Idling, cold starts, and lack of maintenance are a few factors that impact fuel usage in mining equipment. Take filtration, for example. By installing metal fiber filter media and keeping the hydraulic oil clean, fuel consumption due to blockages in hydraulic systems can decrease by as much as 20%. In addition to repair and overhaul, an additional 20% of fuel waste is attributed to allowing hydraulic equipment to sit idle on the job site. Resolving these issues could save up to 40% in fuel usage after a few slight adjustments.
When a sudden demand is placed on inactive hydraulic equipment, the risk of damage to sensitive internal components rises significantly. Due to the viscous nature of oil at low temperatures, a heightened amount of pressure is required to the machinery will exhibit a major drop in performance, impacting the bottom line in terms of increased fuel consumption. Practicing regular cold starts while operating with lower-quality filtration has the potential to result in more expensive repairs down the road.
One aspect of unscheduled downtime is due to lubricant mismanagement in hydraulic equipment. Proper lubrication procedures increase productivity, decrease lubricant demand, and significantly reduce operating costs. An effective maintenance plan incorporates effective application techniques, offering savings beyond the price of the lubricant itself. Getting the most out of your mining equipment requires an informed approach to lubrication management but, in turn, will result in increased equipment longevity and unparalleled savings.
Bekipor® metal fiber filtration media is a proven, cost-effective solution for sustainability in mining. Improved lubrication and fuel cost savings are prime examples of how heavy mining equipment can benefit from metal fiber media compared to fiberglass filters. Should a filter replacement arise, metal fiber media supports a circular economy through material recyclability. By exploring sustainable mining solutions in smaller applications, we can strengthen industry practices together, while lessening the environmental impact presented by mining.
