Faena:
Deadline 08/06/2023
Closing Time 4:00 pm
In plant, crushing and tailings area of Minera Antucoya, there are different types of overland belts, transfer belts, with and without elevation (at different levels and slopes), etc. The change of idlers is a frequent task in these material handling systems, which is carried out during plant shutdown periods, reducing the exposure of the workers involved to risks. The change of idlers requires manipulating the belt (by releasing and/or lifting it), moving the structure that supports the idlers (bedplate) to a safe working position, and then removing and replacing the idlers. It should be noted that the idlers that need to be replaced come in different sizes, materials and weights ranging from 22 kg to 70 kg. Normally, the replacement of the idlers is carried out manually by a crew of previously trained specialist workers. Due to the potential risks involved in the handling of these idlers during their change, the objective is to avoid exposure of the workers to risk.
Solutions are required to facilitate the change of idlers during the plant shutdown period (belt stopped) in a safe and integral way. The proposed solutions are expected to address some of the following technology areas: complementary tools or mechanised / automated / remote-controlled systems.
The proposed solution must:
A training station has been implemented to simulate the task of changing the idlers in order to give the operators a more realistic approach to the procedure.
Consultancy or engineering studies