Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/917007
AGGREGATES MANAGER / January 2018 19 Assess overall plant capacity Know available equipment and options Use slower times to build inventory Accurately assess the plant's capacity to produce material and all elements involved with the over- all production process. Even if a crusher is able to handle more throughput, consider whether the haul trucks can consistently achieve the cycle times nec- essary to provide higher capacities. Ensure that once the material has been crushed, it can be taken away using stockpiling conveyors. Otherwise, this becomes a bottleneck. If additional haul trucks are needed, check to make sure the roads throughout the opera- tion can handle the additional loads. Also, consider whether the blasting and drilling crew can keep up with a schedule to feed the dump trucks. Determine if the added production will be a short- or long-term requirement and whether it can be accomplished with existing equipment, whether equipment needs to be replaced, or if additional equipment — such as a track mobile crusher system with a screen or a tertiary track impactor — or equip- ment operators need to be brought in to add haul trucks or loaders. Gauge if any adjustments to the surrounding infrastructure also are needed. When the decision is made to add equipment, confi rm the additional maintenance staff needed to take care of it is available. If the size of the stationary plant is going to be changed, ensure proper steps are taken with the required engineering to do so. If there is a season or time when the aggregates plant is not as busy, use it to build up inventory or make additional products, such as concrete rock and other products that don't require specifi cations. This creates additional potential revenue. If possible, identify equipment operators or other trained people who are able to help out if needed at a plant. Review sales projections and talk with customers about their needs so material can be produced to meet upcoming orders. This time can be used to modify equipment and adjust to the market. 2 3 4