1 industrial slurry pump pipe

Section 4 Dredge Operation 3

INTRODUCTION

Section 4 of the Kenmare Moma Mining document outlines dredging procedures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal operation parameters for efficient dredging. It includes detailed principles of operation, start-up and shut-down procedures, channel dredging techniques, monitor systems, and safety guidelines.

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

The purpose of the dredge is to keep the concentrating plant operating at the optimum throughput of sand. This is achieved by maintaining the sand in the concentrator surge bin at a steady pre-determined level. As the dredge swings across the mining face with the cutter on the pond bottom, the mining face is cut away or undermined at the point where the slope meets the bottom. When the bottom section of the slope has been mined away, the sand on top has no support and slumps into the pond. The pressure and speed of the sand sliding down the slope pushes the front section of the slide away from the face and causes a ridge of sand to develop behind the cutting arc of the cutter. It is essential for the dredge to be moved back sufficiently for the cutter to be placed behind the ridge of sand caused by slumping. This material is then recovered by advancing the dredge in the same swing arc until the mining face is again reached. This process is called sweeping.

OVERVIEW OF IMPORTANT DREDGING PARAMETERS

Important dredging parameters include positioning, swing speed, flow and pump speed, dredge pump, amps vacuum and delivery, cutter speed, slumping and sweeping, and general safety.

START UP & SHUT DOWN AFTER A PLANNED MAINTENANCE

The document outlines procedures for start-up and shut-down after planned maintenance.

NORMAL START UP & SHUT DOWN

The document outlines procedures for normal start-up and shut-down.

RAISING AND LOWERING THE MAIN SPUD

RAISING AND LOWERING THE AUXILLIARY SPUD

OPERATING PARAMETERS

CHANNEL DREDGING TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES

Channel dredging techniques and procedures include initial positioning, anchor placement, initial cut, advancing, sweeping, and repositioning to the next channel.

USING THE MONITOR SYSTEMS

HARD MINING CONDITIONS

DREDGE CUTTER AND PUMP OBSTRUCTION

(Identification and clearing).

TYNE REPLACEMENT

SWING WINCH ROPE REPLACEMENT

REPLACEMENT OF FEED LINE HOSE

SHIFT CHANGE PROCEDURE

POWER FAILURE

PRINCIPLES OF ADVANCING, REPOSITIONING AND SWEEPING, DREDGING STRATEGY

REQUIREMENTS OF A GOOD OPERATOR AND CHARECTERISTICS OF A BAD OPOERATOR

GENERAL DREDGE SAFETY

DREDGE CHECK LIST

Dredge General Knowledge and Assessment