AMD: A Century of Customized Mine Door Solutions For over 118 years, AMD has tailored ventilation mine doors to the unique specifications and constraints of each mining operation. We understand that every mine is different, with varying drift sizes, restrictions and space limitations.
Roof Height Drift Restriction
Underground mines should always strive to maximize free and clear door openings to accommodate fully loaded trucks. Mines should also consider any future hauling vehicle investments that may require larger door opening space for meeting these future needs.
Sometimes mines are challenged with available drift space that can restrict the size of the doors to be installed. Specifically, height restrictions can be a significant challenge, especially for opposing wing designs that require additional height for actuation cylinders above the door. Some mines just do not have the headroom above the mine doors.
Challenges of a Larger Traditional HPU Footprint
In other cases, mines can be limited by the available space to house a larger HPU. This often necessitates placing the HPU further away from the door than ideal, sometimes requiring additional excavation to create a dedicated space.
Due to these space restrictions, mines can relocate the HPU into another less restricted area. However, mines generally prefer to avoid running long hydraulic hoses to distant HPUs due to potential maintenance issues and safety concerns.
AMD needed to address the fundamental issue of space restrictions to house the larger HPU. Rather than opting for a lesser alternative door design, AMD now offers a space saving solution for mines with limited height and space constraints.
Presenting the AMD Servo Power Unit (SPU): A Compact Power Solution
AMD is announcing the release of the Servo Power Unit (SPU) product line that eliminates the need for additional headroom or footprint space. The compact SPU combines proven technologies into an innovative new power unit with servo actuation control. All at a fraction of the size of a traditional hydraulic power unit.
The SPU product line was specifically developed as an alternative to traditional hydraulic power units (HPU) for those instances where the HPU is not able to fit into the available space. No HPU containment pad required. The SPU can be affixed to the rib or bulkhead, avoiding potential impacts by vehicles or equipment.
The SPU offers a cost-effective upgrade over traditional hydraulic power units in underground mine door applications. Its power-on-demand feature significantly reduces energy consumption, and its fully sealed design eliminates the need for regular maintenance.
AMD SPU: Easy Installation, Network Connectivity, and Power Loss Protection
AMD SPUs are ideal for high air pressure mine door applications in a harsh underground mine environment. Since the SPU comes as a complete package that is factory-tuned and ready to install, it saves customers hours of install time. The AMD SPU solution has a simple setup and integrates with common networks, including Ethernet, Modbus and others. The Servo Power Unit also allows the system to be operated manually in the event of a power outage.
State-of-the Art Actuation Features of the AMD SPU:
- Includes a Servo Control Drive located in the PLC Control Cabinet – Offering high efficiency, network connectivity, and smooth control that eliminates abrupt flow changes and stress on hoses and connections.
- Includes Dynamic Braking for smooth control with an over-riding load.
- Self -Contained Hybrid Electric-Hydro Power Unit: A compact and efficient power source.
- Top-Mounted Cylinder: The cylinder mounts directly to the top of the door frame for optimal space utilization.
- Bulkhead-Mounted SPU: Usually the smaller SPU is installed right on the bulkhead, minimizing floor space requirements.
- Hoses and Fittings: AMD supplied hoses and fittings connect the motor to the cylinder.
- Limit Switches: Two GO limit switches for precise control.
- Power and Feedback Cables: AMD provides power and feedback cables for connection to the PLC Cabinet.
Optimizing Benefits for Replacing Traditional Hydraulics with the AMD SPU
The AMD Servo Power Unit (SPU) offers other significant advantages over traditional hydraulic systems beyond just saving valuable space:
- No Contamination Risk: The SPU is pre-filled with hydraulic fluid at the factory in a clean room environment avoiding any contamination.
- Enhanced Efficiency: 340% more efficient than traditional hydraulic systems.
- Extended Maintenance Intervals: Requires maintenance only after 8000 hours of operation.
- Equivalent Force Output: Delivers the same output force as traditional hydraulic systems.
- Reduced Maintenance: Eliminates the need for long hoses, filters, accumulators, and large volumes of fluid.
- Overcoming Space Constraints: Addresses the challenges associated with the larger footprint of traditional HPUs.
Is this a better actuation solution for our mining operation?
AMD Servo Power Units (SPU) replace inefficient, leaky and high-maintenance electric hydraulic power units (HPUs) in underground mine door applications.
It’s compact size allows the SPU to be located very close to the mine door and hydraulic cylinder utilizing much shorter hydraulic hoses. In addition, unlike traditional hydraulic power units, the SPU offers several advantages including energy saving power-on-demand.
The AMD SPU can be used for both new mine door installations and retrofit situations. Contact AMD to discuss your specific needs and challenges for your next underground ventilation mine door project.
