Australasian Mining Review
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/37922
150 Pirtek Tailored fl uid transfer solutions for the mining industry As mine operators continue the search for plant and equipment that signifi cantly reduces potential risks to personnel, Pirtek Fluid Systems has introduced an entire suite of products and services specifi cally for the underground mining industry. U in the world. The release of the all-new SSKV/SKV ‘stapleless’ hydraulic fi ttings is the latest initiative by Pirtek to provide underground operators with a revolutionary, Australian-fi rst product that improves safety for both operators and technicians alike. Designed to remove the need for a staple-like locking pin (a technology that’s been used to couple hydraulic hoses for decades), the Pirtek range of SSKV/SKV stapleless hydraulic fi ttings have been subjected to more than 12 months of rigorous testing prior to launch. The SSKV (high-pressure) and SKV (low-pressure) hydraulic hose fi ttings combine a state-of-the-art locking collar and ring assembly — in place of a ‘staple’ — to secure male and female couplings together. The collar, a two-piece cylindrical enclosure, fi ts securely around both the male and female ends of the hose coupling. Precision machine grooves on the male and female coupling ends match with grooves on the collar. The collar then forms an effective ‘clamp’ around both sides of the coupling. It is secured using a large threaded locking ring matched to threads on the collar. The locking rings thread easily onto the collar, much like a normal nut. When secured, the collar prevents the two hose ends from separating, even when under extreme pressure. The disassembly process (a reversal of the assembly) prevents the accidental removal of a staple from conventional hydraulic couplings when under pressure, as the locking ring cannot be unthreaded until the pressure is relieved from the system. Once the hydraulic pressure has been switched off and the system completely isolated, disassembling the coupling is a matter of unthreading the locking rings and removing the collar. Pirtek Group General Manager, Stephen Dutton, says decoupling a hydraulic hose under pressure causes considerable risk to operators and service technicians. “The safe use of hydraulics is a major OH&S issue for any mining or industrial operation.” The SSKV/SKV system of coupling does not require any specialist tools, and can be completed by a qualifi ed technician within minutes. nderground mining is an industry like no other — it places demands on man and machine alike, and is widely acknowledged as one of the most hazardous work environments Dutton says conventional hydraulic fi ttings are usually secured using a variety of staple-type systems. “This proven method has existed for many decades, but it has several key disadvantages when compared with SSKV/SKV fi ttings. Most staple-type fi ttings employ a ‘U’-shaped staple hammered through the (outer) female fi tting, which locks into a groove on the (inner) male fi tting. “The staple effectively locks both fi ttings together, but the staple can still be easily removed when the hose is under pressure. Rapid pressure relief in such situations can have disastrous effects. “To add to the risk, staples often corrode into place over time, requiring the use of a large hammer to remove them. This in itself poses risks to operators and technicians. SSKV/SKV fi ttings remove these risks, signifi cantly improving workplace safety in the process.” In addition, the zinc-plated SSKV/SKV fi ttings, when assembled using the correct Pirtek lanolin- based lubricant, will not corrode together, making disassembly easier when servicing is required. SSKV/SKV hydraulic couplings attach to the actual hydraulic hose by means of the same crimping or threading process as conventional hydraulic hose fi ttings. They can be assembled on site or at any of Pirtek’s Service and Supply centres as per normal hydraulic hoses. They can also be retrofi tted in place of any type of hydraulic hose or coupling. Now in its 31st year, Pirtek has a long history of delivering quality hoses, couplings and fl uid transfer services to the mining industry. In the 1980s the company made a conscious decision to focus much of its research and development on the mining industry. “It was clear in those early days that mining was going to play a signifi cant role in Australian industry,” Dutton says. “Safety has always been our number- one priority, and one of the best ways to improve conditions on site is to deliver superior-quality product to customers. In fact, the mining industry insists on quality products that are both safe and cost-effective. “Any product we introduce has to be designed to reduce the incidence of workplace injury and meet strict MDG41 guidelines, while remaining affordable. The key is being able to deliver that safety at a price where the product will be taken up by customers – and that’s one of Pirtek’s strengths.” Pirtek’s extensive engineering expertise and continued drive for excellence have been demonstrated by [Hydraulic Hoses and Fittings] _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _