This study rigorously analyses the operational reliability
and maintainability of critical metal components susceptible to abrasive wear
within the technological equipment of the Pătârș basalt quarry. By integrating
tribological wear parameter analysis with robust reliability and
maintainability modelling, the research quantifies their direct impact on
equipment efficiency and lifespan. We assessed components such as the Komatsu
WA470 front loader bucket knife, Komatsu HB365 excavator bucket teeth, and the sorting
station trough, alongside evaluating alternative materials like Hardox 400
steel and Pucest panels with perforated metallic inserts. Our methodology
employed statistical distributions (lognormal and three-parameter Weibull) for
reliability and maintainability, complemented by laboratory tribological tests
on rock-metal pairs to quantify wear. Key findings reveal significant
reliability degradation across all components with increased operating time,
necessitating proactive maintenance. Notably, weld reconditioning proved highly
effective, achieving a 68% increase in the operational lifespan of
reconditioned bucket teeth. Furthermore, an economic analysis demonstrated that
while alternative materials like Hardox 400 and Pucest have higher initial costs,
their significantly extended operational lifespans (achieving 80% reliability
for 157 and 251 days, respectively, compared to 105 days for the original
material) promise substantial long-term cost-effectiveness through reduced
replacement frequency and minimised downtime. This comprehensive study provides
a robust framework for optimising quarry operations by strategically evaluating
critical component reliability and implementing targeted maintenance
interventions.
Author(s) Details
Mihaela TODERAȘ
Mining Engineering, Surveying and Civil Engineering
Department, Faculty of Mines, University of Petrosani, 332006 Petrosani,
Romania.
Vlad Alexandru FLOREA|
Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Transportation Engineering,
University of Petrosani, 332006 Petrosani, Romania.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/erpra/v9/5788
