Analysis on Key Problems of Winter Operation in Alpine-cold Open-pit Mine

Abstract

Through the analysis of winter operation problems in the alpine-cold open pit mine in Mengdong area, the technical and economic feasibility of adopting advanced peeling and winter peeling scheme is demonstrated. For the open-pit mining and transportation equipment in the alpine-cold region, the solutions for the scooping and sticking materials, the freezing of the brake circuit, and the sticking of the compartments are often proposed in winter operations. The anti-freeze system of the belt conveyor is composed of the cold resistant tape, the cleaning device, the antifreeze film, the heating device and the anti-freeze roller. Some safety production organization measures for blasting operations, mining operations, and semi-continuous systems in winter construction operations were proposed. It can effectively help the open pit mines in the alpine-cold regions to reduce equipment failures and ensure efficient operation in winter safety production.

Conceptual options for solving the problem of icing rollers and drums of belt conveyors

“…Cold conditions must be considered when selecting tools and apparatus regarding their operating temperature range, which is a designer's job [5]. In such an environment, the technological properties of the materials are lowered, they become brittle, the machine oil becomes viscous, and the extracted raw materials stick to scooping buckets and truck bodies [6], and the productivity decreases by 10%. Icing, which is the result of the combined influence of humidity and low temperatures, causes fatigue with loss of stability, the main cause of equipment component failure, machine breakdowns, freezing of brake fluids and water in soils, etc.…”

“…The problems in them are identical regarding the behavior of the staff and the equipment. For example, in the Mengdong area mine, they report various problems such as freezing of the rubber conveyor systems, freezing, and compaction of the scooping material, sticking of the compartments, and failure of the brake systems [6]. Methods to deal with these problems are different, including technical support or spreading the activities throughout the year so that the yield in summer is increased compared to winter.…”

“…Methods to deal with these problems are different, including technical support or spreading the activities throughout the year so that the yield in summer is increased compared to winter. For belt conveyors, the measures include the installation of the cold-resistant belt, cleaning device, antifreeze film coating, ice wipers, and anti-freeze roller heating [6]. Not all of the suggested means are suitable because some cause environmental pollution or scratch and depreciate the rubber conveyor belts.…”