Typical Operating Modes for Stackers and Reclaimers

In Australia, the use of travelling, slewing and luffing stackers and bucketwheel reclaimers, is common for stockpile management. Today, the majority of new stockyard machines in Australia are fully automated, and many older machines have been retrofitted with modern control systems to achieve full automation. There are often opportunities to improve facility performance through an understanding of the key operating modes for these machines, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each operating mode.  This article describes some of the key features of common stacking and reclaiming modes.

P-F Curves and Asset Management

The P-F curve is a common representation of an assets life cycle based on the concept of the relationship between “Potential Failure” (P) and “Functional Failure” (F). Typically, P-F curves have been used to assist reliability analysis of mechanical equipment such as pumps, drives, bearings etc. However, the concept of the P-F curve can be applied to any asset. ASPEC frequently utilise P-F curves as a useful tool to communicate information regarding asset condition and status within the asset lifecycle.