Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/610317
45 AGGREGATES MANAGER December 2015 EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT A cone crusher punishes itself during every minute of operation. It squeez- es a dense mass between heavy castings until the mass disintegrates. It abrades and minces aggregate until the material yields to the applied forces. It rumbles and vibrates and bangs as its core shaft spins eccentrically to capture and reduce chunks of aggregate. All of this finely engineered chaos demands that an opera- tor be alert to what is happening to his machine. Otherwise, imminent component failure can be overlooked amid the crusher's normal chaotic op- eration, and the machine's performance will suffer. Training Some manufacturers conduct classes to train new cone crusher operators. The volume of partici- pants in such classes is increasing every year across the industry, suggesting that owners of crusher operations increasingly recognize the need to protect their investment. These training classes introduce proper operating techniques — and improper ones to be avoided — as well as daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance recom- mendations. The goal is to maximize the perfor- mance of a crusher. Such training also can extend the life of a unit. A well-maintained and properly operated cone crusher can process material for 20 to 25 years without major overhaul or junking. How- ever, this expected life span shrinks when op- erator inspections are cursory, or bad operating procedures are regularly practiced. All the best practices in the world are of no effect if an op- erator — or owner — willfully ignores them. Maintenance tips At the heart of training are common sense main- tenance procedures that rely on the eyes and ears of an operator. • The walk around – To start a day, an operator should circle a cone crusher to visually confirm the soundness of the unit. Evidence of an oil leak or excessive puddling of lubricant is a red flag. Lubricating and hydraulic oil levels should rest at the Full line — and accessing the oil res- ervoir should be accomplished without knock- ing contaminant into it. The oil strainer should be clear, conveyor and drive belts aligned and taut, bolts tight. Visual and tactile inspection of the drive shaft housing can ensure there are no issues there. Material spillage underneath the machine may need to be addressed, particularly if the material is situated so that residue could find its way into a component and contaminate lubrication. A daily morning walk-around survey establishes a baseline for operating a crusher at an optimum level. • The peer-in – Overlooking into the crushing chamber from a safe point is a simple way to ensure that no foreign material has ended up there. Such material will either pass through the chamber or contaminate product or, in the case of metal, jam up the crusher and cause damage. A quick check will avoid both even- tualities. A few minutes spent examining the chamber liners, while the crusher is stopped Each year, more and more companies send their operators for training to ensure the best performance from their assets.