Optimisation of ash stockpile height to minimise haul truck diesel costs

• Sep 3, 2019

• #2

A

Artisi

Mechanical

Jun 11, 2003

6,580

AU

Really out of my field, but it would seem that reducing the height would increase the travel distance - so, the incline influences the fuel consumption - there must be a trade-off somewhere less incline greater distance to be travelled, steeper climb - less distance. Does the greater / lesser distance dramatically impact of engine power /fuel consumption requirements?

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

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• Sep 3, 2019

• #3

miningman

Mining

Feb 26, 2003

957

CA

Not sure if this comment is relevant but on a vaguely similiar exercise a few years ago , I managed to prove that INCREASING the fuel consumption optimised my haulage costs. This is because the cost of fuel is a very small part of the total operating cost. Ash must have a very low specific gravity. Have you examined putting larger boxes onto your fleet??

 

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• Sep 11, 2019

• #4

capliard

Mining

Dec 21, 2009

24

CA

For a small stockpile, I would start by determining bench height. Then determine reasonable area for machinery on top bench. Then work my way down bench by bench until I have volume I need. Then make sure a ramp at 10% grade can go around it.

For a large stockpile, say a mining wastepile for planned pit, geotechnical eng. will determine bench height and maximum number of lifts. I do not see where diesel is an issue. If the facility is to be rehabilitated at end of mine, footprint is really the issue here.

capliard

Ingenieur Minier. QuTbec, Canada.

 

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• Dec 12, 2019

• #5

dvd

Mechanical

Nov 12, 2001

2,047

US

Here is an interesting link that may be helpful - Caterpillar Haul Road Design

I have a friend who has expertise at economic justifications for conveying versus truck hauling, especially for materials such as CCR. You might think about some conveying solutions to allow a steeper angle. Haul trucks to pile and then conveying. Depends on your budget. Operating budget versus capital expenditure.

 

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