US20210355650A1 - A rotable bucket wheel assembly and a method for refurbishing an associated bucket wheel reclaimer - Google Patents
A rotable bucket wheel assembly and a method for refurbishing an associated bucket wheel reclaimer Download PDFInfo
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- US20210355650A1 US20210355650A1 US17/286,159 US201917286159A US2021355650A1 US 20210355650 A1 US20210355650 A1 US 20210355650A1 US 201917286159 A US201917286159 A US 201917286159A US 2021355650 A1 US2021355650 A1 US 2021355650A1
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- bucket wheel
- wheel assembly
- boom
- frame
- structural frame
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/18—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels
- E02F3/22—Component parts
- E02F3/24—Digging wheels; Digging elements of wheels; Drives for wheels
- E02F3/241—Digging wheels; Digging elements of wheels; Drives for wheels digging wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D59/00—Trailers with driven ground wheels or the like
- B62D59/04—Trailers with driven ground wheels or the like driven from propulsion unit on trailer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D65/00—Designing, manufacturing, e.g. assembling, facilitating disassembly, or structurally modifying motor vehicles or trailers, not otherwise provided for
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/18—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels
- E02F3/188—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels with the axis being horizontal and transverse to the direction of travel
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F9/00—Component parts of dredgers or soil-shifting machines, not restricted to one of the kinds covered by groups E02F3/00 - E02F7/00
- E02F9/003—Devices for transporting the soil-shifting machines or excavators, e.g. by pushing them or by hitching them to a tractor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02F—DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING
- E02F3/00—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines
- E02F3/04—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven
- E02F3/18—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels
- E02F3/181—Dredgers; Soil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging wheels turning round an axis, e.g. bucket-type wheels including a conveyor
Definitions
- a rotable bucket wheel assembly and a method for refurbishing a bucket wheel reclaimer are disclosed.
- a rotable bucket wheel assembly of a bucket wheel reclaimer are difficult and expensive exercises. In one method, this may involve the disassembly of component parts of the rotable bucket wheel assembly such as the bucket wheel itself, drive system, drive shaft, bearings, ring chute and discharge chute. While this disassembly occurs, and maintenance is being performed the bucket wheel reclaimer is unable to operate.
- a rotable bucket wheel assembly As an integral unit that can be disconnected from a bucket wheel reclaimer and moved as a unit to a maintenance location. While this is occurring a new or refurbished rotable bucket wheel assembly can be fitted to the reclaimer to enable normal operation.
- rotable bucket wheel assembly for coupling to a boom of a bucket wheel reclaimer comprising:
- the structural frame comprises a plurality of coupling points to enable coupling to a transfer system to facilitate transferring the load of the bucket wheel assembly from the boom to the transfer system whereby the bucket wheel assembly is capable of being transported away from the boom by the transfer system.
- the coupling points are configured to facilitate coupling with the transfer system when the transfer system is disposed beneath the structural frame.
- the structural frame is provided with a plurality of connecting mechanisms configured to cooperate with complementary connecting mechanisms on the boom, wherein when the structural frame is attached to the boom the connecting mechanisms on the frame engage the connecting mechanisms on the frame.
- the connecting mechanisms comprise locating elements formed on the structural frame and arranged to cooperate with associated locating elements on the boom and wherein upon engagement of the locating elements remaining connecting mechanisms on the structural frame are in alignment with associated remaining connecting mechanisms on the boom.
- the locating elements comprise hooks formed on the structural frame.
- the locating elements comprise a plurality of pad eyes configured to receive coupling pins.
- the rotable bucket assembly comprises a drive system mounted on the shaft.
- the rotable bucket assembly comprises a conveyor pulley rotatably coupled to the structural frame.
- the structural frame of the assembly forms a part of the boom of the bucket wheel reclaimer. Therefore, embodiments of the disclosed assembly can facilitate the maintenance of a rotable bucket wheel of a bucket wheel reclaimer by decoupling the structural frame from the remaining part of the boom and moving it to maintenance location.
- the bucket wheel assembly can be placed back into operation during the maintenance by attaching the structural frame of a like assembly to the boom.
- a boom for a rotable bucket wheel reclaimer comprising:
- a method of refurbishing a bucket wheel reclaimer having a boom supporting a rotable bucket wheel assembly comprising:
- moving the bucket wheel assembly comprises transferring the load of the bucket wheel assembly to a transfer system disposed beneath the structural frame.
- the method comprises locating a transfer system beneath the structural frame and engaging the coupling points of the structural system with the transfer system wherein the transfer system carries the load of the bucket wheel assembly.
- the method comprises disconnecting the connecting mechanisms of the structural frame from associated connecting mechanisms on the boom when the load of the bucket wheel assembly is transferred to the transfer system.
- transferring the load of the bucket wheel assembly comprises operating a jack system on the transfer system.
- the rotable bucket assembly comprises forming the transfer system as a transfer frame and a self-propelled modular trailer on which the transfer frame is demountable supported.
- locating the transfer system comprises driving the self-propelled modular trailer on which the transfer frame is demountable supported to a position wherein the transfer frame is below the structural frame.
- engaging the coupling points of the structural system with the transfer system comprises one or both of (a) operating the self-propelled modular trailer to lift the transfer frame into contact with the structural frame; and (b) operating a jack system on the transfer frame.
- the method comprises forming the transfer system as a transfer frame on bogie mounted on a rail system.
- locating the transfer system comprises driving the bogie on the rail system to a position wherein the transfer frame is below the structural frame.
- a transfer system for facilitating the removal of a bucket wheel assembly from a boom of a bucket wheel reclaimer, the transfer system comprising a transport frame configured to support the bucket wheel assembly from a location beneath the bucket wheel assembly, and a jack system coupled with the transport frame and located on a portion of the transfer frame wherein the when operated the jack system is able to contact the bucket wheel assembly and transfer the load of the bucket wheel assembly to the transfer frame.
- the transfer system comprises: a trailer or self-propelled modular trailer or a rail mounted bogie on which the transfer frame is supported.
- the structural frame of the assembly forms a part of the boom of the bucket wheel reclaimer. Therefore, embodiments of the disclosed assembly can facilitate the maintenance of a rotable bucket wheel of a bucket wheel reclaimer by decoupling the structural frame from the remaining part of the boom and moving it to maintenance location.
- the bucket wheel assembly can be placed back into operation during the maintenance by attaching the structural frame of a like assembly to the boom.
- FIG. 1 is a photograph of a prior art bucket wheel reclaimer
- FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are photographs from different angles of a front portion of a boom of a prior art bucket wheel reclaimer showing a rotable bucket wheel;
- FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c are isometric, plan and elevation views respectively of a first embodiment of the disclosed rotable bucket wheel assembly
- FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the disclosed rotable bucket wheel reclaimer which incorporates an embodiment of the rotable bucket wheel assembly shown in FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c
- FIG. 5 is a representation of the boom with attached bucket wheel assembly coupled to a support cradle
- FIG. 6 illustrates a transfer system utilised in the method for refurbishing the bucket wheel assembly being driven toward the boom in support cradle shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 shows the transfer system located underneath but spaced from the bucket wheel assembly
- FIG. 8 shows a transfer system coupled with the bucket wheel assembly and elevating the bucket wheel assembly relative to the boom to uncouple it from the boom, and showing hooks of the structural frame disengaged with associated pins on the boom;
- FIG. 9 shows the transfer system transporting the disconnected bucket wheel assembly away from the boom
- FIG. 10 a shows transfer system approaching a maintenance platform
- FIG. 10 b shows transfer system in position ready to offload the bucket wheel assembly
- FIG. 10 c shows transfer system operated to transfer the load of the bucket wheel assembly to the maintenance platform
- FIG. 10 d shows a self-propelled mobile trailer of the transfer system being driven out from the maintenance platform
- FIG. 11 depicts one possible arrangement of a maintenance area facilitating the swap out of a rotable bucket wheel assembly
- FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the disclosed bucket wheel assembly and associated equipment to enable performance of a second embodiment of a method for refurbishing or swapping out the bucket wheel assembly;
- FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of two types of connection mechanism that may be incorporated in the second embodiment of the disclosed bucket wheel assembly
- FIG. 14 a is a schematic representation of a support cradle that may be incorporated in a method of refurbishing or swapping out a bucket wheel assembly;
- FIG. 14 b is an enlarged view of a portion of the support cradle shown in FIG. 14 a;
- FIG. 14 c is a partial section view of a portion of the support cradle shown in FIG. 14 a;
- FIG. 15 a is a perspective view of a maintenance platform that may be incorporated in the second embodiment of the disclosed method
- FIG. 15 b is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the bucket wheel assembly located within the maintenance platform shown in FIG. 15 a and depicting possible degrees of freedom of movement applicable to the bucket wheel assembly;
- FIG. 15 c is a further representation of the second embodiment of the bucket wheel assembly in the maintenance platform but depicting additional degrees of freedom of movement applicable to the bucket wheel assembly;
- FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a transport frame that may be used in the second embodiment of the disclosed method, and incorporated in a transfer system used to perform the disclosed method;
- FIG. 17 a is a representation of the transport frame shown in FIG. 16 supporting a bucket wheel assembly
- FIG. 17 b the schematic representation of a portion of a jack system incorporated in the transport frame shown in FIG. 17 a;
- FIG. 17 c the schematic representation of a lift and lock mechanisms of the jack system incorporated in the transport frame shown in FIG. 17 a;
- FIG. 18 is representation of a third embodiment of the rotable bucket wheel assembly coupled to a boom of a reclaimer showing an approaching track mounted transfer system for performing of a third embodiment of the disclosed method for refurbishing or swapping out the bucket wheel assembly;
- FIG. 19 shows the third embodiment of the disclosed rotable bucket wheel assembly disconnected from the boom and being transported by the transfer system shown in FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 shows the disconnected rotable bucket wheel assembly and transfer system of FIG. 19 together with a refurbished or new bucket wheel assembly on a second transfer system approaching the boom;
- FIG. 21 shows a portion of the transfer system shown in FIGS. 18-20 .
- FIG. 1 shows a prior art bucket wheel reclaimer 10 .
- the reclaimer 10 has a boom 12 with a rotable bucket wheel 14 supported at a front end.
- the boom 12 is pivotally connected at an end opposite the bucket wheel 14 to a body structure 16 .
- a tower 18 extends upwardly from the body structure 16 and mechanically supports the front end of the boom 12 .
- the reclaimer 10 has rail wheels which run on as associate rail, and a switch room 22 .
- FIGS. 2 a and 2 b provide a close-up view of a front end portion of the boom 12 of the bucket wheel reclaimer 10 .
- the bucket wheel 14 is rotatably supported at the front end of the boom 12 .
- the bucket wheel 14 is shown with a plurality of attached buckets 24 and a ring chute 26 . Material picked up by the buckets 24 as the bucket wheel 14 rotates is dropped by gravity into the ring chute 26 and channeled onto and underlying conveyor 27 .
- the bucket wheel 14 When the bucket wheel 14 is being maintained or repaired it may be decoupled from the boom 12 and lifted by a crane onto a transport vehicle, driven to a maintenance location, then lifted again by crane from the vehicle onto a purpose-built jig to facilitate maintenance and/or repair.
- FIGS. 3 a - 4 depict an embodiment of the disclosed rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 (herein after also referred to as “bucket wheel assembly 40 ” or “assembly 40 ”) coupled to a boom 12 a of a bucket wheel reclaimer 10 a .
- the bucket wheel assembly 40 includes a structural frame 42 that in use forms a structural part of the boom of a bucket wheel reclaimer.
- the structural frame 42 supports a bucket wheel 44 having a plurality of attached buckets 46 ; a ring chute 48 and associated discharge chute 50 .
- the bucket wheel 44 is attached to the middle of shaft 51 , which is supported by two bearings (one shown as item 52 , the other being hidden under the bucket wheel discharge chute).
- the drive unit is attached to the shaft 51 to provide the rotation torque, and the drive unit is also attached to the structure 42 .
- the structural frame 42 couples to a portion of the reclaimer boom and transfers the load of the assembly 40 to the reclaimer boom when the reclaimer is in operation.
- the bucket wheel assembly 40 may also include a plurality of rollers 54 in the form of conveyor belt idler support/troughing rollers.
- the rollers 54 are located adjacent the discharge chute 50 .
- the bucket wheel 44 rotates relative to the ring chute 48 /discharge chute 50 . Material picked up by the buckets 46 is held in the buckets by the ring chute 48 and is then dumped by gravity onto the discharge chute 50 onto a conveyor (not shown) that runs over the rollers 54 .
- a reclaimer boom conveyor (not shown), which runs along the length of the boom, turns about the pulley 54 .
- the structural frame 42 is provided with a plurality of coupling points 58 to facilitate connection to a machine to enable the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 to be supported and lifted relative to the boom and then moved away from the reclaimer for example to a repair/maintenance location.
- the coupling points 58 are distributed about the structural frame 42 to ensure that the load of the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 is substantially balanced when supported and lifted by the crane.
- the coupling points may be in the form of pinned coupling, hooked couplings or bolted couplings.
- the coupling points 58 in this embodiment are configured to facilitate coupling with a jacking mechanism or machine disposed beneath the structural frame 42 . In this instance the coupling points 58 also act as jacking points. Therefore, in this embodiment there is no need for a crane to lift the structural frame 42 and the bucket wheel assembly 40 , but rather a mechanism or machine beneath the bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- the ability to swap out a bucket wheel assembly 40 without the use of a crane has advantages over know prior art methods.
- the assembly 40 may have a mass in the order of 130 tonnes or more. Therefore, a heavy lift crane would be required.
- Such cranes are very expensive to hire and due to their limited number not always available particularly if an off-cycle maintenance and repair is required. This is of course not to say that in other embodiments the coupling points 58 cannot be arranged to facilitate connection with a crane.
- structural frame 42 has:
- the mounting structure 60 includes a rectangular frame 61 and a number of connecting mechanisms for connecting the bucket wheel assembly 40 to the rest of the boom 12 a of a corresponding bucket wheel reclaimer 10 a .
- three different types of connecting mechanisms are incorporated.
- a first type incorporates or comprises locating elements, in this embodiment in the form of hooks 66 , one at each of the upper corners of the rectangular frame 61 .
- the hooks 66 are configured to sit on and engage corresponding pins fixed to the distal end of the boom 12 a.
- a second type of connecting mechanism incorporated in this embodiment is a fish plate 68 .
- Three fish plates 68 are provided as part of the mounting structure 60 .
- One fish plate 68 is on an upper element of the rectangular frame 61 in line with and midway between the hooks 66 .
- One of each of the remaining two fish plates 68 are located at the lower corners of the rectangular frame 61 . These two fish plates are in orthogonal plane to the fish plate 68 on the upper element.
- a third type of connecting mechanism in this embodiment is a shear key 70 ( FIG. 3 b ). This is in alignment with and midway between the fish plates 68 at the lower corners of the rectangular frame 61 .
- the hooks 66 When coupled to the boom 12 a the hooks 66 carry the vertical load of the assembly 40 and shear key 70 transmits lateral forces resulting from operation of the reclaimer 10 a .
- the fish plates 68 are bolted to the front end of the boom 12 a to demountably fix the assembly 40 to the boom 12 a.
- the hooks 66 assists in aligning the bucket wheel assembly 40 and in particular the fish plates 68 to facilitate an operational connection to the boom 12 a
- FIGS. 4 to 11 show sequentially an embodiment of the disclosed method for replacing/refurbishing a bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- the reclaimer 10 a is driven to a location where a front end of the boom 12 a can be lowered onto a tie down cradle 72 .
- the removal of the bucket wheel assembly 40 also uses a transfer system 71 which in this embodiment comprises the combination of transport frame 74 and jack system which is incorporated in a self-propelled modular trailer (SPMT) 76 illustrated in FIGS. 6-10 .
- the transfer system 71 facilitates the removal of a bucket wheel assembly 40 from the boom 12 a of a bucket wheel reclaimer 10 a .
- the transfer system 71 comprises the transport frame 74 which is configured to support the bucket wheel assembly 40 from a location beneath the bucket wheel assembly 40 , and a jack system coupled with the transport frame 74 .
- the jack system is operable to enable contact between the transfer system and the bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- the jack system is provided in or by the SPMT 76 which also is drivable to move or transfer the bucket wheel assembly 40 away from the boom 12 a and the reclaimer 10 a .
- the jack system can be incorporated in the transfer frame 74 itself.
- the transfer system 71 i.e. the transport frame 74 loaded on the SPMT 76
- the reclaimer 10 a is driven into a location where the boom 12 a can be lowered onto the support cradle 72 such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- the boom 12 a is luffed down and slewed to a designated slew angle ensuring access by the transport frame 74 and SPMT 76 .
- a hold down rope may be slung about the boom connection and secured.
- additional jacking cylinders may be installed to jack against the boom 12 a to positively arrest the position of the boom 12 a prior to commencing decoupling of the bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show sequentially the transfer system 71 being driven underneath the bucket wheel assembly 40 to the purposes of removing the bucket wheel assembly 40 from the boom 12 a .
- FIG. 6 shows the transfer system 71 , constituted by the SPMT 76 on which the transport frame 74 is carried, being driven in alignment with and toward the bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- FIG. 7 shows the SPMT 76 and the transport frame 74 (i.e. the transfer system 71 ) beneath the bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- the jacking points 58 on the structural frame 42 are in alignment with but spaced from corresponding seats 78 on the underlying transport frame 74 .
- the removal of the conveyor belt may be part of a planned conveyor belt change out.
- the bucket wheel assembly 40 can now be jacked upwardly using the jack system of the SPMT 76 to lift the hooks 66 above the corresponding locating pins on the boom 12 a . This is also shown in FIG. 8 .
- the bucket wheel assembly 40 is now totally free of the boom 12 a and its load is fully supported by the transfer system 71 .
- the transfer system 71 /SPMT 76 can be driven to a maintenance location. During this process the SPMT 76 can be operated to lower the bucket wheel assembly 40 thereby lowering the centre of gravity and enhancing safety.
- FIG. 10 a shows a maintenance platform 82 and associated transport frame supports 84 at a maintenance location.
- the maintenance platform 82 includes stairs and walkways to enable easy access by maintenance staff to the bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- the SPMT 76 is driven so that shoulders 86 of the transport frame 74 are in alignment with the supports 84 as shown in FIG. 10 b .
- the SPMT 76 is now lowered so that the shoulders 86 engage the supports 84 .
- the load of the transport frame 74 is now carried by the supports 84 , as depicted in FIG. 10 c .
- the shoulders 86 can be bolted to the supports 84 prior to the SPMT 76 being further lowered and driven out from under the transport frame 74 , as shown in FIG. 10 d.
- the SPMT 76 is then driven to pick up a new or refurbished bucket wheel assembly 40 ′ for installation on the front end of the boom 12 a , as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the new or refurbished bucket wheel assembly 40 ′ is supported on another transport frame 74 at a location near the support cradle 72 and elevated for example on supports similar to the supports 84 to enable the SPMT 76 to drive beneath the transport frame 74 .
- FIGS. 12-17 c show a second embodiment of the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 and associated method and equipment for swapping out an assembly 40 for a refurbished or new assembly 40 .
- the same reference numbers will be used as for the use embodiment to denote the same or substantially same features.
- the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that both have a structural frame 42 which supports the bucket wheel 44 and connects onto the boom 12 a ; and utilise a transfer system 71 having a transfer frame 74 and SPMT 76 to support and move bucket wheel assemblies 40 to and from the boom 12 a .
- a transfer system 71 having a transfer frame 74 and SPMT 76 to support and move bucket wheel assemblies 40 to and from the boom 12 a .
- the connecting mechanisms operating between the structural frame 42 and the boom 12 a as well as differences in how the transfer system 71 and in particular the transfer frame 74 engages the structural frame 42 .
- an access platform 88 is utilised that supports the transfer frame 74 and provides multiple degrees of movement for adjusting the position of the bucket wheel assembly 40 which may greatly assist in the reconnection of the bucket wheel assembly 40 to the reclaimer.
- the structural fame 42 supports the ring chute 48 and associated discharge chute 50 which is coupled with the bucket wheel 44 , wheel shaft, bearings and drive unit as in the previous embodiment although not individually visible in these figures.
- the structural frame 42 has a mounting structure 60 that includes a rectangular frame 61 and a number of connecting mechanisms for connecting the bucket wheel assembly 40 to the boom 12 a.
- the structural frame 42 of this embodiment has only two types and a total of four connecting mechanisms, as shown in FIG. 13 .
- the first type of connecting mechanism is in the form of pins 91 that pass through respective pad eyes formed on the rectangular frame 61 at a location corresponding to the hooks 66 of the first embodiment.
- Each pad eye locates between corresponding pairs of lugs 95 formed at each upper corner of the front end of the boom 12 a .
- Respective pins 91 can then be inserted to couple a pad eye and a corresponding pair of lugs 95 .
- a second form of connecting mechanism used in this embodiment is a fish plate 68 like that described in relation to the first embodiment. However here only two fish plates are used, one of each lower corner of the rectangular frame 61 .
- the fish plates 68 have a large tolerance for misalignment. While the vertical position is restrained by the pins 91 , a vertical key is applied in the fish plates 68 to align the connection in horizontal direction.
- FIG. 12 shows the general structure of the bucket wheel assembly 40 as well as the setup for removing and installing a bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- the bucket wheel assembly 40 is attached to a front end of the boom 12 a , with the boom 12 a located in its normal storm parking position and tied onto the support cradle 72 .
- the access platform 88 is adjacent the support cradle 72 .
- the transfer system 71 is also shown located underneath the bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- FIGS. 14 a -14 c show the support cradle 72 used in this embodiment.
- the cradle 72 is designed to lock the boom 12 a positively against vertical and horizontal movements and to take the significant uplift forces once the bucket wheel assembly 40 has been removed.
- the cradle 72 has a structure which includes a vertical mainframe 90 that is braced backwards.
- Two hydraulic tie-down mechanisms 87 with integrated mechanical locking assemblies are installed on top of the cradle 72 .
- Packer plates 89 are inserted between boom 12 a and cradle upper cross beam 96 , once the boom 12 a has been lowered.
- the boom is 12 a pinned to the tie down mechanism 87 and pulled against the packer plates 89 with controlled hydraulic pressure, then mechanically locked in position.
- two conventional hand operated spindle mechanisms 98 are installed each side of the cross beam 96 of the cradle 72 . Minor boom adjustment is possible within the backlash allowance of the slew gear. Access to the tie down cradle 72 is provided from the access platform 88 .
- FIGS. 15 a -15 c illustrate an embodiment of the access platform 88 .
- the main purpose of the access platform 88 is to provide adequate access around the bucket wheel assembly 40 during routine maintenance activities and for the bucket wheel assembly replacement procedure so that all necessary work can be executed safely from dedicated walkways without the need of temporary access via EWP or scaffolding.
- the access platform 88 also supports the transport frame 74 loaded with the bucket wheel assembly 40 and accommodates horizontal forces resulting from the alignment of the transport frame, and wind loads.
- the access platform 88 has two main horizontal beams 100 on either side of a central opening providing a parking space for the transfer system 71 (SPMT 76 and the transport frame 74 ).
- SPMT 76 transfer system 71
- the transfer system 71 is located within the central opening the legs of the transport frame 74 are supported on the horizontal beams 100 .
- All horizontal total movements of the transport frame 74 are actuated and controlled via hydraulic cylinders that on the longitudinal main beams 100 and on a cross beam 102 at the back of the platform 88 .
- the bucket wheel assembly 40 can be aligned properly and effectively with the connection points of the boom 12 a from the very course position attributed to the transfer system 71 /SPMT 76 travel, to a precise position enabling structural reconnection.
- the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 is adjustable in the horizontal plane by hydraulic cylinders mounted at each corner of the access platform 88 and a set of hydraulic cylinders mounted to the back cross beam 102 .
- the cylinders may be operated from ground level via portable power packs and with the assistance of spotters.
- the transport frame 74 rests on the longitudinal beams 100 and the SPMT 76 needs to be removed beforehand.
- Vertical adjustment of the bucket wheel assembly 40 is achieved via the jack system of the transfer frame 71 , which comprises four hydraulic cylinders located under the support pins between bucket wheel assembly 40 and cradle.
- the cylinders are operated in a 4/3 configuration which allows tilting about the longitudinal axis with the two independent back cylinders and tilting about the traverse axis with the two combined front cylinders.
- vertical adjustment may be in the order +100 mm under load of the assembly 40 .
- FIG. 16 shows an example of the transport frame 74 in this embodiment.
- the frame 74 is formed with legs 104 and shoulders 86 .
- the legs 104 enables the frame 74 to be placed on the ground while the shoulders 86 are configured to sit on the longitudinal beams 100 .
- the jack system is provided as a part of the transport frame 74 and is embodied by four vertical lift and lock mechanisms 106 .
- the mechanisms 106 are at locations corresponding those of the seats 78 in the first embodiment for engaging the jacking points 58 of the structural frame 42 .
- a front cross beam 108 of the transport frame 74 may have a bolted connection enabling removal during long term storage (but will need to be reinstalled for transport).
- the bucket wheel 44 with buckets 46 attached can be rotated when resting on the transport frame 74 .
- FIGS. 17 a - c show the lift and lock mechanisms 106 and transport frame 74 coupled with the assembly 40 and transport frame 74 .
- Each of the lock mechanisms includes a threaded and tapered pin 110 with hole clearance inside of a corresponding bracket 112 .
- Two nuts 114 , 116 are provided to lock (nut 114 ) and to counter lock (nut 116 ) the position.
- the bracket 112 provides sufficient clearance to support the pin 110 with a hydraulic jack 118 which is operable to extend and retract the pin 110 to adjust the vertical position of the assembly 40 .
- the assembly 40 is locked with the four pins 110 to the transport frame 74 .
- the pins 110 are pushed into counter sections formed in the jacking points 58 of the structural frame 42 .
- the change out of a rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 involves respective: parking; tiedown; removal and installation procedures. These are broadly described below.
- the transport frame 74 on the SPMT 76 (i.e. the transfer system 71 ) is driven into the central opening of the platform 88 , then lower the SPMT to place the shoulders 86 on the longitudinal beams 100 .
- the boom 12 a is fully restrained against uplift and lateral movements. This involves in this embodiment the boom 12 a being pulled down to the tie down cradle 72 and secured in vertical and lateral direction. With reference to FIGS. 14 a -14 c this can be achieved with the following procedure performed at both sides of the support cradle 72 simultaneously:
- the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 is removed as follows:
- FIGS. 18-22 show a third embodiment of the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 and associated method and equipment for swapping out an assembly 40 for a refurbished or new assembly 40 .
- the same reference numbers will be used as for the use embodiment to denote the same or substantially same features.
- This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-17 c in that it uses a transfer system 71 having a transport cradle 74 having a jack system comprised of four jacks to engage jacking points on the structural frame 42 of the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 , and uses a pin connection at the top corners of the structural frame 42 adjacent the boom 12 a and bolted connections at the bottom two corners, similar to the pins 91 and fish plate 68 shown in FIG. 13 .
- the transfer system 71 has rail mounted bogie system 132 rather than a SPMT 76 as in the first and second embodiments.
- the bogie system 132 supports a structure 130 that includes a transport frame 74 as well as an integrated work platform.
- the bogie system 132 enables the transfer system 71 and associated transport frame 74 to move along mutually orthogonal rail tracks 138 , 142 .
- the bogie system 132 comprises: a first bogie system enabling movement of the transport frame 74 parallel to and in alignment with the boom 12 a along the tracks 138 as shown by double headed arrow 140 ; and a second bogie system enabling movement of the transport frame 74 transverse to the boom 12 a along the tracks 142 as shown by double headed arrow 144 .
- the bogie systems are equipped with drives to roll in and roll out the assembly 40 .
- no additional manipulation equipment such as a trailer, or SPMT
- SPMT trailer, or SPMT
- the second bogie system When the transfer system 71 and supported assembly 40 is being moved along tracks 138 by the first bogie system, the second bogie system is disengaged. Conversely when the transfer system 71 and supported assembly 40 is being moved along the tracks 142 by the second bogie system, the first bogie system is disengaged. Engagement and disengagement of the bogie systems is achieved using hydraulics. The second bogie system is disengaged during travel along the tracks 138 and is activated with a hydraulic system once the transverse tracks 142 are reached. Fully engaged, the first bogie system is lifted/retracted and transverse movement along rail 142 is possible. The complete process mitigates potential risk by not needing any manual work in the vicinity of the cradle
- the rail mounted transfer system 71 can achieve minimal down time, accurate pre-adjustment and risk mitigation.
- the transfer system 71 with the new assembly 40 ′ can be located on the rails by trailer or SPMT prior to the shutdown because it is outside of the operation limit of the reclaimer. As mentioned previously, no interaction with other transport equipment during shut down is needed.
- a hydraulic trailer or SPMT 76 ( FIG. 20 ) can be placed underneath the frame 74 and the complete unit can be lifted and transported
- the bucket wheel reclaimer 10 a is driven to a maintenance area and slewed to locking position at 32° slew angle.
- the boom 12 a is lowered onto a support cradle (ground mounted ballast), with the boom 12 a luffed to approximately ⁇ 10°.
- the horizontal adjustment of the bucket wheel assembly 40 relative to the tracks may be done by spindles mounted on the storm tower.
- the boom 12 a is locked to the ground by either a manual or hydraulic mechanism mounted onto the ground mounted ballast structure. Then a degree of pretension between boom and ground mounted ballast is generated by bleeding off the luff cylinders of the reclaimer 10 a .
- the pretension is required to have just minimal movement during the change out process between the boom 12 a and the bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- Embodiments of the disclosed rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 provide the genesis for a new form of boom for a reclaimer.
- the boom comprises the combination of a first structural portion and the structural frame 42 of the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- This combination provides the substantive structural and operational features of a boom of a conventional reclaimer but of course has the benefit that the bucket wheel assembly 40 which includes the structural frame 42 can be decoupled together with the remaining components of the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 as a single unit.
- An embodiment of the disclosed method for performing maintenance on and/or repairing a bucket wheel reclaimer includes an initial and prerequisite step of forming the boom of the reclaimer as a first structural portion and a demountable structural frame coupled to a front end of the first structural portion.
- the structural frame includes the structural frame 42 of the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 .
- the maintenance thereafter involves uncoupling the structural frame 42 from the front end of the boom; and lifting the bucket wheel assembly 40 by the structural frame 42 . This is achieved by attaching the structural frame 42 to a lifting machine via the lifting points 58 .
- the use of cranes can be avoided by lifting the assembly from below, using a jack system.
- the transfer system 71 can initially support the rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 during decoupling of the structural frame 42 from the remainder of the boom. Once the structural frame 42 is decoupled a vehicle can move or transport the bucket wheel assembly 40 which of course includes the structural frame 42 as a single unit to a maintenance location.
Abstract
Description
- A rotable bucket wheel assembly and a method for refurbishing a bucket wheel reclaimer are disclosed.
- The maintenance and repair of a rotable bucket wheel assembly of a bucket wheel reclaimer are difficult and expensive exercises. In one method, this may involve the disassembly of component parts of the rotable bucket wheel assembly such as the bucket wheel itself, drive system, drive shaft, bearings, ring chute and discharge chute. While this disassembly occurs, and maintenance is being performed the bucket wheel reclaimer is unable to operate.
- To speed up the maintenance process and thereby minimise downtime it has been proposed to construct a rotable bucket wheel assembly as an integral unit that can be disconnected from a bucket wheel reclaimer and moved as a unit to a maintenance location. While this is occurring a new or refurbished rotable bucket wheel assembly can be fitted to the reclaimer to enable normal operation.
- The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms a part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art.
- In one aspect there is disclosed rotable bucket wheel assembly for coupling to a boom of a bucket wheel reclaimer comprising:
-
- a bucket wheel;
- a shaft coupled to the bucketwheel;
- bearings through which the shaft extends; and
- a structural frame on which the bucket wheel and shaft are supported,
- wherein the structural frame is arranged for demountable attachment to a boom of a bucket wheel reclaimer.
- a bucket wheel;
- In one embodiment the structural frame comprises a plurality of coupling points to enable coupling to a transfer system to facilitate transferring the load of the bucket wheel assembly from the boom to the transfer system whereby the bucket wheel assembly is capable of being transported away from the boom by the transfer system.
- In one embodiment the coupling points are configured to facilitate coupling with the transfer system when the transfer system is disposed beneath the structural frame.
- In one embodiment the structural frame is provided with a plurality of connecting mechanisms configured to cooperate with complementary connecting mechanisms on the boom, wherein when the structural frame is attached to the boom the connecting mechanisms on the frame engage the connecting mechanisms on the frame.
- In one embodiment the connecting mechanisms comprise locating elements formed on the structural frame and arranged to cooperate with associated locating elements on the boom and wherein upon engagement of the locating elements remaining connecting mechanisms on the structural frame are in alignment with associated remaining connecting mechanisms on the boom.
- In one embodiment the locating elements comprise hooks formed on the structural frame.
- In one embodiment the locating elements comprise a plurality of pad eyes configured to receive coupling pins.
- In one embodiment the rotable bucket assembly comprises a drive system mounted on the shaft.
- In one embodiment the rotable bucket assembly comprises a conveyor pulley rotatably coupled to the structural frame.
- In various embodiments the rotable bucket wheel assembly may also include any one or any combination of two or more of:
-
- a discharge chute,
- buckets attached to the bucket wheel,
- a ring chute,
- a discharge chute,
- a plurality of rollers located adjacent the discharge chute, and
- quick disconnect power and communications cables and water and lubrication hoses
- The structural frame of the assembly forms a part of the boom of the bucket wheel reclaimer. Therefore, embodiments of the disclosed assembly can facilitate the maintenance of a rotable bucket wheel of a bucket wheel reclaimer by decoupling the structural frame from the remaining part of the boom and moving it to maintenance location. The bucket wheel assembly can be placed back into operation during the maintenance by attaching the structural frame of a like assembly to the boom.
- In a second aspect there is disclosed a boom for a rotable bucket wheel reclaimer comprising:
-
- a first structural portion having a front end; and
- a structural frame demountable coupled to the front end of the first structural portion wherein the structural frame is the structural frame of a rotable bucket wheel assembly according to the first aspect.
- In a third aspect there is disclosed a method of refurbishing a bucket wheel reclaimer having a boom supporting a rotable bucket wheel assembly the method comprising:
-
- forming the boom as a first structural portion and a demountable structural frame coupled to a front end of the first structural portion wherein the structural frame is the structural frame of a rotable bucket wheel assembly in accordance with the first aspect;
- uncoupling the structural frame from the front end of the boom; and
- moving the bucket wheel assembly as a single unit to a maintenance location.
- In on embodiment, moving the bucket wheel assembly comprises transferring the load of the bucket wheel assembly to a transfer system disposed beneath the structural frame.
- In one embodiment the method comprises locating a transfer system beneath the structural frame and engaging the coupling points of the structural system with the transfer system wherein the transfer system carries the load of the bucket wheel assembly.
- In one embodiment the method comprises disconnecting the connecting mechanisms of the structural frame from associated connecting mechanisms on the boom when the load of the bucket wheel assembly is transferred to the transfer system.
- In one embodiment transferring the load of the bucket wheel assembly comprises operating a jack system on the transfer system.
- In one embodiment the rotable bucket assembly comprises forming the transfer system as a transfer frame and a self-propelled modular trailer on which the transfer frame is demountable supported.
- In one embodiment locating the transfer system comprises driving the self-propelled modular trailer on which the transfer frame is demountable supported to a position wherein the transfer frame is below the structural frame.
- In one embodiment engaging the coupling points of the structural system with the transfer system comprises one or both of (a) operating the self-propelled modular trailer to lift the transfer frame into contact with the structural frame; and (b) operating a jack system on the transfer frame.
- In one embodiment the method comprises forming the transfer system as a transfer frame on bogie mounted on a rail system.
- In one embodiment locating the transfer system comprises driving the bogie on the rail system to a position wherein the transfer frame is below the structural frame.
- In a fourth embodiment there is disclosed a transfer system for facilitating the removal of a bucket wheel assembly from a boom of a bucket wheel reclaimer, the transfer system comprising a transport frame configured to support the bucket wheel assembly from a location beneath the bucket wheel assembly, and a jack system coupled with the transport frame and located on a portion of the transfer frame wherein the when operated the jack system is able to contact the bucket wheel assembly and transfer the load of the bucket wheel assembly to the transfer frame.
- In one embodiment the transfer system comprises: a trailer or self-propelled modular trailer or a rail mounted bogie on which the transfer frame is supported.
- In various embodiments the rotable bucket wheel assembly may also include any one or any combination of:
-
- a discharge chute,
- buckets attached to the bucket wheel,
- a ring chute,
- a discharge chute,
- a plurality of rollers located adjacent the discharge chute
- a drive unit to rotate the bucket wheel,
- a conveyor pulley,
- quick disconnect power and communications cables and water and lubrication hoses
- The structural frame of the assembly forms a part of the boom of the bucket wheel reclaimer. Therefore, embodiments of the disclosed assembly can facilitate the maintenance of a rotable bucket wheel of a bucket wheel reclaimer by decoupling the structural frame from the remaining part of the boom and moving it to maintenance location. The bucket wheel assembly can be placed back into operation during the maintenance by attaching the structural frame of a like assembly to the boom.
- Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the apparatus and method as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a photograph of a prior art bucket wheel reclaimer; -
FIGS. 2a and 2b are photographs from different angles of a front portion of a boom of a prior art bucket wheel reclaimer showing a rotable bucket wheel; -
FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are isometric, plan and elevation views respectively of a first embodiment of the disclosed rotable bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the disclosed rotable bucket wheel reclaimer which incorporates an embodiment of the rotable bucket wheel assembly shown inFIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c -
FIG. 5 is a representation of the boom with attached bucket wheel assembly coupled to a support cradle; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a transfer system utilised in the method for refurbishing the bucket wheel assembly being driven toward the boom in support cradle shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 shows the transfer system located underneath but spaced from the bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 8 shows a transfer system coupled with the bucket wheel assembly and elevating the bucket wheel assembly relative to the boom to uncouple it from the boom, and showing hooks of the structural frame disengaged with associated pins on the boom; -
FIG. 9 shows the transfer system transporting the disconnected bucket wheel assembly away from the boom; -
FIG. 10a shows transfer system approaching a maintenance platform; -
FIG. 10b shows transfer system in position ready to offload the bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 10c shows transfer system operated to transfer the load of the bucket wheel assembly to the maintenance platform; -
FIG. 10d shows a self-propelled mobile trailer of the transfer system being driven out from the maintenance platform; -
FIG. 11 depicts one possible arrangement of a maintenance area facilitating the swap out of a rotable bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the disclosed bucket wheel assembly and associated equipment to enable performance of a second embodiment of a method for refurbishing or swapping out the bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of two types of connection mechanism that may be incorporated in the second embodiment of the disclosed bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 14a is a schematic representation of a support cradle that may be incorporated in a method of refurbishing or swapping out a bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 14b is an enlarged view of a portion of the support cradle shown inFIG. 14 a; -
FIG. 14c is a partial section view of a portion of the support cradle shown inFIG. 14 a; -
FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a maintenance platform that may be incorporated in the second embodiment of the disclosed method; -
FIG. 15b is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the bucket wheel assembly located within the maintenance platform shown inFIG. 15a and depicting possible degrees of freedom of movement applicable to the bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 15c is a further representation of the second embodiment of the bucket wheel assembly in the maintenance platform but depicting additional degrees of freedom of movement applicable to the bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a transport frame that may be used in the second embodiment of the disclosed method, and incorporated in a transfer system used to perform the disclosed method; -
FIG. 17a is a representation of the transport frame shown inFIG. 16 supporting a bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 17b the schematic representation of a portion of a jack system incorporated in the transport frame shown inFIG. 17 a; -
FIG. 17c the schematic representation of a lift and lock mechanisms of the jack system incorporated in the transport frame shown inFIG. 17 a; -
FIG. 18 is representation of a third embodiment of the rotable bucket wheel assembly coupled to a boom of a reclaimer showing an approaching track mounted transfer system for performing of a third embodiment of the disclosed method for refurbishing or swapping out the bucket wheel assembly; -
FIG. 19 shows the third embodiment of the disclosed rotable bucket wheel assembly disconnected from the boom and being transported by the transfer system shown inFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 shows the disconnected rotable bucket wheel assembly and transfer system ofFIG. 19 together with a refurbished or new bucket wheel assembly on a second transfer system approaching the boom; -
FIG. 21 shows a portion of the transfer system shown inFIGS. 18-20 . -
FIG. 1 shows a prior artbucket wheel reclaimer 10. Thereclaimer 10 has aboom 12 with arotable bucket wheel 14 supported at a front end. Theboom 12 is pivotally connected at an end opposite thebucket wheel 14 to abody structure 16. Atower 18 extends upwardly from thebody structure 16 and mechanically supports the front end of theboom 12. Thereclaimer 10 has rail wheels which run on as associate rail, and aswitch room 22. -
FIGS. 2a and 2b provide a close-up view of a front end portion of theboom 12 of thebucket wheel reclaimer 10. Thebucket wheel 14 is rotatably supported at the front end of theboom 12. Thebucket wheel 14 is shown with a plurality of attachedbuckets 24 and aring chute 26. Material picked up by thebuckets 24 as thebucket wheel 14 rotates is dropped by gravity into thering chute 26 and channeled onto andunderlying conveyor 27. - When the
bucket wheel 14 is being maintained or repaired it may be decoupled from theboom 12 and lifted by a crane onto a transport vehicle, driven to a maintenance location, then lifted again by crane from the vehicle onto a purpose-built jig to facilitate maintenance and/or repair. -
FIGS. 3a -4 depict an embodiment of the disclosed rotable bucket wheel assembly 40 (herein after also referred to as “bucket wheel assembly 40” or “assembly 40”) coupled to aboom 12 a of abucket wheel reclaimer 10 a. Thebucket wheel assembly 40 includes astructural frame 42 that in use forms a structural part of the boom of a bucket wheel reclaimer. Thestructural frame 42 supports abucket wheel 44 having a plurality of attachedbuckets 46; aring chute 48 and associateddischarge chute 50. Thebucket wheel 44 is attached to the middle ofshaft 51, which is supported by two bearings (one shown asitem 52, the other being hidden under the bucket wheel discharge chute). The drive unit is attached to theshaft 51 to provide the rotation torque, and the drive unit is also attached to thestructure 42. Thestructural frame 42 couples to a portion of the reclaimer boom and transfers the load of theassembly 40 to the reclaimer boom when the reclaimer is in operation. - The
bucket wheel assembly 40 may also include a plurality ofrollers 54 in the form of conveyor belt idler support/troughing rollers. Therollers 54 are located adjacent thedischarge chute 50. When thebucket wheel assembly 40 is in use, thebucket wheel 44 rotates relative to thering chute 48/discharge chute 50. Material picked up by thebuckets 46 is held in the buckets by thering chute 48 and is then dumped by gravity onto thedischarge chute 50 onto a conveyor (not shown) that runs over therollers 54. - Also supported on the
structural frame 42 forward of therollers 54 is aboom conveyor pulley 56. A reclaimer boom conveyor (not shown), which runs along the length of the boom, turns about thepulley 54. - The
structural frame 42 is provided with a plurality of coupling points 58 to facilitate connection to a machine to enable the rotablebucket wheel assembly 40 to be supported and lifted relative to the boom and then moved away from the reclaimer for example to a repair/maintenance location. The coupling points 58 are distributed about thestructural frame 42 to ensure that the load of the rotablebucket wheel assembly 40 is substantially balanced when supported and lifted by the crane. The coupling points may be in the form of pinned coupling, hooked couplings or bolted couplings. The coupling points 58 in this embodiment are configured to facilitate coupling with a jacking mechanism or machine disposed beneath thestructural frame 42. In this instance the coupling points 58 also act as jacking points. Therefore, in this embodiment there is no need for a crane to lift thestructural frame 42 and thebucket wheel assembly 40, but rather a mechanism or machine beneath thebucket wheel assembly 40. - The ability to swap out a
bucket wheel assembly 40 without the use of a crane has advantages over know prior art methods. Theassembly 40 may have a mass in the order of 130 tonnes or more. Therefore, a heavy lift crane would be required. Such cranes are very expensive to hire and due to their limited number not always available particularly if an off-cycle maintenance and repair is required. This is of course not to say that in other embodiments the coupling points 58 cannot be arranged to facilitate connection with a crane. - Looking more closely the
structural frame 42 has: -
- a mounting
structure 60 that lies in a generally vertical plane and facilitates mounting of thebucket wheel assembly 40 to the remainder of theboom 12 a; - a
base structure 62 that lies in a generally horizontal plane and is fixed to the mountingstructure 60; and - a plurality of diagonally extending
braces 64 running from a upper end of the mountingstructure 60 to thebase structure 62.
- a mounting
- The mounting
structure 60 includes arectangular frame 61 and a number of connecting mechanisms for connecting thebucket wheel assembly 40 to the rest of theboom 12 a of a correspondingbucket wheel reclaimer 10 a. In this embodiment there are six connecting mechanisms although in other embodiments this number may vary. Also, three different types of connecting mechanisms are incorporated. A first type incorporates or comprises locating elements, in this embodiment in the form ofhooks 66, one at each of the upper corners of therectangular frame 61. Thehooks 66 are configured to sit on and engage corresponding pins fixed to the distal end of theboom 12 a. - A second type of connecting mechanism incorporated in this embodiment is a
fish plate 68. Threefish plates 68 are provided as part of the mountingstructure 60. Onefish plate 68 is on an upper element of therectangular frame 61 in line with and midway between thehooks 66. One of each of the remaining twofish plates 68 are located at the lower corners of therectangular frame 61. These two fish plates are in orthogonal plane to thefish plate 68 on the upper element. - A third type of connecting mechanism in this embodiment is a shear key 70 (
FIG. 3b ). This is in alignment with and midway between thefish plates 68 at the lower corners of therectangular frame 61. - When coupled to the
boom 12 a thehooks 66 carry the vertical load of theassembly 40 andshear key 70 transmits lateral forces resulting from operation of thereclaimer 10 a. Thefish plates 68 are bolted to the front end of theboom 12 a to demountably fix theassembly 40 to theboom 12 a. - Additionally, during the reattachment of the
assembly 40 thehooks 66 assists in aligning thebucket wheel assembly 40 and in particular thefish plates 68 to facilitate an operational connection to theboom 12 a -
FIGS. 4 to 11 show sequentially an embodiment of the disclosed method for replacing/refurbishing abucket wheel assembly 40. - To start the removal of the
bucket wheel assembly 40, thereclaimer 10 a is driven to a location where a front end of theboom 12 a can be lowered onto a tie downcradle 72. As shortly explained the removal of thebucket wheel assembly 40 also uses atransfer system 71 which in this embodiment comprises the combination oftransport frame 74 and jack system which is incorporated in a self-propelled modular trailer (SPMT) 76 illustrated inFIGS. 6-10 . In general terms thetransfer system 71 facilitates the removal of abucket wheel assembly 40 from theboom 12 a of abucket wheel reclaimer 10 a. Thetransfer system 71 comprises thetransport frame 74 which is configured to support thebucket wheel assembly 40 from a location beneath thebucket wheel assembly 40, and a jack system coupled with thetransport frame 74. - The jack system is operable to enable contact between the transfer system and the
bucket wheel assembly 40. Here the jack system is provided in or by theSPMT 76 which also is drivable to move or transfer thebucket wheel assembly 40 away from theboom 12 a and thereclaimer 10 a. But in other embodiments described later the jack system can be incorporated in thetransfer frame 74 itself. - One possible procedure for the removal of the
bucket wheel assembly 40 will now be described. - As a precursor to decoupling the
bucket wheel assembly 40 from theboom 12 a the transfer system 71 (i.e. thetransport frame 74 loaded on the SPMT 76) is driven close to the tie downcradle 72. Thereclaimer 10 a is driven into a location where theboom 12 a can be lowered onto thesupport cradle 72 such as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 . Theboom 12 a is luffed down and slewed to a designated slew angle ensuring access by thetransport frame 74 andSPMT 76. - A hold down rope may be slung about the boom connection and secured. Optionally additional jacking cylinders may be installed to jack against the
boom 12 a to positively arrest the position of theboom 12 a prior to commencing decoupling of thebucket wheel assembly 40. -
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show sequentially thetransfer system 71 being driven underneath thebucket wheel assembly 40 to the purposes of removing thebucket wheel assembly 40 from theboom 12 a.FIG. 6 shows thetransfer system 71, constituted by theSPMT 76 on which thetransport frame 74 is carried, being driven in alignment with and toward thebucket wheel assembly 40. -
FIG. 7 shows theSPMT 76 and the transport frame 74 (i.e. the transfer system 71) beneath thebucket wheel assembly 40. The jacking points 58 on thestructural frame 42 are in alignment with but spaced from correspondingseats 78 on theunderlying transport frame 74. - With the
boom 12 a is supported on thesupport cradle 72 and arrested against uncontrolled movement: -
- electrical, grease, air, water, and comms services are disconnected;
- the
boom conveyor belt 80 together with associated scrapers and can be removed (as seen inFIG. 8 which show theroller 56 without the associated belt 80); and - the bolts connecting the
fish plates 68 to the front end of theboom 12 a can now be safely removed.
- As an aside, the removal of the conveyor belt may be part of a planned conveyor belt change out.
- The
bucket wheel assembly 40 can now be jacked upwardly using the jack system of theSPMT 76 to lift thehooks 66 above the corresponding locating pins on theboom 12 a. This is also shown inFIG. 8 . Thebucket wheel assembly 40 is now totally free of theboom 12 a and its load is fully supported by thetransfer system 71. - As shown in
FIG. 9 thetransfer system 71/SPMT 76 can be driven to a maintenance location. During this process theSPMT 76 can be operated to lower thebucket wheel assembly 40 thereby lowering the centre of gravity and enhancing safety. -
FIG. 10a shows amaintenance platform 82 and associated transport frame supports 84 at a maintenance location. Themaintenance platform 82 includes stairs and walkways to enable easy access by maintenance staff to thebucket wheel assembly 40. TheSPMT 76 is driven so thatshoulders 86 of thetransport frame 74 are in alignment with thesupports 84 as shown inFIG. 10b . TheSPMT 76 is now lowered so that theshoulders 86 engage thesupports 84. The load of thetransport frame 74 is now carried by thesupports 84, as depicted inFIG. 10c . Theshoulders 86 can be bolted to thesupports 84 prior to theSPMT 76 being further lowered and driven out from under thetransport frame 74, as shown inFIG. 10 d. - The
SPMT 76 is then driven to pick up a new or refurbishedbucket wheel assembly 40′ for installation on the front end of theboom 12 a, as shown inFIG. 11 . The new or refurbishedbucket wheel assembly 40′ is supported on anothertransport frame 74 at a location near thesupport cradle 72 and elevated for example on supports similar to thesupports 84 to enable theSPMT 76 to drive beneath thetransport frame 74. - The sequence for installation is in essence the reverse of that for the removal and in summary involves the following steps:
-
-
SPMT 76 is driven to lie beneath thetransport frame 74 - The jack system of the
SPMT 76 is operated so that theSPMT 76 contacts and takes the load of thetransport frame 74, reforming thetransfer system 71 - Secure the
transport frame 74 to theSPMT 76 - Drive out and lower the
transfer system 71/SPMT 76 down for travel - Drive the
SPMT 76 to thereclaimer boom 12 a - Position the
SPMT 76 with thebucket wheel assembly 40 in front of theboom 12 a - Operate the jack system of the
transfer system 71, which is incorporated in theSPMT 76 to a position where thehooks 66 are above the corresponding pins on theboom 12 a - Manoeuvre the
transfer system 71/SPMT 76 to accurately locate thehooks 66 with the corresponding pins, and thefish plates 68 with a corresponding connection points on theboom 12 a - Lower the
bucket wheel assembly 40 into the final boarding position with theshear key 70 engaged - Bolt down the
bucket wheel assembly 40 - Operate the jack system to lower the
SPMT 76 to clear thebucket wheel assembly 40 to enable it to be driven out - Drive the
SPMT 76 away from the reclaimer with thetransfer frame 74 - Reconnect all disconnected lines and install the new conveyor belt, the conveyor belt scrapers and control equipment
- Transport to the
transfer frame 74 to a designated storage area where it is unloaded; - Demobilise the SPM to 76.
-
-
FIGS. 12-17 c show a second embodiment of the rotablebucket wheel assembly 40 and associated method and equipment for swapping out anassembly 40 for a refurbished ornew assembly 40. In describing this embodiment, the same reference numbers will be used as for the use embodiment to denote the same or substantially same features. - The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that both have a
structural frame 42 which supports thebucket wheel 44 and connects onto theboom 12 a; and utilise atransfer system 71 having atransfer frame 74 andSPMT 76 to support and movebucket wheel assemblies 40 to and from theboom 12 a. There are however differences in the connecting mechanisms operating between thestructural frame 42 and theboom 12 a as well as differences in how thetransfer system 71 and in particular thetransfer frame 74 engages thestructural frame 42. Also, as explained in greater detail below in this embodiment anaccess platform 88 is utilised that supports thetransfer frame 74 and provides multiple degrees of movement for adjusting the position of thebucket wheel assembly 40 which may greatly assist in the reconnection of thebucket wheel assembly 40 to the reclaimer. - The
structural fame 42 supports thering chute 48 and associateddischarge chute 50 which is coupled with thebucket wheel 44, wheel shaft, bearings and drive unit as in the previous embodiment although not individually visible in these figures. Thestructural frame 42 has a mountingstructure 60 that includes arectangular frame 61 and a number of connecting mechanisms for connecting thebucket wheel assembly 40 to theboom 12 a. - However instead of three different types and a total of six connecting mechanisms; the
structural frame 42 of this embodiment has only two types and a total of four connecting mechanisms, as shown inFIG. 13 . - The first type of connecting mechanism is in the form of
pins 91 that pass through respective pad eyes formed on therectangular frame 61 at a location corresponding to thehooks 66 of the first embodiment. Each pad eye locates between corresponding pairs oflugs 95 formed at each upper corner of the front end of theboom 12 a.Respective pins 91 can then be inserted to couple a pad eye and a corresponding pair oflugs 95. - A second form of connecting mechanism used in this embodiment is a
fish plate 68 like that described in relation to the first embodiment. However here only two fish plates are used, one of each lower corner of therectangular frame 61. Thefish plates 68 have a large tolerance for misalignment. While the vertical position is restrained by thepins 91, a vertical key is applied in thefish plates 68 to align the connection in horizontal direction. -
FIG. 12 shows the general structure of thebucket wheel assembly 40 as well as the setup for removing and installing abucket wheel assembly 40. Thebucket wheel assembly 40 is attached to a front end of theboom 12 a, with theboom 12 a located in its normal storm parking position and tied onto thesupport cradle 72. Theaccess platform 88 is adjacent thesupport cradle 72. Thetransfer system 71 is also shown located underneath thebucket wheel assembly 40. -
FIGS. 14a-14c show thesupport cradle 72 used in this embodiment. Thecradle 72 is designed to lock theboom 12 a positively against vertical and horizontal movements and to take the significant uplift forces once thebucket wheel assembly 40 has been removed. Thecradle 72 has a structure which includes avertical mainframe 90 that is braced backwards. - Two hydraulic tie-down
mechanisms 87 with integrated mechanical locking assemblies are installed on top of thecradle 72. Packer plates 89 are inserted betweenboom 12 a and cradleupper cross beam 96, once theboom 12 a has been lowered. The boom is 12 a pinned to the tie downmechanism 87 and pulled against the packer plates 89 with controlled hydraulic pressure, then mechanically locked in position. - For lateral restraint of the
boom 12 a, two conventional hand operatedspindle mechanisms 98 are installed each side of thecross beam 96 of thecradle 72. Minor boom adjustment is possible within the backlash allowance of the slew gear. Access to the tie downcradle 72 is provided from theaccess platform 88. -
FIGS. 15a-15c illustrate an embodiment of theaccess platform 88. The main purpose of theaccess platform 88 is to provide adequate access around thebucket wheel assembly 40 during routine maintenance activities and for the bucket wheel assembly replacement procedure so that all necessary work can be executed safely from dedicated walkways without the need of temporary access via EWP or scaffolding. Theaccess platform 88 also supports thetransport frame 74 loaded with thebucket wheel assembly 40 and accommodates horizontal forces resulting from the alignment of the transport frame, and wind loads. - The
access platform 88 has two mainhorizontal beams 100 on either side of a central opening providing a parking space for the transfer system 71 (SPMT 76 and the transport frame 74). When thetransfer system 71 is located within the central opening the legs of thetransport frame 74 are supported on thehorizontal beams 100. All horizontal total movements of thetransport frame 74 are actuated and controlled via hydraulic cylinders that on the longitudinalmain beams 100 and on across beam 102 at the back of theplatform 88. With this arrangement thebucket wheel assembly 40 can be aligned properly and effectively with the connection points of theboom 12 a from the very course position attributed to thetransfer system 71/SPMT 76 travel, to a precise position enabling structural reconnection. - The rotable
bucket wheel assembly 40 is adjustable in the horizontal plane by hydraulic cylinders mounted at each corner of theaccess platform 88 and a set of hydraulic cylinders mounted to theback cross beam 102. The cylinders may be operated from ground level via portable power packs and with the assistance of spotters. For this purpose, thetransport frame 74 rests on thelongitudinal beams 100 and theSPMT 76 needs to be removed beforehand. Vertical adjustment of thebucket wheel assembly 40 is achieved via the jack system of thetransfer frame 71, which comprises four hydraulic cylinders located under the support pins betweenbucket wheel assembly 40 and cradle. The cylinders are operated in a 4/3 configuration which allows tilting about the longitudinal axis with the two independent back cylinders and tilting about the traverse axis with the two combined front cylinders. In one non-limiting example vertical adjustment may be in the order +100 mm under load of theassembly 40. -
FIG. 16 shows an example of thetransport frame 74 in this embodiment. Theframe 74 is formed withlegs 104 and shoulders 86. Thelegs 104 enables theframe 74 to be placed on the ground while theshoulders 86 are configured to sit on thelongitudinal beams 100. In contrast to the first embodiment in this embodiment the jack system is provided as a part of thetransport frame 74 and is embodied by four vertical lift and lockmechanisms 106. Themechanisms 106 are at locations corresponding those of theseats 78 in the first embodiment for engaging the jackingpoints 58 of thestructural frame 42. - To enable easy access for the
assembly 40 replacement, afront cross beam 108 of thetransport frame 74 may have a bolted connection enabling removal during long term storage (but will need to be reinstalled for transport). Thebucket wheel 44 withbuckets 46 attached can be rotated when resting on thetransport frame 74. -
FIGS. 17a-c show the lift and lockmechanisms 106 andtransport frame 74 coupled with theassembly 40 andtransport frame 74. Each of the lock mechanisms includes a threaded and taperedpin 110 with hole clearance inside of acorresponding bracket 112. Twonuts bracket 112 provides sufficient clearance to support thepin 110 with ahydraulic jack 118 which is operable to extend and retract thepin 110 to adjust the vertical position of theassembly 40. During transport and horizontal adjustment, theassembly 40 is locked with the fourpins 110 to thetransport frame 74. Thepins 110 are pushed into counter sections formed in the jackingpoints 58 of thestructural frame 42. - The change out of a rotable
bucket wheel assembly 40 involves respective: parking; tiedown; removal and installation procedures. These are broadly described below. -
-
- The
reclaimer 10 a is driven to its parking position - The storm lock pin is engaged
- The
boom 12 a is slewed to the parking position - The
boom 12 a is lowered to the primary parking limit - The
boom 12 a is lowered to the final parking limit - The
reclaimer 10 a is isolated and washed down
- The
- Prior to the tie down procedure commencing, the
transport frame 74 on the SPMT 76 (i.e. the transfer system 71) is driven into the central opening of theplatform 88, then lower the SPMT to place theshoulders 86 on thelongitudinal beams 100. - The
boom 12 a is fully restrained against uplift and lateral movements. This involves in this embodiment theboom 12 a being pulled down to the tie downcradle 72 and secured in vertical and lateral direction. With reference toFIGS. 14a-14c this can be achieved with the following procedure performed at both sides of thesupport cradle 72 simultaneously: -
- The
boom 12 a is adjusted and locked in lateral direction by use of thespindle 98 and associated hand-wheel. - Packer plates 89 are fitted into a gap between the
boom 12 a and the support for tie down - A hydraulic tie down
mechanism 87 is connected to theboom 12 a and mechanically locked against upward movement of the boom - The
boom 12 a is pulled down to the packer plates 89 by use of the tie down mechanism - The tie down
mechanism 87 is locked mechanically - The reclaimer luff cylinders (not shown) are bled off so the full weight of the boom uplift is supported by the cradle.
- The
- The rotable
bucket wheel assembly 40 is removed as follows: -
- Both strands of the conveyor belt are clamped at both sides of the connecting interface
- Cut both strands at the connecting interface
- Disconnect all services (water, lubrication, power and instrumentation)
-
Align transport frame 74 with the assembly in horizontal plane using the hydraulics of theplatform 88 - Connect the
assembly 40 to thetransport frame 74 in vertical direction with theretractable pins 110 of the jack system - Take the load of the
assembly 40 with thehydraulic jacks 118 and secure using thenuts - Remove the bolted connection of the
fish plates 68 - Remove the
pin connection 91 assisted by jacking action of the vertical cylinders - Lift the
assembly 40 on thetransport frame 74 by use of theSPMT 76 - Ensure that the
assembly 40 is clear ofplatform 88 and clear oflugs 95 ready for removal and drive it out - Transport the assembly to a temporary storage location and unload
- The installation of a new or refurbished
assembly 40 is performed as follows: -
- Drive a
transfer system 71 via its corresponding SPMT 76 (which is adifferent SPTM 76 to the one carrying the previously removed assembly 40) with a new/refurbished assembly supported on atransport frame 74 into the central opening of theplatform 88 - Operate the
SPMT 76 to lower thetransport frame 74 so that theshoulders 86 are on thebeams 100 of theaccess platform 88 but clear of the connection face with theboom 12 a - Adjust the location of the
frame 74 andassembly 40 to fit to the connection of the boom - Pull the
assembly 40 into the connecting position by use of the hollow plunger cylinders on the transport frame 74 (the push cylinders push against theplatform 88 to fine tune the position of thetransport frame 78 relative to the platform 88) - Further adjust as necessary the location of the
assembly 40 using the hydraulics of thetransport frame 74 to align the pad eyes of the structural frame between thelugs 95 - Install the
pins 91 - Readjust if necessary
- Bolt the
fish plates 68 to theboom 12 a - Disconnect the assembly form the
transport frame 74 - Connect and recommission all services (water, lubrication, power and instrumentation)
- Reverse the tie-down procedure
- Drive a
-
FIGS. 18-22 show a third embodiment of the rotablebucket wheel assembly 40 and associated method and equipment for swapping out anassembly 40 for a refurbished ornew assembly 40. In describing this embodiment, the same reference numbers will be used as for the use embodiment to denote the same or substantially same features. - This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment shown in
FIGS. 12-17 c in that it uses atransfer system 71 having atransport cradle 74 having a jack system comprised of four jacks to engage jacking points on thestructural frame 42 of the rotablebucket wheel assembly 40, and uses a pin connection at the top corners of thestructural frame 42 adjacent theboom 12 a and bolted connections at the bottom two corners, similar to thepins 91 andfish plate 68 shown inFIG. 13 . - With reference to
FIGS. 18-20 a substantive difference however lies in the motive aspect of thetransfer system 71 for moving theassembly 40 supported on atransport cradle 74 of thetransfer system 71 to facilitate the swapping out theworn assembly 40 for a new or refurbishedassembly 40. In this embodiment thetransfer system 71 has rail mountedbogie system 132 rather than aSPMT 76 as in the first and second embodiments. Thebogie system 132 supports astructure 130 that includes atransport frame 74 as well as an integrated work platform. Thebogie system 132 enables thetransfer system 71 and associatedtransport frame 74 to move along mutuallyorthogonal rail tracks - The
bogie system 132 comprises: a first bogie system enabling movement of thetransport frame 74 parallel to and in alignment with theboom 12 a along thetracks 138 as shown by double headedarrow 140; and a second bogie system enabling movement of thetransport frame 74 transverse to theboom 12 a along thetracks 142 as shown by double headedarrow 144. - The bogie systems are equipped with drives to roll in and roll out the
assembly 40. Thus, during the shutdown of the reclaimer no additional manipulation equipment (such as a trailer, or SPMT) is needed which may cause additional down time as the cradle has to be moved also sideways. - When the
transfer system 71 and supportedassembly 40 is being moved alongtracks 138 by the first bogie system, the second bogie system is disengaged. Conversely when thetransfer system 71 and supportedassembly 40 is being moved along thetracks 142 by the second bogie system, the first bogie system is disengaged. Engagement and disengagement of the bogie systems is achieved using hydraulics. The second bogie system is disengaged during travel along thetracks 138 and is activated with a hydraulic system once thetransverse tracks 142 are reached. Fully engaged, the first bogie system is lifted/retracted and transverse movement alongrail 142 is possible. The complete process mitigates potential risk by not needing any manual work in the vicinity of the cradle - The rail mounted
transfer system 71 can achieve minimal down time, accurate pre-adjustment and risk mitigation. Thetransfer system 71 with thenew assembly 40′ can be located on the rails by trailer or SPMT prior to the shutdown because it is outside of the operation limit of the reclaimer. As mentioned previously, no interaction with other transport equipment during shut down is needed. - If the
worn assembly 40 is to be transported to a different location for maintenance work a hydraulic trailer or SPMT 76 (FIG. 20 ) can be placed underneath theframe 74 and the complete unit can be lifted and transported - The procedure for changing out a
bucket wheel assembly 40 using thetransfer system 71 will now be described. - 1. Positioning of Machine
- Prior the shutdown an
empty transfer system 71 and atransfer system 71 with a refurbishedbucket wheel assembly 40 are placed on top of the rail system by hydraulic trailer or SPMT in the maintenance area. - The
bucket wheel reclaimer 10 a is driven to a maintenance area and slewed to locking position at 32° slew angle. - 2. Fixing Machine to ground mounted ballast
- The
boom 12 a is lowered onto a support cradle (ground mounted ballast), with theboom 12 a luffed to approximately −10°. The horizontal adjustment of thebucket wheel assembly 40 relative to the tracks may be done by spindles mounted on the storm tower. - The
boom 12 a is locked to the ground by either a manual or hydraulic mechanism mounted onto the ground mounted ballast structure. Then a degree of pretension between boom and ground mounted ballast is generated by bleeding off the luff cylinders of thereclaimer 10 a. The pretension is required to have just minimal movement during the change out process between theboom 12 a and thebucket wheel assembly 40. - 3. Bucket wheel head part removal steps.
-
- Relocate the
empty transfer system 71 to a position underneath thebucket wheel assembly 40 by using the travel drives of the transfer bogie system and engage the travel drive brakes. - Adjust the position of all four hydraulic jacks 118 (two shown in
FIG. 21 ) of the jack system and extend jacks towards thestructural frame 42 and in particular the coupling points 58. No pressure is applied when the jacks touch thestructural frame 42 but hydraulic lines of the jack system are closed. For additional safety all jacks may be equipped with locking nuts. - Disconnect and unplug all electrical, communication, lubrication, and water lines between
boom 12 a andassembly 40. - Install belt pulling equipment in front of the
boom 12 a for worn belt removal. - Cut the belt on top side and pull out worn belt.
- Open all bolts of the fish plate connection at a bottom chord of the
boom 12 a. - Open adjustment screws of the two front jacks so that the movement in boom direction towards the boom end is not locked by the screw (approximately 20 mm gap).
- Jack up the two front hydraulic jacks so that a gap (for example 10 mm) is created between the flanges at the bolt connection of the boom bottom chord.
- Lock the adjustment screws at the front jacks again and ensure that all other adjustment screws are locked for avoiding any movement of a single jack.
- Jack up the rear jacks to bring the load acting on the pins at the top chord close to zero.
- Secure jacks with locking nuts.
- Retract the pins at the top chord. This may be done by using a hydraulic push-pulling jack.
- Lower the
bucket wheel assembly 40 down onto fixed stools by using all four jacks of the jacking system. - Insert bolts to fix connection between
transfer system 71 and thebucket wheel assembly 40. - Drive the
transfer system 71 with thebucket wheel assembly 40 away from theboom 12 a along thetracks
- Relocate the
- 4. New
bucket wheel assembly 40 attachment steps -
- Drive
transfer system 71 with the refurbishedbucket wheel assembly 40 along thetracks - Lift up the
bucket wheel assembly 40 by using the jack system (i.e. the four hydraulic jacks) on top of thetransfer frame 74 towards the vertical hard stops on theboom 12 a next to the pin connection - Secure jacks with locking nuts
- Adjust the
bucket wheel assembly 40 in a horizontal plane towards the hard stop next to the pin connection as required by using the adjustment screws positioned around the hydraulic jacks. - Insert the
pin 91 to connect the pad eyes of thestructural frame 42 to thelugs 95 of theboom 12 a. - Operate the jack system to remove the load from the
transfer system 71. - Connect the fish plates at the bottom chord of the
boom 12 a with those of thestructural frame 42. - Drive
empty transfer system 71 out to a storage position along thetracks - Connect the cable, water and lubrication connection between
boom 12 a andassembly 40. - Insert new a new conveyor belt by using belt pulling equipment.
- Disconnect the
boom 12 a from thesupport structure 72 and associated the ground mounted ballast.
- Drive
- Embodiments of the disclosed rotable
bucket wheel assembly 40 provide the genesis for a new form of boom for a reclaimer. The boom comprises the combination of a first structural portion and thestructural frame 42 of the rotablebucket wheel assembly 40. This combination provides the substantive structural and operational features of a boom of a conventional reclaimer but of course has the benefit that thebucket wheel assembly 40 which includes thestructural frame 42 can be decoupled together with the remaining components of the rotablebucket wheel assembly 40 as a single unit. - An embodiment of the disclosed method for performing maintenance on and/or repairing a bucket wheel reclaimer includes an initial and prerequisite step of forming the boom of the reclaimer as a first structural portion and a demountable structural frame coupled to a front end of the first structural portion. In this method the structural frame includes the
structural frame 42 of the rotablebucket wheel assembly 40. The maintenance thereafter involves uncoupling thestructural frame 42 from the front end of the boom; and lifting thebucket wheel assembly 40 by thestructural frame 42. This is achieved by attaching thestructural frame 42 to a lifting machine via the lifting points 58. The use of cranes can be avoided by lifting the assembly from below, using a jack system. Thetransfer system 71 can initially support the rotablebucket wheel assembly 40 during decoupling of thestructural frame 42 from the remainder of the boom. Once thestructural frame 42 is decoupled a vehicle can move or transport thebucket wheel assembly 40 which of course includes thestructural frame 42 as a single unit to a maintenance location. - In the claims which follow, and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the apparatus and method as disclosed herein.
Claims (21)
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2018903907A AU2018903907A0 (en) | 2018-10-16 | A rotatable bucket wheel assembly for a bucket wheel reclaimer and an associated method for refurbishing the bucket wheel reclaimer | |
AU2018903907 | 2018-10-16 | ||
AU2019900592A AU2019900592A0 (en) | 2019-02-25 | A rotatable bucket wheel assembly for a bucket wheel reclaimer and an associated method for refurbishing the bucket wheel reclaimer | |
AU2019900592 | 2019-02-25 | ||
PCT/AU2019/051123 WO2020077402A1 (en) | 2018-10-16 | 2019-10-16 | A rotable bucket wheel assembly and a method for refurbishing an associated bucket wheel reclaimer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20210355650A1 true US20210355650A1 (en) | 2021-11-18 |
Family
ID=70282855
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/286,159 Pending US20210355650A1 (en) | 2018-10-16 | 2019-10-16 | A rotable bucket wheel assembly and a method for refurbishing an associated bucket wheel reclaimer |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20210355650A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3867452A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2019361734A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3116780A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020077402A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN112506193B (en) * | 2020-11-27 | 2021-10-12 | 华能国际电力股份有限公司上海石洞口第二电厂 | Automatic monitoring protection system of cantilever type bucket wheel machine |
WO2022137074A1 (en) * | 2020-12-21 | 2022-06-30 | Flsmidth A/S | Bucket wheel chute assembly |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3500563A (en) * | 1967-09-15 | 1970-03-17 | Barber Greene Co | Wheel-type top loading machine and method |
US4037735A (en) * | 1976-01-13 | 1977-07-26 | Fried, Krupp Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung | Reclaiming and stacking system |
US20050040015A1 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2005-02-24 | Schlegel Hans J. | Stacker reclaimer method and apparatus |
US20090273159A1 (en) * | 2007-05-05 | 2009-11-05 | American Heavy Moving and Rigging, Inc. | Dual lane multi-axle transport vehicle |
US20120138426A1 (en) * | 2010-10-14 | 2012-06-07 | Vale S/A | Reclaimer machine |
WO2017144095A1 (en) * | 2016-02-25 | 2017-08-31 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Bucket wheel machine system with lifting arrangement |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
PL2231500T3 (en) * | 2008-03-25 | 2013-12-31 | Andrew Laurence Carr | Mobile lifting assembly |
-
2019
- 2019-10-16 AU AU2019361734A patent/AU2019361734A1/en active Pending
- 2019-10-16 WO PCT/AU2019/051123 patent/WO2020077402A1/en unknown
- 2019-10-16 CA CA3116780A patent/CA3116780A1/en active Pending
- 2019-10-16 US US17/286,159 patent/US20210355650A1/en active Pending
- 2019-10-16 EP EP19874224.9A patent/EP3867452A4/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3500563A (en) * | 1967-09-15 | 1970-03-17 | Barber Greene Co | Wheel-type top loading machine and method |
US4037735A (en) * | 1976-01-13 | 1977-07-26 | Fried, Krupp Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung | Reclaiming and stacking system |
US20050040015A1 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2005-02-24 | Schlegel Hans J. | Stacker reclaimer method and apparatus |
US20090273159A1 (en) * | 2007-05-05 | 2009-11-05 | American Heavy Moving and Rigging, Inc. | Dual lane multi-axle transport vehicle |
US20120138426A1 (en) * | 2010-10-14 | 2012-06-07 | Vale S/A | Reclaimer machine |
WO2017144095A1 (en) * | 2016-02-25 | 2017-08-31 | Sandvik Intellectual Property Ab | Bucket wheel machine system with lifting arrangement |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2020077402A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
EP3867452A4 (en) | 2022-07-13 |
CA3116780A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
EP3867452A1 (en) | 2021-08-25 |
AU2019361734A1 (en) | 2021-05-20 |
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