Abstract
This work deals with improvement of the control of lubricant dispensation for automatic centralized lubrication system on heavy-duty mining excavators. The method adopted toachieve this includes analysis of mechanical, electrical and electronic components of the existing system. Subsequently, modifications were made on the system. Mechanical and electrical components were selected to control dispensation of lubricant whilst electronic components were selected to interact via communicating electrical signal to electrical components. Grease manifold block and current regulating solenoid valve were selected to work with a grease control module that communicates with a motion logic control module through a control area network connected to excavator joystick and pedal. Lubricant savings of 60.80 cm3/min (0.0608 litres/min) which amounts to annual savings of $ 62,102.09 per annum, can be made with the proposed modification in a typical mining excavator.
Highlights
In recent times, mining industries are facing a devastated ordeal of global downsizing due to low prices of all extractive minerals
An electronic grease Control Module GC capable of communicating movement information of the boom, stick, bucket, flap and swing. This is achieved through Control Area Network (CAN) bus line together with Movement logic Control Module MLC, which is incorporated into the system
Upon receiving a signal from the CAN bus line, the grease control module GC translates the movement signal into current signal depending on the angle of deflection of the joystick JT
Summary
In recent times, mining industries are facing a devastated ordeal of global downsizing due to low prices of all extractive minerals. The challenge now is how to lubricate only the components of the kinematic movement that has been deflected by the excavator joystick. Reference [6] presented a compact automatic lubrication system to be coupled to industrial machines and the system is triggered on by the movement of the machine. [9] presented a lubrication system for bearing assembly to provide accurate lubricant injection to bearings and extracting excess or used lubricant. These works pragmatically sought to improve the lubrication system. It is imperative to come out with a design of lubrication system that considers savings on lubricant by supplying only to the components of the kinematic movement that have been deflected by the joystick
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