In the demanding and rugged world of underground and hard rock mining, efficiency, safety, and reliability are of significant importance.
As mines operate in harsh environments, the equipment used must withstand extreme conditions and continue to perform optimally. Hose kits, provided by Hardy Spicer, a part of Motion, have emerged as a crucial solution for the mining industry, offering numerous advantages that enhance operations and safeguard workers.
Nathan Garland, product manager of hydraulic hose and fittings at Motion, plays a pivotal role within the company’s product team.
Alongside other industry professionals, Garland focuses on ensuring the alignment of suppliers and a competitive go-to-market strategy. He provides essential support to Motion’s national network of internal and external stakeholders while striving to deliver products tailored to diverse mining applications.
A hose kit is a comprehensive package comprising of hydraulic hose assemblies tailored to specific applications or equipment, along with the necessary fittings for seamless installation.
“Our hose kits help streamline operations, reduce inventory, and minimise downtime during overhauls, ensuring that the correct products are readily available for optimal efficiency in the field,” Garland said.
“In underground mining, hose assemblies within a kit typically feature flexible rubber hydraulic hoses with three layers: an outer rubber cover, a reinforcement layer (spiral or wire braid), and an inner tube compatible with the conveyed fluid.
“These assemblies are then coupled with OEM-matched ends and further protected by additional layers to meet application-specific standards.”
Underground and hard rock mining pose numerous challenges, including extreme temperatures, pressure fluctuations, and continuous equipment articulation.
“We rely on quality hoses and fittings to meet these challenges head-on,” Garland said. “Our leading Fluid Power Solutions brands offer superior durability, flexibility, and resistance to ozone and abrasion with their hoses.”
Moreover, these hose kits undergo stringent testing and comply with industry guidelines such as MDG41 and RS23.
“Pressure testing ensures that our assemblies are reliable and compliant with ISO 6605, SAE J343, or AS 1180.5 standards,” Garland said.
“We also fit burst sleeve to provide exceptional diffusion abrasion resistance, enhancing safety and overall performance.”
Read the full article here.