A Critical Investigation of Digging Time Segment of Draglines in a Large Surface Mine

Citation

Mohammadi M, Rai P & Oraee K (2015) A Critical Investigation of Digging Time Segment of Draglines in a Large Surface Mine. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 33 (4), pp. 763-771. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-015-9857-9

Abstract
Dragline is highly capital intensive equipment to procure, operate and maintain in any surface mining operation. Given this, every second of operation of this capital intensive equipment is absolutely important. As such, it is imperative to optimize the overall cycle time of this equipment in order to reap the benefits of this equipment to the fullest extent. Even a small improvement in the total cycle time has a significant influence on the overall performance of machine. In this light, the present paper is an endeavour to critically analyze digging time segment of dragline operations. The paper presents real-time data for a dragline operating in one of the major opencast projects in India. Investigation indicates the influence of cutting depth, dimensions and geometry of the cut area, nature of material, degree of fragmentation and operator's skills on the digging segment of dragline cycle time. Results have been illustrated in the form of figures, graphs and tables.

Keywords
Digging time; Dragline cuts; Re-handling area; Degree of fragmentation; Surface mine

Journal
Geotechnical and Geological Engineering: Volume 33, Issue 4