuous edge that minimizes the need to weld the lip during rebuild cycles.

According to Esco, its new Posilok Plus mining tooth system provides the same reliability of the former Posilok system, but with the safety of a hammerless locking device. The Posilok Plus system is available to fit mining-class hydraulic face shovels, excavators, draglines and cable shovels. Esco said Posilok Plus’s slim profile design can deliver better tooth penetration while digging; optional wear caps are available for additional protection in highly abrasive digging conditions.

Esco said its ProFill dragline bucket is specifically designed to improve dragline productivity by filling faster with minimal drag energy. The ProFill is equipped with a reverse spade lip (RSL), which provides faster fill than conventional straight lips and also uses the Posilok Plus mining tooth system.

Spanish hard materials specialist Metallogenia displayed a wide range of the firm’s MTG Systems including StarMet, ProMet and RipMet. The latter is a new system that incorporates the MTGtwist hammerless tooth-adapter fastening system, awarded a New Technical Features diploma at the Intermat exhibition in Paris.

MTG says the hammerless ripper has longer working life with optimal penetration. The adapter’s small profile nose accommodates a longer tooth with a higher percentage of wear material and also extends the life of the tooth. The stabilization surfaces of the fitting system guarantee improved distribution of forces, minimizing breakages even in the most extreme applications, and the fitting system prevents the pin from buckling or breaking. Changeout of teeth is quick and safe, eliminating accidents caused by hitting or flying particles, and the force required is much less than traditional hammer systems.

Established in 1992, the South African company VR Steel designs, manufactures and maintains conventional and tapered dragline dippers, large buckets for hydraulic shovel and backhoe excavators and rope shovel buckets as well as dump truck bodies that are said to be adaptable to any truck model and to reduce weight by around 20%. The company took space at MINExpo to spread the word and demonstrate its capabilities. The dragline buckets use SSAB Hardox and Weldox steels.

After MINExpo, VR Steel managing director John van Reenen announced that the company will be represented in Western Australia by Perth-based engineering services company Hofmann Engineering and will reciprocally represent Hofmann in South Africa. VR Steel is already represented in Queensland, Australia, North America, Brazil, India and in China.

SSAB Oxelösund presented WearCalc, a PC software tool for comparing wear protection solutions for both Hardox wear plate and Weldox structural steel plate. WearCalc is developed by the company’s Wear Technology Group at Oxelösund. WearCalc describes and calculates the relative differences between materials, and allows users to predict relative wear life and compare various wear solutions.

IMT´s TireHand 3565 off-road tire handler.

IMT recently enhanced some of its key product lines and exhibited them during MINExpo. The Dominator IV mechanics truck—the only crane body on the market that can handle an 80,000 ftlb crane—increases uptime for mining customers performing maintenance on heavy equipment. The Dominator IV can perform a full-range of equipment maintenance tasks such as replacing or repairing hydraulic cylinders, track components, scraper blades, buckets, hydraulic pumps, engines and transmissions. Other enhancements include increased workspace with a larger workbench, as well as greater accessibility to tools, and improved operator mobility around the vehicle using a new sidepack door layout.

The Dominator IV mechanics truck is rated for the newest addition to the IMT telescopic crane lineup: the 8025. This crane is rated 80,000 ft-lb and offers more lifting capacity than any other IMT telescopic crane.

IMT also offers the SiteStar lube truck exclusively engineered for its mining customers. The mining-specific SiteStar unit uses steel tanks, which enable IMT to build a larger truck with greater fluid capacities—a necessity when servicing heavy equipment found in mines. This specialized lube truck is a complement to the standard SiteStar lube truck that uses polyethylene product tanks. While the standard SiteStar lube truck with poly tanks is available in more than 260 possible product tank configurations, the IMT mining SiteStar unit offers even more flexibility. These specialty trucks are engineered-to-order, and the fluid capacities are dictated by customer requirements and chassis specifications.

IMT also exhibited the TireHand 3565 for installing and rotating tires found in the mining and construction industries. Available in loader or forklift truck mounted options, IMT TireHandler can accommodate tires up to 25,000 lb. The TireHandler models feature 390° of body rotation, which gives the operator flexible adjustment opportunities from the security of the integrated control console. Other features include lateral shifting capability, optional quick-coupler attachments and multiple-site vehicle packages.

Kennametal Shows Bits and Bores
Kennametal introduced two new products at MINExpo: the ProBore roof bit and the ProPoint conical tooth for cutterheads. The ProBore’s patent-pending, helix-fluted design pulls cut rock and dust away through the center chamber and away from the drilling action. That, according to the company, means more operator safety, far less wear and heat build-up, and more than 20% increase in cutting speeds. The ProPoint combines slimline construction with Kennametal’s NB tip to reduce cutting forces. The system results in better penetration, more uniform product with a minimum amount of dust, and less power consumption.

Kidde Sentinel fire protection system.

The Kidde Sentinel system provides maximum fire suppression flexibility. The system can be designed to use the new environmentally non-reportable wet agent AquaGreenXT, or the versatile dry chemical agent, depending on the application. The system can also be configured with combinations of wet agent and dry agent for primary and secondary protection. The wet agent, AquaGreen XT, is environmentally non reportable and can be employed in both primary and secondary fire fighting applications. Engineered to operate down to -30°F (-34°C), AquaGreen XT rapidly extinguishes even the most challenging flammable liquid fires, typical of hydraulic and fuel system leaks.

Operating in a wide range of temperatures, the Kidde Sentinel protects vehicles and machinery working in extreme conditions, such as arctic mining or slag hauling. Kidde Sentinel is available in two configurations: Kidde Sentinel NET, a networked control system, or the Kidde Sentinel SA-1 Control Panel, both customizable for specific applications.

Additional key features of the Kidde Sentinel System include ease of installation; fast, uncomplicated service; high level of versatility; and less downtime for customers.

Kidde’s Sentinel SA-1 control-based system protects small to medium sized vehicle/machine assets. Single discharge of wet agent (AquaGreen XT) or dry agent (multipurpose dry chemical) provides the right protection for the hazard. The SA1 control is a fully integrated control unit in a robust aluminum enclosure.

The Sentinel NET is a fully featured system consisting of a rugged user interface with an adjustable brightness display. The Sentinel NET allows the system designer to employ sequential discharges chosen specifically for the hazard. The system also offers Kidde’s State IR-1 infrared detection and traditional heat detection devices; programming via keypad or USB connection to laptop, event logging; industry leading IR-1 with demonstrated false alarm performance and dependability; and multiple discharge options, dry - wet, dual dry and dual wet.

The Sentinel NET system can be expanded to include six control units with up to two interface units. This allows the fire protection system on the largest shovels, excavators, drag lines, or fixed assets to be protected using a single integrated network with multiple detection and suppression zones. For electrical hazards in enclosed spaces the Kidde FE-13 clean agent system can be combined on the network with Aqua- Green XT wet agent for vulnerable mechanical systems.

Snap-on Mobile Tool Crib.

At the heart of Snap-on Industrial’s Mobile Tool Cribs is the company’s Level 5 Tool Control System. From CAD tool control layouts and keyless entry systems to asset management software for tool tracking, Level 5 offers greater organization, visibility, security, tool tracking, and accountability.

The tool cribs are available in many sizes and configurations, and can be designed to fit any work site footprint. Snap-on’s broad family of products are available for inclusion in the mobile tool cribs, but Snap-on Industrial will also source and integrate products from other vendors to complete the tooling system. As part of the relationship, customers also have access to the company’s team of engineers to design custom tools for a particular application.

The mobile tool cribs can be purchased, rented, or leased from Snap-on. Customers can also have an existing tool crib retrofitted with the Level 5 Tool Control System; add the Level 5 Asset Management Software to an existing tool crib; or hire a Snap-on consultant to organize an existing tooling operation.

Tire Technology Rolls Ahead
The message from Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire was “Our Tires Come With Their Own Support System” and the company presented new initiatives to help customers maximize use of the tires that are available.

Shawn Rasey, vice president of Bridgestone Firestone Off Road (BFOR), announced the division will assume marketing, sales and distribution responsibilities immediately for Continuum brand retread materials in the United States and Canada. “By offering fleets Continuum retread tires, we’ll be able to help them recycle these valuable tire casings, which extends the life of their asset and helps the environment at the same time. We can offer our fleet customers one of the most comprehensive servicing dealer networks in the U.S. and Canada, and now an integrated new tire and precure retread solution,” said Rasey.

Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions (BBTS), also a division of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, manufactures and markets Bandag brand retread tire materials, and will continue to have responsibility for Continuum research and development, tread mold design, manufacturing, credit and customer service.

Technological advancements on show included the Treadstat Tire and Rim Management Software system and the Bridgestone G-Hawk System, a GPS and force measurement system. In addition, Bridgestone Firestone conducted mini safety seminars every morning, covering a wide range of topics from Run Flat Re- Inflation to Mounting/De-Mounting OTR Tires.

Yokohama Tire Corp., the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Japan’s Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., featured four new sizes that have been added to its off-the-road (OTR) tire range.

The RT41, launched in late 2007 with a 26.5R25 offering, is now available in two additional sizes—29.5R25 and 23.5R25—while 26.5R25 and 29.5R25 sizes are being added to the currently available 17.5R25, 20.5R25 and 23.5R25 sizes of the RB31 tire first introduced in 1997. Both of these tires feature Yokohama’s flexible OTR belt wire and four layers of steel belts, the belt package that “does everything from improve wear and durability to increase stability,” according to Gary Nash, director of OTR sales at Yokohama. “These advancements translate into improved performance and longer tire life, which means equipment spending more time on the job and making businesses profitable.”

Distinctive features of the RB31 and RT41 include a new tread compound that provides outstanding wear and cut resistance; high turn-up carcass construction and buttress side protection to guard against exterior damage; a unique nylon cord providing inner liner protection and a longer casing life; and a convex belt/concave carcass line that allows contact pressure to be disbursed more evenly.

The RT41 was designed to be a single tire suited for two deep tread applications: the RT41-E4 was designed specifically for articulated dump trucks, with a non-directional block pattern to provide excellent traction on soft, rocky surfaces, along with great abrasion resistance; For wheeled loaders and dozers the RT41-L4 tire was created with a three-tread design that excels on soft surfaces. In the regular tread-depth category, the RB31-E3 is suited for articulated trucks and scrapers and can perform on any surface. Yokohama also offers the RB31-L3 specifically for wheeled loader and dozer applications.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and with a subsidiary office in Melbourne, Australia, Eastland Tire is a new worldwide dealer for the Titan International off road tire range which now includes 59/80R63, 53/80R63 and 40.00R57 sizes. Similarly, Llandowbased Fordberry, who exhibited as one of the ABMEC group, is now the worldwide distributor for the MineMaster tire range that includes five types of radial tire and 10 bias tires, all in a number of sizes.

Truck manufacturer comment on tire supply for ultra class haul trucks had clearly not fallen on deaf ears in the tire industry, in particular at Michelin. The France-based company has been cast as both hero and villain within this particular market, having successfully developed tires for the bigger trucks the mining industry wanted but then failing to expand manufacturing capacity sufficiently to keep pace with demand. At MINExpo the firm’s theme was Michelin is “by your side,” reflecting the facts that Michelin supplies top quality earthmover tires and advisory services, remains committed to safety through its safety training program, and is also increasing production capacity to help meet industry needs.

Major world supplier of flatproofing products for off-road vehicles Arnco used MINExpo to introduce ecofill, a material that uses renewable and environmentally based components and consumes 50% less petrochemicals in the production process than other flatproofing products. Arnco President Larry Carapellotti said that ecofill is as effective in performance as any existing polyurethane fill and cuts costs by 25%. “For years we have been dependent on petrochemicals as a major component of our patented polyurethane technology and for years we have been trying to end that dependency. Now we have taken the first step.”

The company’s other formulations include ecoflex and Superflex that function much like an air filled tire and can be used on a wide variety of equipment, including wheel loaders, RePneu for applications where damage to sidewalls and punctures can be expected, and HeviDuty which is suitable for shield haulers.

Varel´s D-Force rotary blasthole drill bit.

D-Force bits are currently available in 6-3/4-in. (171-mm) through 16-in. (404.4-mm) sizes.