INVITED SPEAKER

Oil Sands Mining Equipment Challenges

Prof. Tim Joseph
University of Alberta, Canada

Duration

40 minutes

Abstract

The Athabasca oil sands surface mining deposits of Northern Alberta provide some of the most challenging surface mining operational issues anywhere on Earth. The major mining operators in the region, and the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) they turn to for tools, have expressed that if the excavation and haulage units they use can survive this environment, they will survive any adverse environment on the planet. There is therefore an incentive for both parties to find solutions to overcome the problems they jointly face.
From deep rutting and ground undulations, high rolling resistance, poor fuel burn and high emissions, to poor tire life, to inadequate suspension response and payload recognition, to structural fatigue, to back injuring whole body vibration at the operator; mining trucks alone face a never ending list of issues. There is much that the commercial and academic research community can do to assist both operators and OEMs, but as one might expect, such solutions do take time. Fortunately it seems that there is also some low hanging fruit that will provide alleviation of much of the problems at hand while a more permanent solution is sought.
This presentation will provide some insight into concerns with suggested self-help solutions for mine operators. Dr. Joseph will specifically discuss mining trucks and shovels with highlights on dipper and body design, benefits of load balance, reducing ground engaging tool maintenance, reducing running surface deterioration, extending tire life, improving suspension performance, extending structural life, achieving accurate payload recognition, reducing fuel usage and emissions and achieving low whole body vibration impact, reducing back injury for truck operators.
The presentation will conclude by illustrating that a substantial reduction in maintenance and operating costs is achievable, while fostering a safer sustainable operating environment.

Biography of the Invited Speaker

With degrees from the Universities of Kent (U.K.) and Alberta, Dr. Tim Joseph, P.Eng., FCIM is Associate Professor Mining Engineering and Director of the Alberta Equipment – Ground Interactions Syndicate (AEGIS) mining equipment research group in the School of Mining Engineering at the University of Alberta, that supports the research work of a dozen Ph.D. and M.Sc. students and the surface mining and equipment studies of over 160 undergraduate students. Dr. Joseph’s research concentrates on safe environmental performance of surface mining equipment operating in the Canadian oil sands, focusing on issues around operator health, emissions, tires, tracks and large mobile structures in relation to adverse operating conditions. Recent work into payload balance and more effective ground engaging tools permitting a lower energy expended per ton excavated, has established Dr. Joseph as a unique innovator. He directly supports the mining industry, mine equipment original equipment manufacturers and their service providers with mine equipment performance evaluations and professional development short courses. His short courses on proactive equipment performance evaluations and equipment maintenance management strategies have been delivered worldwide to hundreds of professionals. A member of APEGGA, ACR, CIM, SME, SMART and other professional and community organizations, Dr. Joseph has served on and chaired multiple committees and guiding groups who have recognized his contributions with several awards and honors; including in 2011 the CIM Distinguished Service Medal. An avid proponent of education and the resource industry; he continues to promote the mining industry through open forums for grade school students to adults in the workplace. Dr. Joseph is also a Vice-President of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) and the General co-Chair of the CIM Edmonton 2012 International Conference & Exhibition.