Keeping coal on the move - coal handling systems and technologies

FLSmidth, major supplier of equipment and services to the global cement and minerals industries, employs over 15,000 staff in more than 40 countries, with project and technology centres located close to its customers around the world, writes David Woodruff, Key Industry Director, Coal at FLSmidth. Serving customers in the cements and minerals industries, FLSmidth offers a wide range of products, from single machinery to complete plants and facilities. In addition, the company also takes a full-service approach before, during and after installation; offering customers expertise in project management, engineering and other professional services.

FLSmidth supplies the world’s leading mining and power companies with a wide range of equipment. Very few companies can match FLSmidth’s coverage of the entire flowsheet, from run-of-mine material to the final product. Specific to coal handling, it can customize multiple product solutions through offering a range of mobile and fixed crushers, sizers for in-pit or out-of-pit applications, and fixed or mobile conveyors configurable to optimize any mine site. Within FLSmidth’s conveyor line, it has successfully supplied trough and pipe conveyors for many coal handling applications. In addition, FLSmidth has a range of shiploaders and unloaders, including pneumatic, grab- and screw-type models.

Examples of FLSmidth’s large-scale coal handling projects include:

• the Tutupan project in Indonesia, where a major out-of-pit crushing and conveying system is nearing completion;
• the recent installation of a ship-unloader for a new coal-fired power plant owned by Vattenfall at Hamburg port in Germany;
• Mozambique, where FLSmidth has been called upon to supply material handling equipment for two phases of the new Moatise Coal mine for Vale; 
• the supply of a bucket wheel stacker reclaimer to JSW Energy Ltd. in India, which will have a stacking capacity of 4,000tph (tonnes per hour) and can reclaim material at 2,000tph; and
• also in India, FLSmidth is working with NTPC-Tamil Nadu Energy Company Ltd. to construct an external coal handling package including a 4,000tph pipe conveyor.

Vale has long been a client of FLSmidth. The recently awarded Vale project contract includes design, detailing, fabrication, supply, delivery to site, supervision of erection and commissioning together with start-up assistance. In accordance with FLSmidth's One Source strategy, full lifecycle support will be supplied from the FLSmidth service centre in Tete, Mozambique. The material handling equipment to be supplied includes a crushing plant and in-plant and stockyard conveyors. The crushing plant consists of a tip bin, feeders, primary, secondary and tertiary sizers as well as supporting steel structures and auxiliaries. The process equipment includes FLSmidth Ludowici® Reflux Classifiers and horizontal belt filters. FLSmidth has previously delivered a crushing plant and filters for the first phase of the Moatize mine along with a contract for supply of equipment for Vale’s Nacala Port expansion. This second phase of the project will enable Vale to approximately double the production capacity at the mine.

FLSmidth’s coal handling project with PT Adaro in Indonesia is nearing completion. The material handling equipment is part of the client’s mining operations expansion which will enable a decrease of the average hauling distance of the overburden trucking operations, and therefore, the company's dependency on oil. The supplied equipment comprises an out-of-pit overburden crushing and conveying system, consisting of FLSmidth ABON® sizers,RAHCO® overland conveyors, and RAHCO mobile stacking conveyors. The system has a capacity of 12,000tph and an annual overburden volume of 40 million bank cubic metres. FLSmidth’s Indonesia office will provide the mine with customer service aftermarket support.

As mentioned earlier, FLSmidth recently supplied two grab ship-unloaders and one shiploader in a coal handling project to Vattenfall Europe Power Energy in Moorburg, Germany. The system capacity is 1,500tph with a grab capacity of 32–40 tonnes. The boom working area is 38m longitudinal travel. The shiploader operates at 200 to 1,000tph.

To remain competitive, the FLSmidth team understands that it is not just about what equipment they offer, but how the company operates, as well. With global sourcing strategies, cost- efficient engineering practices, and streamlined manufacturing, FLSmidth has the expertise and worldwide systems in place to provide competitive pricing on its quality equipment offerings.

For example, FLSmidth is directly supervising a manufacturing project in China involving the manufacturing of 12,000 tonnes of steel. FLSmidth also has several service Supercentres that have been opened to foster partnerships with both customers and local communities. These Supercentres are strategically located close to both mining and cement operations, and offer parts warehouses, conference rooms, testing facilities and training centers.

DEVELOPING TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGIES

FLSmidth has always had a strong emphasis on innovative design, and is leveraging R&D, customer focus and industry know-how to hold a strong position in today’s competitive marketplace. FLSmidth’s focus is on delivering the best, full-service solutions for their clients’ needs. The company is aggressively pursuing development of several new technologies and applying R&D

improvements to many existing product lines. Equipment for in-pit crushing and conveying (IPCC) applications such as the Triple Track Mobile Sizer and Dual Truck Mobile Sizer are evidence that they are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in mining.

RAHCO DUAL TRUCK MOBILE SIZER

The Dual Truck Mobile Sizer (DTMS) is the world’s first fully mobile truck dump station and is unique in that it interfaces directly with rear dump trucks. The DTMS works like a large, mobile, shovel- fed sizing station, but with the added benefit of truck haulage to ensure flexibility and efficiency. In addition, by using a shiftable face conveyor and a mobile overland hopper, a mine can achieve a highly mobile system and a considerable reduction in its fleet of haulage trucks.

WAGON TIPPLER

FLSmidth is currently developing wagon tipplers capable of handling train wagons of varying dimensions. These tipplers will also come on single or tandem configurations depending on capacity requirements.

LARGE CAPACITY STACKING AND RECLAIMING SYSTEMS

With the success of the Tutupan coal handling project in Indonesia and the Karara overburden handling project in Australia, FLSmidth continues to lead the industry in large capacity mobile stacking systems. Success was achieved on both of these projects through working closely with the client to optimize equipment arrangement and function, ensuring top performance at the mine site. Each of these can handle over 12,000tph, reduce operational costs, and also deliver increased sustainability benefits through a reduced carbon footprint.

During the year 2013 Mantsinen Group Ltd Oy continued to grow and strengthen its position in the marketplace, with the vast majority of its machines being sold for use handling coal. Both Mantsinen Group business units — Material Handling Machinery and Logistic Services — expanded successfully into new territories.

The Material Handling Machinery division has focused on hydraulic material handlers and harbour mobile cranes, as well as on attachments to complement the machinery range. Mantsinen material handlers are available from 70 tonnes to over 200 tonnes. All Mantsinen material handlers are available with either diesel or electric engines. Mantsinen provides an undercarriage customized according to the needs of the customer, and all material handlers are available on tracks, on rails, with wheels or stationary.

Mantsinen has a wide range of attachments, such as clamshell buckets, orange peel grabs, roundwood grapples, sawn timber spreaders, big bag spreaders etc., so customers have a complete package from Mantsinen.

Mantsinen is committed to the continuous improvement of its material handler product range.

Environmental issues, such as improving energy efficiency and reducing particulate and noise emissions are important for Mantsinen. Mantsinen HybriLift® has a proven track record of reducing fuel consumption up to 35% and in some cases even more.

Productivity and a long life span are critical features for all material handling equipment. Mantsinen’s R&D team strives to continuously improve the performance of material handlers, and reduce the operational costs.

During 2013, the majority of Mantsinen machines were ordered and delivered to coal handling. Over 70% of total sales was related to coal handling, mainly in Russia. The total amount of coal handled by Russian ports in 2013 was 101.1mt [million tonnes] (+13.3% year-on-year).

SOME OF THE 2013 DELIVERIES INCLUDE:

• one Mantsinen 70 ER for Ege Çelik Endüstrisi Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S¸, Turkey;
• two Mantsinen 70 R for Murmansk Sea Commercial Port OJSC, Russia;
• two Mantsinen 70 R for JSC Terneyles, Russia; v one Mantsinen 120 M HybriLift® for Schuster Entsorgung
• GmbH, Germany; v three Mantsinen 120 R HybriLift® for Murmansk Sea Commercial Port OJSC, Russia; v two Mantsinen 120 R HybriLift® for Visotsk Port, Russia; v one Mantsinen 120 EM HybriLift® for ShoreLink AB, Sweden;
• one Mantsinen 200 ES HybriLift®,Tuapse Commercial Sea Port, Russia.

In 2013 Mantsinen Group turnover was approximately €55 million, with a growth of approximately 5% compared with the previous year. Company turnover has been growing in both business units, Material Handling Machinery and Logistic Services. Mantsinen is a multinational company and employs about 450 people in Finland and Russia. Mantsinen Material Handlers have found customers in nearly 30 different countries and the distribution network is widening rapidly. Mantsinen celebrated its 50 years in material handling business in 2013.

OUTLOOK FOR 2014

The outlook for 2014 is positive. The order book has grown steadily during H2/2013 and reflects the slightly brighter general outlook, especially in the eurozone. Mantsinen holds a leading market position in Russia and new models are taking over Europe as well. Mantsinen has invested in improving distribution network and is establishing dealerships in Asia.

The order book for 2014 includes, among others, the following projects:

• four Mantsinen 70 R,Vanino Commercial Sea Port, Russia (coal handling); 
• one Mantsinen 70 R,Tapojärvi Oy, Finland; 
• two Mantsinen 70 ER, Ege Çelik Endüstrisi Sanayi Ve TicaretA.S¸, Turkey; 
• one Mantsinen 90 ER, Port of Gülluk,Turkey; 
• one Mantsinen 90 M, Goeyvaerts R. bvba, Belgium; 
• four Mantsinen 120 R HybriLift®,Vanino Commercial Sea Port, Russia (coal handling); 
• one Mantsinen 120 EM HybriLift®, Chemion, Germany; 
• two Mantsinen 200 M, Goeyvaerts R. bvba, Belgium; 
• one Mantsinen 200 M, Cuypers Vorkliften nv, Belgium; and 
• one Mantsinen 200 ER, Ugursan Shipping and Port Operations Co, Turkey.

PRODUCT LAUNCH

A major product launch in 2014 will be Mantsinen 200 M HybriLift®, the largest hydraulic material handler on wheels ever produced. The Mantsinen 55 series will be launched summer 2014. New innovations to enhance material handling productivity with even less energy are continuously researched and applications found.

EECV in Rotterdam keeps on expanding and improving. In 2013, its transshipment of coal increased and it installed a new bucketwheel reclaimer with a capacity of 3,500tph (tonnes per hour). EECV chose a direct drive system from Bosch Rexroth for this big bucketwheel. The drive system consists of a Hägglunds MB 1600 motor and a DUe drive unit. It is the seventh bucket wheel reclaimer at EECV with Hägglunds direct drive systems installed and has been in successful operation since February.

VERSATILITY

Direct drives are ideal, not only for the bucket wheel itself, but for many of the main functions on a stacker/reclaimer. Their specific advantages and high torque capacity make them well- suited for heavy duty applications.

At EECV, Hägglunds direct drives are also installed for slewing and long travelling on some of the stacker/reclaimers; on three of the four older stacker/reclaimers the slewing drives have been changed to direct drives, replacing the electric motor with brake, gearbox and open gear stage. Today, Hägglunds CB 840 motors with Bica brake successfully drive the pinions for slewing. The long travel drives on two of the bucketwheel reclaimers have been fitted with Hägglunds CA 50 motors. Govert de Bruin, mechanical manager at EECV, says “These drive systems offer reliability and torque. They are low maintenance, have a long life span and we always receive excellent support.”

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE

THE FIRST DIRECT DRIVE

More than 140,000 trouble-free working hours

EECV was first introduced to the hydraulic direct drive concept in 1984. It had previously experienced problems with variable speed electromechanical drives, leading to high repair costs and unacceptable production losses. At that time, EECV was handling iron ore and considering other options; after considerable research, discussion and investigation, it decided to try an alternative technology. In 1987, EECV installed the first two Hägglunds MA 200 motors on the two apron feeders on one of the ship unloaders. After one year of trouble-free operation, EECV was sufficiently pleased to order an additional four motors for the remaining apron feeders. Today, 26 years later, the first two motors have been running for more than 140,000 hours and are still working perfectly. Only the shaft seals and wear rings have needed to be replaced, but only twice. The apron feeders that were the source of so many headaches in the past now run so well that many people at EECV say they even forget the drives are there. Govert de Bruin says:“Before using the hydraulic drives we had constant headaches. We tried several variable- speed solutions, but we were constantly plagued by unforeseen downtime and high maintenance costs. Ever since we introduced the Hägglunds motors things have been working perfectly.”

THE FIRST BUCKETWHEEL DRIVE

Production increased by 15–20%

Performance of bucket wheel stacker/reclaimers is essential to EECV operations. When problems were encountered here, it chose to install the first hydraulic bucketwheel drive based on its positive experience with direct drives on apron feeders. The solution was the prototype of the Hägglunds MB 1600 motor.

The advantages of direct drive on bucketwheels soon became apparent, with features such as variable speed that optimized material throughput, while overload protection and high starting torque reduced stall delays from the prior 90 seconds down to about ten seconds. In addition, the highly reliable system features low weight that reduces the load on the slewing bearing, while its excellent overload protection has significantly reduced both downtime and maintenance costs, which are even further reduced by soft, smooth starts.

The first hydraulic bucketwheel direct drive was commissioned in April 1991 and has now logged about 50,000 trouble-free hours. After 7,500 hours the motor was opened and inspected in the presence of EECV engineers. The results were impressive: everything was in perfect condition. In 1992 EECV ordered an additional three direct drive systems for its remaining three stacker/reclaimers. The hydraulic bucketwheel drive has boosted production by a total of about 15–20%, depending on materials and circumstances, while simultaneously slashing maintenance costs. Over time, the slewing drive on the first three stacker/reclaimers was also replaced by direct drives.

SMALL BUT POWERFUL

The small, compact Hägglunds CA motors with MDA brakes were soon also found to be suitable for the long travel drives that move the large ship unloaders along the rails. Between 2001 and 2010, direct drives were installed on the long travel drives of the ship unloaders, providing benefits such as simplicity, automatic load-sharing and reduced system complexity. In all, 54 direct drives, 18 on each unloader, were installed on the long travel drives, providing a compact and clean solution around the wheels, fewer components in the contaminated area, and convenient cleaning using water jets. Maintenance also improved and could be concentrated to a single sheltered convenient location.

GOING INTO COAL

In 2005 EECV expanded operations to encompass coal transshipment. Two new stacker/reclaimers and a barge loader were ordered for this purpose. Hägglunds direct drive systems were fitted on the bucketwheel of the stacker/reclaimers, as well as on the long travel drives. The barge loader was fitted with 12 Hägglunds CA motors and Bica brakes. In 2008 coal operations were further expanded with a new ship unloader, a grab-type portal crane with a 65-tonne hoisting capacity. This time around, Hägglunds direct drives were specified for the long travelling wheels, the feeders below the bunker and their head wagons. The long travel drives were equipped with 18 CA 100 motors with MDA 14 brakes, one on each side of a double wheel set. This clean, compact solution results in excellent load-sharing, as well as smooth starting and stopping. Two Hägglunds CB 280s with built-in crossover valve and speed encoder are installed on the feeders, providing advantages such as excellent starting torque and performance, overload protection, and convenient maintenance. Two CA 70s were also installed on the head wagons. Drive units and the rest of the system were engineered, produced and delivered by Bosch Rexroth in a collaborative effort involving its German and Chinese facilities.

EXPERIENCED SERVICE

The drive systems and motors at EECV are handled and maintained by an enthusiastic small team of hydraulic engineers. The teams were previously managed by Govert de Bruin, who is currently mechanical manager at the site. When asked to give his opinion about Bosch Rexroth’s direct drives he does not hesitate:“I’ve known Hägglunds for a long time. Hägglunds stands for torque, longevity, reliability, low maintenance costs and excellent service and support.”

The latest addition to Rexroth’s wide range of products is the Hägglunds CBM motor, released in late 2012, yet another direct drive that is advantageous for many heavy duty applications. The new motor opens up new possibilities. The CBM not only handles heavier workloads, but also occupies less space and places less weight on the driveshaft. This allows customer machines, and in some cases the facilities that house them, to be smaller, lighter and simpler. The motor’s reduced installation requirements, combined with improved productivity, can translate into lower overall investment and higher long-term revenue. Added to this are the unique operating advantages of a hydraulic direct drive: full torque from zero speed, protection from shock loads, overload protection and four-quadrant operation. 

In the following article, Peter Cooperman of Triple Point Technology discusses how hydraulic fracturing has set the stage for US coal to enter international markets and create historic levels of volatility for market participants. Leaders in the coal industry, including Rio Tinto,Vale and Anglo American rely on Triple Point Technology software to navigate this volatility, manage risk and optimize their end-to-end supply chain operations.

INTRODUCTION

Market sentiment suggests that the coal industry must prepare for a volatile year in 2014. Many companies will find themselves in an unfamiliar role as the flow of energy-related exports and imports change course. New technology in the form of specialized equipment and techniques used to recover natural gas and oil, combined with regulation to limit emissions is due to have a lasting impact in world markets. Among those in the energy industry, coal producers and traders are most likely to experience dramatic effects that will reduce regional selling opportunities and force them into international markets. A larger footprint brings on new levels of complexity alongside a disappearance of long-term contracts and a growing number of spot transactions.

The impact of these changes increases the level of risk present in today’s market that can only be addressed using enterprise commodity management and supply chain optimization software. Triple Point’s Commodity XL for CoalTM, Commodity XL Pit to Port®, and Commodity XL PortVu enterprise software solutions are relied on by world leaders in the coal industry to guide decisions that mitigate commodity risk, maximize blending and processing efficiency and optimize end-to- end coal supply chains.

THE NATURAL GAS EFFECT

North America has become a world leader in hydraulic fracturing and the natural gas recovered has had a major impact on all competing energy commodities, but none as much as coal. While still the leading source of power generation in the United States, it appears to be only a matter of time before natural gas takes over. Miners and traders in North American markets are feeling the constraints of lower margins and displaced demand, as investments are made to bring natural gas to more parts of the country through investments in pipelines, processing plants, refineries, and other infrastructure. Meanwhile, environmental regulations and low relative prices have already motivated many power plants to replace coal-fired plants with new gas-burning facilities. Even the plants that continue to rely on coal are relying less heavily on long-term futures contracts and are instead demanding spot market transactions. Regional coal mining operations are finding themselves in a business ending sea of risk and the only way to escape is through expansion into international markets.

Historically, one could argue that little more than a handshake solidified a deal between a coal mine and a local power generator. A short supply chain between a coal mine and a local power generator was easy to manage and quality concerns could be addressed quickly when they arose. International contracts tend to take quality extremely seriously. A mine owner must remain diligent in properly assessing the quality and location of a given stockpile.

Similarly, a trader must know what stockpiles they can pull from, and when making deals each risks losing potential profit or facing severe penalties of the stock piles are not blended properly. In fact, the biggest penalties are issued when the wrong quality of coal is put on a vessel. Suddenly, a small regional operation will find itself with a new series of challenges that must be overcome before a contract is struck or a coal shipment begins its journey to the buyer.

Logistics is probably the most complex challenge; however, it also represents the largest profit opportunity. International market success requires upstream and midstream coal participants to have better visibility into their end-to-end supply chain from pit to port and from port to end user. As the number of contracts and parties involved increase, the risk that a shipment will be delayed, arrive early or be otherwise unacceptable increases exponentially. A manual process to properly manage the risk associated with participation in today’s coal markets is beyond the capabilities of most organizations. Technology has become a key component and is needed to succeed.

TURN TO TECHNOLOGY

Triple Point Technology’s Commodity XL for Coal, Commodity XL Pit to Port, and Commodity XL PortVu help its clients mitigate commodity risk and optimize end-to-end supply chains. Rio Tinto, Anglo American and Vale rely on Triple Point Technology software to analyse data and distribute relevant information to the correct people so they can make profitable decisions. The following features are just some of the capabilities that organizations gain when they select Triple Point Technology as their commodity management and supply chain software provider.

Commodity XL for Coal

• manage contracts of increasing complexity;
• combine physical and financial reporting;
• apply ‘what-if’ analyses to make better trades;
• gather business operations information into a central data repository; and
• increase visibility across an organization granting the ability to react quickly and ensure efficient operations.

Commodity XL Pit to Port and Commodity XL PortVu

• manage physical supply chain from pit to customer;
• perform quality assurance/blending in field, nearly eliminating the risk of an out-of-spec product being put on a vessel;
• determine ideal blend ratios to maximize profitability and meet all contract commitments by minimizing deviation from spec;
• optimize logistics with an integrated view of terminal operations and an ability to forecast and view actual movements;
• maintain business continuity in the wake of an unexpected event or circumstance with near real-time stock and quality data for coal supplies located all over the world; and
• gain further insight with 2D and 3D modelling of stockpile qualities and locations.

Triple Point Technology® is a major global provider of on-premise and in-cloud Commodity Management software that delivers advanced analytics for optimizing end-to-end commodity and energy value chains. The company provides innovative solutions for managing all aspects of volatile commodity supply chains: trading, procurement, enterprise risk, logistics, scheduling, storage/inventory, processing, settlement, and accounting. Triple Point has customers in 35+ countries across industries including energy, metals, minerals, chemicals, agriculture, shipping, consumer products, food and beverage, retail, and manufacturing. The company employs staff in 15 offices and support centres worldwide.

Euroports has four main coal cargo hubs in Germany, Italy and Spain. A consolidated volume of 1.9mt (million tonnes) of coal was handled at Marghera and Vado’s (Italy) Euroports terminals. Handling an average of one seagoing vessel of coal per week has made the Italian facilities main entry points for coal into Italy and its natural hinterland. In Tarragona (Spain), Euroports operates one of the most important maritime gates for this traffic at national level, with a dedicated coal terminal with a 700,000- tonne instant storage capacity; it is the largest terminal in the Mediterranean. TheRostock,Germany,facilitieshandle approximately 1mt of coal per year for the supply of local power plants. The company is further developing its services to secure its position as a maritime supply chain provider to the energy market.

In Marghera,Venice, the annual handling capacity is about 500,000 tonnes per year. With a draught of 11.5 metres, the site is amongst the most competitive ports in the North Italian Adriatic range. That, combined with one of the fastest- discharging rates for coal (15,000 tonnes/day on average) allows for efficient handling of the vessels and quick turnaround times. The site offers value-added services such as screening of the product and arranges deliveries by train to end-users of the cargo. Transshipment of coal cargoes is also part of the services offered.

To better meet safety and product quality requirements, a spray water plant with film-forming was installed on both cranes handling coal to reduce dust propagation according to environmental regulations in 2011. In 2013 an optimization of gate in/out delivery services was carried out, reducing truck lead times up to 40 %. Like this, not only is vessel handling fast, but the rest of the supply chain as well: storage, and loading of both trains and trucks. With future plans to expand yard capacity for coal handling, the site will remain one of the Mediterranean’s best entry points for coal products. At Euroports’ Vado facilities, a similar operation is present.

There is an even greater vessel draught (12.5 metres — to be increased to 15 metres). Similar to the Venice operations, a dedicated area for coal handling is in operation to separate it from other product handling. In Vado the berth handling capacity can reach 2.5mt/year. Discharging speeds are the same as those in Venice. On top of that, the Vado facilities can offer discrete storage areas separating coal cargo per type depending on characteristics. A covered warehouse, with a capacity of 125,000 tonnes, is available for this. In 2014, the terminal in Vado will add screening operations similar to the Venice ones to its service portfolio. The increase of the draught to 15 metres will allow the terminal to accept vessels up to 100,000 tonnes coal cargo.

Rostock has a draught of 13m, allowing the terminal to handle Panamax vessels. Its dedicated equipment enables high unloading performance of 20,000 tonnes per day (average) for its customers. Operations for coal handling are set up slightly differently. The customer can choose unloading operations that lead to direct unloading via gantry crane onto conveyor belt, with direct connection to the nearby power plant stock. Euroports offers the handling and operates the storage facilities and conveyors to supply the nearby power plant just in time from the coal storage. For this, a long-term partnership between Euroports and the power plant is in place. Further hinterland connections are also an option, with option to load onto truck and the availability of a wagon loading station. This is used for e.g. anthracite coal to supply a steel plant in the hinterland.

Lawrence Industries, Inc. is a technical sales organization which represents a select group of US manufacturers that provide specialized products and services for the bulk material handling industry. Lawrence Industries specializes in TIVAR® 88 lining materials and services related to improving the flow of bulk solids in bunkers, bins, silos, hoppers, chutes, transfer points and transportation equipment. Lawrence Industries can develop solutions for improving operating efficiencies, production time and extending the service life of operating equipment with bulk materials such as coal, synthetic gypsum, natural gypsum, limestone, fly ash, bauxite, grain, sand, and lime.

Lawrence Industries combines the latest in engineered materials, bulk solids analysis, geometric designs and manufacturing capabilities to develop cost-effective solutions for problems with bulk material handling such as ratholing, plugging, funnel flow, spontaneous combustion, surface corrosion, erosion and abrasion.

Lawrence Industries specializes in the use and application of TIVAR 88 liners. TIVAR 88 is an industrial grade lining material that has been used in the coal industry for over 40 years. The primary use of TIVAR 88 liners has been to improve coal flow by reducing sliding friction. TIVAR® 88 has a lower coefficient of friction than 304 2B stainless steel and in slide abrasion applications can out wear carbon steel. The material release and non-stick properties of TIVAR® 88 make this an ideal lining material for bins, bunkers, silos, chutes, railcars, off road trucks and excavating equipment. TIVAR® 88 will help to eliminate problems with sticking arching, bridging, ratholing, plugging, carryback, spoilage, cross batch contamination and spontaneous combustion.

One of the most common problems with bulk material flow is a condition known as ratholing. Ratholing occurs with cohesive bulk materials are stored and conveyed in vessels with a funnel flow discharge pattern. When a stable rathole develops the bulk material remaining in the vessel is stagnant and will not discharge. This stagnant inventory of bulk material can spoil, causing cross batch contamination, spontaneously combust and reduce live storage capacity.

Above is an actual photograph showing a stable rathole developing in a coal bunker discharging Powder River Basin sub- bituminous coal. This pyramidal shape coal bunker built in the early 1950s was constructed of carbon steel and coated with gunite on both the vertical and sloping walls for corrosion protection. This high friction coating worked well, until the coal was switched from high sulphur bituminous to low sulphur sub-bituminous. The finer sub- bituminous coal with higher internal moisture and clay content flowed poorly on the gunite coating, resulting in pockets of stagnant coal, which then lead to bunker fires.

When mass flow discharge develops in a storage vessel the movement of bulk material is uniform and consistent. The flow pattern sequence shown to the right depicts how mass flow discharge would occur. this flow pattern is described as ‘first-in, first-out’ flow. When any material is withdrawn from the storage vessels all of the product is in movement and full live storage capacity is available. Mass flow discharge is ideal for bulk materials that are classified as non-free-flowing and susceptible to spoilage, cross batch contamination or spontaneous combustion.

Coal handling applications for TIVAR 88 liners are many. The photographs above and right show the interior of a railcar rotary dump receiving hopper being lined with TIVAR 88 panels. The location of the two receiving hoppers is at a major public utility in the upper Midwest portion of the United States. During winter operations the utility experienced a condition in which coal being rotary dumped from the railcars would build a large eyebrow of coal on the spill side walls and center divider. This massive build-up of coal would bring dumping operations to a stand still and require the use of a hydraulic lump breaker (backhoe arm) to dislodge the build-up coal, in order to continue operations. The upper spill walls and centre dividers were constructed of concrete, which over years of wear had exposed the aggregate surfaces, adding to surface roughness and adhesion of coal. To expedite the installation process and remove the inconsistencies of the concrete surfaces,TIVAR 88 liners were pre-fabricated and attached to steel backer plates, which were then concrete anchor mounted to the hopper walls. After four years of continuous operation and over six million tonnes of coal transfer, the TIVAR 88 liners are still performing well with no signs of wear or dislodgment. Since the completion of the installation the use and maintenance of the lump breaker has been reduced by a factor of 75%, turn-around times for unit train deliveries has been increased and plant operations considers the capital investment to have been a complete success.

The new-generation DL420-3 large wheel loader from Doosan Construction Equipment is designed to set new benchmarks for exceptional performance, ease of handling, serviceability, durability and significantly enhanced operator comfort.

With a bucket capacity of 4m3, the new DL420-3 wheel loader is intended to meet a wide range of material-handling needs from loading and transporting granular material (such as sand and gravel) to industrial, mining and quarrying applications.

The DL420-3 wheel loader is powered by the 13-litre Scania DC13 SCR 6-cylinder diesel engine delivering ‘best in class’ power and engine torque, with a maximum power output of 264kW at 1,800rpm and meeting Stage IIIB emission regulations through the use of SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology.

Part of the new family of Stage IIIB compliant large wheel loaders from Doosan, the new DL420-3 wheel loader combines high engine power output and SCR technology with a new ZF transmission and several other features to minimize fuel consumption. SCR technology reduces fuel consumption by about 10% compared with similar size machines with EGR technology. Resale is also better as it is easy to reset to Tier 2 engines for use in emerging markets.

LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION

The new ZF 5-gear transmission improves the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels and contributes significantly to the overall reduction in fuel consumption. The change from four to five gears provides better response and acceleration, especially on slopes. Engine speed variation is less thanks to smaller gear steps, and lower engine speed throughout the whole drive range reduces fuel consumption. Thanks to higher shift quality, noise levels are lower while driving performance and productivity have been increased. A lock-up-clutch also helps to reduce fuel consumption.

The new large wheel loader has three engine working modes: ECO, NORMAL and POWER, to adapt the machine to different applications, with different engine speeds and gear steps according to the working mode engaged. With the ‘power-up’ function, the operator can manually adjust to the next highest working mode by applying a full stroke of the accelerator pedal.

With this function, the operator can travel in moderate NORMAL mode and switch to POWER mode when it is really needed, such as when taking material from a pile. This capability helps to reduce fuel consumption. The ECO Bar provides information about fuel consumption in relation to machine performance in real-time, allowing the operator to select the driving profile for the best fuel efficiency.

The operator can set a password for machine start. If Auto Idle is activated, engine speed goes down about 200rpm after ten seconds if there is no machine movement. Auto Idle is ideal for applications with long waiting times, such as truck loading. Thanks to Auto Idle, fuel consumption is reduced by up to 8%.

New ZF limited slip Type II differential axles provide more durability and a longer lifetime. Rolling resistance for the axles is also reduced, improving traction and decreasing fuel consumption. As an option, customers can choose ZF axles with a hydraulic differential lock. This function is engaged via the operator pedal or in automatic mode, depending on the torque resistance in first and second gear. The advantage of the hydraulic lock system is that it has less rolling resistance compared to the limited slip system.

With the clutch cut-off system engaged, the driver is able to disconnect the transmission from the engine by operating the brake pedal, to have 100% engine performance for the hydraulic system. As a result, movements are faster, breakout force is maximized and fuel consumption is reduced.

In common with all new- generation Doosan large wheel loaders, the new DL420-3 model is equipped with load-sensing controlled, variable hydraulic piston pumps, improving performance and reducing fuel consumption. With load sensing, the hydraulic pumps receive a signal from the MCV informing how much oil is needed. This helps to save on engine performance.

The radiator fan is hydraulically driven and controlled by an ECU. Changing the fan direction for cleaning the radiator can be done manually from the cab, without having to switch off the engine. Fan reverse intervals (30 minutes to 2 hours) can be set via the menu.

HIGH OPERATOR COMFORT

A new cab design features improvements both outside – such as better visibility due to a wider front glass section and an extended wiper blade area, better protection thanks to larger mud guards, improved hand rail and step designs and a new roof cover — as well as inside — such as the new instrument panel with integrated vehicle control unit (VCU).

The control panel has been redesigned to allow the operator to choose the information they want on the display. Using the Main Menu, the operator has access to several functions and machine information. Pressure, temperature and engine speed can be monitored in real time. Detailed operating information is available via the Special Menu.

By relocating the reservoir for the wiper water to the outside of the cab, space inside has been increased, providing more foot room.The air conditioning system is regulated automatically by a temperature sensor.

To keep cans and food fresh, a new cooling compartment is standard. There is also more storage room behind the seat.

DURABILITY AND SERVICEABILITY

Like all Doosan new-generation large wheel loaders, the DL420-3 model has as standard the SKF Vogel Auto Lubrication system. This system increases operational hours and extends the lifetime of the machine.

The lift arm has been strengthened with 10% thicker metal in the arm and the tilt lever.

An automatic front control system allows the operator to save one low and one high position. The boom raise ‘kick out’ function reduces cycle times and increases operator comfort. ‘Return to dig’ positions can also be saved.

New kinematics and a larger cylinder on the lift arm have allowed the main pressure in the front hydraulic system to be increased by up to 70 bar, with a corresponding increase in breakout and lifting forces of up to 5%.

A larger opening angle for the side door improves serviceability. A 90° swing-out fan with swing-out side doors provides easy access to the rear for cleaning the new one block radiator. The operator can set and monitor the time remaining to the next service. If the maintenance period is exceeded, a pop-up warning will appear. Increased space in the engine compartment ensures that components such as filters, valves and batteries are within easy reach for service work.

Understanding your coal quality and sampling representatively is essential to eliminate penalties and maximize profits. SGS works hand-in-hand with its customers’ operations to generate cost- effective solutions for quality and address operational challenges.

SGS offers the highest levels of integrity, independence, impartiality and accuracy. Its services and industrial expertise help improve operational efficiencies and its global technical leadership helps minimize customers’ operational and financial risk. The company’s experienced staff are able to provide sampling, inspection or laboratory services, mechanical sampling systems, on-line analysis for blending and sorting support.

The value of a coal cargo is determined by testing a sample collected manually or by a mechanical coal sampling system. If the sampling method or the sample preparation is biased or inconsistent, the value of the cargo can be inaccurately or imprecisely determined. This results in the cargo being over-or under-valued and transaction is then unfair to either the buyer or the seller.

Costly decisions are often made based upon biased, incorrect, or erratic data. Coal is often a difficult material to sample because of its inherent heterogeneity with in its inorganic and organic constituents. It can be widely variable with respect to size and chemical composition, varying in moisture, ash, and sulphur content in addition to its heating value. The process for determining the quality parameters such as gross calorific value (GCV) of coal begins with sampling, a process that requires adherence to established rules and guidelines given in ISO,ASTM and other published standards.

SAMPLING

The processes of sampling and laboratory analysis provide valid estimates of the desired quality parameters. There are, however, uncertainties associated with each such estimate. Sampling statistics can often provide a means of calculating this uncertainty and a way to evaluate the risks associated with the use of the sample results.

The minimum mass of the gross sample should be sufficient to ensure that extraneous mineral and coal particles appear in the sample in the same proportions as in the lot from which the sample was collected. Sampling standards provide minimum numbers of increments to be collected at each stage of sampling. Attention must also be given to sample flows through the system so as to minimize the potential for sample moisture losses. SGS has years of experience in sampling and is a leader in the field of bulk material dynamic sampling theory.

MECHANICAL SAMPLING SYSTEMS

Proper sampling is the first critical step in determining the value of a cargo. Risks associated with inaccurate sample results are minimized by utilized a well-designed and constructed mechanical sampling system (MSS). Such a system, well operated and monitored, will consistently provide accurate quality data. Mechanical sampling is generally preferred over manual sampling.

There is no human discretion involved in MSS, and the MSS will collect increments from any part of the lot. MSSs can be expensive to purchase, install, and maintain, but the increased reliability, accuracy and precision are well worth the cost, especially if large amounts of coal are handled. Use of an MSS must include an on-going quality assurance programme, including monitoring of the sampling ratio. The system should also be periodically bias-tested to assure bias-free performance.

There are four key components in engineering mechanical sampling systems which include:

Service 1: defining the sample plan

To design a mechanical sampling system requires determining the number of primary increments and the mass of the increments required for the lots being sampled.ASTM D7430 (which replaced D2234 in 2009) and ISO 13909 define the standard practices for collection of a gross sample of coal with a mechanical sampling system. ASTM and ISO standards provide general purpose procedures to determine the number of increments required when sampling lots of coal based on: lot size, variability, sample preparation and sample testing.

If desired, when the precision for a design system is unknown, these standards provide factors for raw data. In addition, these standards allow for studying the variability of the coal. The data is used to calculate the number of increments needed to attain a given precision. As clients become more informed about the need to meet specific precision requirements, they are more willing to determine the variability of the material and designing systems to meet specific minimum precision requirements.

Using a proven procedure, SGS can determine the number of primary increments and sub-lots needed to obtain objective levels of precision. This entails use of applied statistics on data collected from stopped-belt sampling and data obtained from duplication of preparation and analysis of these stopped belt increments. SGS develops the extraction data for the system which defines all system design requirements from samplers to feeders and crushers. Extraction calculations also provide the basis for the on-going sampling ratio monitoring of the system, which assures proper on-going system performance.

Service 2: system layout

When initially designing the sampling system, all required capabilities must be considered. Initial questions that must be addressed include: o is it possible that an on-line analyser will be added in the future? o are samples required for a product size determination to be made?

Sampling systems are of no value if they are not operating. System layout and selection of components affect:

o operational availability;

o ease of inspection of critical components; and

o maintainability.

While the objective is always to minimize costs, a well designed sampling system will result in the lowest cost possible. SGS engineering services define the trade-offs between capital costs and operation costs and availability and allow you to make informed decisions. Design of chutes and material flow systems to allow hard-to-handle coals to be sampled without problems is another function critical to providing a satisfactory system.

SGS uses the latest in 3D CAD software to develop layouts that work to the customer’s unique site requirements. SGS’s ability to generate detailed renderings helps in the presentation of concepts to non-technical audiences as well as allowing the engineering team to evaluate the constructibility and operations issues in the proposed design.

Service 3: mechanical sampling system specifications

The minimum standards for the equipment must be specified. In sampling equipment the first consideration is to avoid bias. A sample system should be tested to be free of bias and in the specifications a guarantee of no bias must be specified along with a description of the bias test procedure that will be used. There are critical equipment design issues that need to be met to allow a system to sample coal free from bias, such as minimum material flows through crushers.

Part of the equipment specifications address access to allow the inspection and maintenance operations to be performed easily to ensure good system operations. Also the mechanical requirements of the system will be addressed to ensure long term performance. The minimum drive motor size, activation method, brake sizing and types are recommended.

In addition to equipment specifications, P&ID diagrams and basic PLC programming needs are specified. Also, acceptance test criteria for the systems will be defined for bias tests, sampling ratio tests and other acceptance tests.

Service 4: budget estimate
SGS provides an itemized budget estimate for the project. This is not for the bidders on the sample systems but for the information of the owner. The budget estimate will contain a list of options so its customers can explore additional capabilities while understanding the cost implications. The final product from SGS will have a specification to which the customer can add general terms and conditions, safety and site-specific requirements. SGS normally uses its customers’ standard painting, electrical, and structural specifications.

SGS SERVICES FOR NEW MECHANICAL SAMPLING SERVICES

For an MSS design, detailed information is needed about the sampling location, the material to be sampled, including its top size, surface moisture content and material handling characteristics. An engineering site visit is required to assure the ultimate design will meet ASTM, ISO or other specific specifications and be suitable for the intended use.

General points SGS considers when designing an MSS are:

• cutter widths should be at least 2.5 times (three times is preferred) the top size of the material; 
• chutes should have angles that promote material flow; 
• there should be no choke points in the conveyors and chutes; 
• the MSS should be as compact as possible, but be maintained easily and safely; 
• the MSS should be as airtight as possible to prevent drafting.This will prevent moisture bias; 
• the MSS should have access doors to observe the system’s performance. These allow verification that the cutters are cutting the entire stream material, are moving at an appropriate speed and are not plugged; and
• reliability, expense, and practical operational considerations must be optimized.

SGS SERVICES FOR EXISTING MECHANICAL SAMPLING SYSTEMS

SGS can provide the following services for MSS:

Terex Fuchs mobile loading machines for port handling make it possible to load and unload quickly, with the greatest precision. Over time, the company’s innovative machines have been precisely adapted to the requirements of modern port logistics, and are particularly popular for handling coal.

As tireless and highly efficient work horses, they give excellent performance for flexible as well as customized requirements for port operation. A big grab, enormous working radiuses, and extremely short loading ranges when used at full throttle — with these advantages,Terex Fuchs modern power packages are an ideal interface between ships, trucks, trains, conveyor belts, and storage areas.

The Terex Fuchs loading machines are sought-after top performers for bulky goods handling, especially when handling coal — not only because of their height-adjustable cab, but also due to their numerous outstanding features, their incredible performance and robust nature. A heavy duty design, soft hydraulics that can be precisely controlled, and high stability make a superb combination. The in-house Application Center, where the machines can be adjusted exactly to the customer’s requirements, ensures a high-level of flexibility for customizing the machines.

The Terex Fuchs loading machines immediately show their strengths in the customer’s application.

Bulk Connections, a bulk cargo handler in South Africa and part of the market-listed Bidvest Group, handles a wide range of sensitive cargo, but with a focus on coal.

The bulk material terminal in Durban port was established in 1907 for coal export. Since then, the terminal has increasingly specialized in handling bulk goods. Loading ships with manganese, coal, and anthracite coal and unloading coke are particularly important to the companies. Over 3mt (million tonnes) of bulky goods are loaded annually over the quay walls of Bulk Connections to Panamax and Handysize ships.

Bulk Connections’ management team has opted for two Terex Fuchs RHL380 crawler loading machines. Equipped with 8m3 clamshell grabs, the machines with a service weight of around 70 tonnes and a reach of 22m are the most flexible top performers in Durban port. The RHL380 also offers excellent stability on uneven ground thanks to the large undercarriage with big crawlers. Due to the crawler design they can also work on the quay walls, as the crawler units distribute the pressure optimally and transfer it into the ground. Up to 1,000tph (tonnes per hour) of coal are transferred per machine from the storage yard on to the conveyor belts to prepare the ships for export. Unlike conventional devices, such as cable cranes or portal cranes, both the Terex Fuchs machines are easy to operate and can quickly move forwards and backwards on the operation site. With the high-performance hydraulics system that responds accurately, loads can be loaded precisely into the hold of a ship or into the storage area of a railway wagon or truck. “The investment in Terex Fuchs loading machines has set new standards for production in our companies and they have added to the overall flexibility of the terminal. There is undoubtedly sufficient demand for this type of machine, which, thanks to sensitive control, even enables us to move the load safely and very quickly without swinging or disruptions to production in high winds.

“Thanks to the enormous reach of the machines, we can pile up the raw materials high, thus avoiding the use of other hydraulic excavators on different levels. We have been able to replace three machines just on the Durban site, and are therefore not only saving fuel, but can also stack cargo in the same amount of time as before. It was the right decision for us to considerably increase our capacity thanks to these machines.

Our company has bulk facilities in South Africa and, for some years now, in Mozambique, where Terex Fuchs loading machines are used individually, without being modified, to load the trucks, move them to the operation site and operate them. This gives us the opportunity to react quickly and flexibly and therefore to compete in the market,” states the managing director of Bulk Connections, Iain Geldart.

“Bigger isn’t always better,” Andreas Gruber,Terex Fuchs port application manager says of the customer’s requirements. “It is not always an advantage to offer the biggest reach, it is much more important for our customers to receive the right system and an efficient system from us as a manufacturer. We’re looking beyond what is important to us, because if workflows and framework conditions are considered when selecting a machine, the maximum reach will in most cases only be a secondary consideration. Through clever co-operation between a Terex Fuchs loading machine and a Terex Skid steer loader, ships that are considerably wider than the maximum reach of the machine

can also be unloaded. We are always willing to listen to the requirements of our customers; this is how our Application Center could develop a new port lift cab for our MHL385D in collaboration with a customer. MHL385D, a machine with a reach of 23m and a service weight of 75 tonnes, is equipped with a port lift cab, and we far exceeded the requirements of the customer. What was important for us was to take into account the future requirements of the port authorities when making this development. Safe access into the cab from the floor, an increase in efficiency thanks to the improved view in the inner corners of the ship hold, and the not inconsiderable transport height of these machines for quick changes of location rounds up our understanding of modern port handling.”

New Year, new products: the Edge material handling range has just got bigger. Edge has recently unveiled the newest member of its ‘family’ — the RS1500 roll-sizer. Building from the success of new products launched in 2013 such as the Slayer XL, the MS100 and the 360° Unlimited range, the company has no intention of resting on its laurels. Each new product launch has contributed in its own right to Edge’s success.

With a number of new R&D projects ongoing, Edge anticipates further growth in 2014. It is with this in mind that the Edge design team set out to design the most efficient mobile mineral sizing solution available on the market today. Through extensive research, testing and the use of high quality components, it believes that it has been able to deliver on that target.

Innovatively designed, the RS1500 can process a wide range of materials including coal, lignite, bituminous, sub-bituminous hard-to-handle materials — graphite electrodes to sticky materials, friable materials, soft ores, limestone and limes, salts, glass, fertilizer, recycled concrete and tarmac. Its robust design, coupled with high manoeuvrability and small footprint, all ensure that the RS1500 is a formidable option for the quarrying and recycling sectors.

Boasting an impressive list of design features — including a highly efficient hydraulic drive system, tramp metal release, easy selective piece sizing controls, intelligent hydraulic load sensing system and a five function remote control — the RS1500 is packed with the most up-to-date technology and components. The full HMI (human–machine interface) controlled panel interface provides easy fine tuning for accurate application performance. The HMI allows for automatic start/stop operation and displays visual data output such as engine load, individual shaft pressure, hydraulic oil temperature and fuel consumption while the machine is still operating.

Material is fed into the RS1500 7m3 (9 square yards) hopper and is carried to the pre-screen via the 1,400mm (55”)-wide heavy duty belt. Full length impact bars prevent sag, reducing material roll back and taking impact from feeding material, prolonging the life of the conveyor belt. Variable belt speed controls the flow of material to pre-screen. The feed hopper boasts a hydraulic sliding function to enable quick transition from transport to operating position.

A single deck, two-bearing pre-screen allows fines to by-pass the chamber, increasing processing efficiency and throughput. An easily retrofitable optional side conveyor is available to stockpile diverted fines separately.

The roll-sizer chamber has the ability to handle wet and sticky material and employs an intelligent load sensing system to prevent overload. The tooth rotor design allows undersize material to pass through the precision designed shafts increasing product throughput. The shafts are designed to grab the feed material and reduce it to the desired product size whilst creating the minimum of fines. The RS1500 incorporates an automatic sensing system that protects the roller shafts against tramp metal or trapped material. This vitally reduces maintenance costs and downtime. The chamber houses two variable speed, reversible roller shafts for accurate piece sizing both of which are independently driven and controlled via the HMI control panel. Piece sizing is also easily adjusted via the control panel. The feedbox enclosing the chamber not only acts to feed material from the pre-screen into the chamber, but also prevent debris and dust from exiting the chamber. Removable plates are provided to gain access to the chamber for maintenance when and as required.

Material is stockpiled via the 1,150mm (46”) wide, heavy duty ply product conveyor which provides a discharge height of 3,560mm (11’8”) creating a stockpile volume of 77.5m3 (101 square yards) or 125 tonnes (138 US tons). Impact bars underneath the chamber take the impact from processed material, prolonging the life of the conveyor belt. The hydraulic folding head section allows for quick transition from transport to operating position.

With its impressive cubical piece size, minimal fines produced, low power consumption and high tonnage per hour, the Edge RS1500 is the most sensible option for many applications. The company will be showcasing its products at the CONEXPO exhibition, which will take place from 4–8 March this year in Las Vegas. With new products in the design process, and the ever-growing options available, Edge is staying true to its ethos of ‘Innovation at Work’.

Conductix-Wampfler is part of the Delachaux Group, founded in 1902. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of power, data and media transfer systems for mobile applications. Active on every continent, the company has centres of excellence, responsible for production, R&D, engineering and central support functions located in Germany, France, USA and Italy, with dedicated production centres in Ireland, India, UK, China, Australia and Brazil.

Conductix-Wampfler’s activities are market driven, with the emphasis on five focus markets; Mining & Bulk Material Handling, Ports and Container Handling,Automotive Industries, Intralogistics and Overhead Cranes. The company also works in other markets, such as theatre and stage, people carriers/transit, offshore and construction.

Conductix-Wampfler is heavily involved in coal handling systems, which comes under its Mining & Bulk Material Handling focus market. The company is able to accommodate the full range of movements required by today’s heavy duty coal handling equipment, supplying solutions for stacker & reclaimers, stockyard cranes, ship loaders/unloaders, car dumpers and tripper conveyors.

PRODUCTS

Handling the robust, heavy cables and hoses required for modern coal handling systems is no problem to the Conductix-Wampfler range of motor-driven and spring cable reels, heavy duty festoons and energy guiding chains. Long/gantry travel can be accommodated by a range of solutions, from large level wind reels handling over 2,000m of cable, through monospiral, 3–2–3 and random winding drums for shorter run lengths. When combined with the Conductix-Wampfler fibre-optic rotary joint, the systems are able to utilize combined power and fibre-optic cables, which have the ability to transfer large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

CABLE REELS

Conductix-Wampfler produces reels with a wide range of powering options, from the company’s patented MAGdrive magnetic coupler, through torque motor, hydraulic and variable- frequency drive systems. The reels can be supplied with an impressive range of slip ring and fluid rotary joints, able to handle voltages up to 36kV and pressures of over 400 Bar.

Cables and hoses are sourced from premium suppliers, with many of them made to Conductix-Wampflers’ own design.