A load haul dump (LHD) machine has been quarantined after a hole blew in the side of its engine while operating at an underground mine in New South Wales.
The incident occurred when, after driving a short distance, the LHD operator heard a ticking noise from the diesel engine. The operator stopped and began to return towards pit bottom for maintenance to check the machine.
After driving three to four pillars, the operator heard a loud bang and the LHD stopped.
The machine was quarantined with a root cause investigation being conducted by the mine and the original equipment manufacturer. The lifecycle age of the diesel engine has not been established.
It was discovered that the top end of the explosion-protected diesel engine systems (ExDES) had catastrophically failed with a hole blown in the side of the diesel engine, which led to internal engine components being exposed to the mine atmosphere.
The NSW Resources Regulator was notified of the incident and has suggested that issues with engine oil could have been a contributing factor.
“The catastrophic failure of a diesel engine system presents a significant risk because the temperature of the ejected components created an ignition source that had the potential to cause an explosion,” the Regulator said.
“Persons conducting a business or undertakings in control of ExDES should ensure maintenance, inspection and testing is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation, and thorough inspection and testing is undertaken before commissioning plant.”
The Regulator also offered specific recommendations to mining companies on how they can prevent future incidents:
- Ensure correct operation of automatic engine shutdown systems (loss of engine oil pressure)
- Engine oil should be maintained at the correct level
- Engine oil and filter changes should occur at a frequency recommended by the engine manufacturer
- Engine oil should be used to the engine manufacturer’s specifications and suited for the ambient temperature range of the environment.
- Engine oil should be stored and decanted to prevent contamination by dirt or water
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