Machine stability calculations are a critical step in determining the design quality and safety of a machine. This paper details the process in conducting a machine stability assessment and identifies the required and typical wheel loads for different types of bulk handling machines.
Understanding brakes and wheel rail friction is essential for keeping materials handling machines safe and reliable. This paper looks at the factors that impact friction, like contamination and torque, and offers practical insights for managing performance risks.
Maintenance on large machines often involves the use of jacks, props or scaffolding which should be assessed under an ultimate limit state wind speed. A method for calculating reduced wind speeds for temporary works is presented that considers the short duration of the work and the accuracy of short-term weather predictions.
Strain gauging is an indispensable part of the engineering toolbox, serving as a means for understanding the structural performance of mining machines. From failure analysis to the optimisation of operational parameters, strain gauging aids engineers to ensure the safety, reliability and efficiency of critical mining infrastructure and machinery.
ASPEC was engaged to carry out a combined Order-of-magnitude/Pre-feasibility study for the replacement of a twin cell car dumper. Options considered in the study included combinations of partial and full cell refurbishment, replacement with like-for-like and replacement with upgraded cell designs. The study identified the best option to carry forward.
Value Engineering (VE) is widely utilised to boost project cost efficiency, though its aims and methods often lack clarity. ASPEC, in its core business domains, is often engaged to develop VE strategies and facilitate processes to maximise project value. This paper explores VEs objectives, methodology, and common pitfalls.
This article presents some simple design tools which can be used by engineers to understand the operation of the materials handling equipment in a stockyard.
Examining sixty-eight bulk material handling machine failures over a forty-four year period this study investigates trends, the impact of standards and mitigating wind failures.
Over many mechanical inspections conducted by Aspec Engineering, it has been found that well over half, and likely as much as three quarters, of all rail clamps have not been functioning correctly. Sites have been inspected where the entire fleet of rail clamps is not working properly.