Used in ore storage and homogenization yards—more commonly known as yard machines—these are large-scale assets of great importance to mining companies. This equipment is responsible for handling materials during construction or reclamation operations. Accordingly, this article discusses the company’s work on the stability analysis of an ore reclamation facility.

The Kot Blog has an expository text on the structural analysis of one of these machines and you can check it out here.

Introduction

In this regard, Kot undertook the task of analyzing a bucket wheel reclaimer. The equipment has been in operation since 2006 and handles iron ore at high capacity. During operation, the machine is capable of moving parallel to the material piles and also rotating around its own axis. In addition, the equipment features a boom capable of tilting vertically parallel to the height of the pile. 

To this end, computational analyses were performed using FEM software. The three-dimensional computational model of the recovery unit is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: 3D finite element model of the reclaimer. [1]

First, a finite element model of the recovery unit was created. The machine’s structures composed of structural profiles were modeled as beam elements and statically verified in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the standard. Similarly, the other structures composed of structural plates were modeled as shell elements and evaluated according to international standard criteria. For example, some of the loads considered in the analysis are listed below.

 

• • Weight of the metal structure and installed equipment;

• • Loading material onto the belt conveyor;

• • Dynamic effects of material transport on the belt;

• • Overloading of stairs, walkways, platforms and roofs;

• • Loads due to operating wind;

• • Chute blockage.

Subsequently, after modeling, applying loads, and setting boundary conditions, the machine was evaluated from a structural standpoint. Further details on this analysis can be found in Succes story .

Case Study: Structural Analysis of an Ore Recovery Machine

Stability analysis

Global stability analysis consists of assessing the possibility of a machine tipping over. To do this, the stability safety index, defined by standard, is calculated for all combinations of loads and operating situations relevant to the study.

Two separate stability studies were conducted for the recycling machine: one considering only the rotating mass and the other considering the entire machine. The first analysis determined whether there was a risk that the anti-tip device would be activated, while the second analyzed the risk of the machine tipping over completely.

Figure 2 shows the stability polygon evaluated in the stability analysis of the upper part of the machine. Each edge of the polygon is considered a possible tipping axis that would trigger the anti-tip device.

Figure 2: Stability polygon considered in the analysis of the rotating structure. [1]

Figure 3 illustrates the stability polygon evaluated in the stability analysis of the complete machine. Similarly, each edge is also considered a possible roll axis for the reclaimer.

Figure 3: Stability polygon considered in the analysis of the complete reclaimer. [1]

In addition, in order to validate the results and the model created, Kot installed extensometers at various points in the equipment’s translational system. Next, after installing the sensors, the company’s team carried out a controlled operation, rotating the equipment to vary the loads on each leg of the gantry in order to measure the variations in deformation via extensometry.

Consequently, the results obtained in both stability analyses were positive, and the machine was approved from this standpoint. It should be noted that the analysis revealed that the anti-rollover system would not be activated, and in both analyses, all stress ratios found were below the safety factor. 

In addition, the data obtained from the field instrumentation proved crucial for validating the study, as it was possible to determine the equipment's center of gravity with the aid of the finite element model.

Conclusion

In short, the stability analysis of yard machinery is an extremely important study for companies. After all, the overturning of such equipment can cause catastrophic accidents, resulting in fatalities, production downtime, and incalculable financial losses.

Kot has a great interest and a wide range of knowledge to study various engineering contexts. Contact our team for more information!

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References:

[1] Kot Engenharia Collection.