Underground Conveyors Pre-feasibility Study
- Client: Oz Minerals
- Location: South Australia
- Date: 2015 - 2016
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Project Overview and Scope
Oyu Tolgoi was reviewing the existing COS building and the newly installed CVB2036 eastern tripper, which receives ore from the underground mine. A recent design review identified that the upgraded COS eastern substructure was under capacity, creating the need for further engineering review and rectification planning.
The CVB2036 tripper head chute was also experiencing frequent build-up and blockages. Proposed chute modifications increased the overall tripper and chute mass, which further impacted wheel loads and the structural requirements of the COS building.
Given the complexity, cost and execution risk associated with the rectification works, EMtek was engaged by Rio Tinto to review the project calculations and proposed modifications, then further develop the concept and detailed design for the tripper and COS eastern substructure upgrades.
EMtek’s scope covered:
- Upgraded rotable head chute design
- Tripper structural and wheel system modifications
- COS building strengthening and fatigue-related connection modifications
- Energy chain replacement with a festoon system
- DEM assessment of transfer chute performance
- Concept and detailed design development
- Structural, mechanical and electrical engineering
- Shop detailing, installation scope and construction support allowances
Services and Outcome
EMtek’s work was structured across concept design and detailed design phases to support a practical rectification strategy for the CVB2036 tripper and COS eastern substructure.
Key services included:
- Site visit, data review and engineering assessment
- Review of drawings, calculations, photos and available operating information
- 3D Navisworks concept and detailed model development
- DEM evaluation of chute build-up, blockage risk and wear performance
- Optimised head chute, impact plate and splitter beam design
- Trouser leg, transport frame and chute carriage design
- Tripper wheel, rail and drive system verification
- Additional wheel and bracing modification design
- Structural checks for revised chute and wheel arrangements
- COS building strengthening and fatigue connection modifications
- Energy chain replacement concept and festoon system design
- Electrical impact review, cable selection, schematics and cable schedules
- Material take-offs and equipment lists
- Installation scope of work and constructability review support
- Design review, HAZID and action tracking documentation
The design package provided Rio Tinto with a clearer engineering pathway for addressing chute performance issues, tripper loading impacts and COS building structural capacity concerns, while supporting safer operation, improved maintainability and more practical execution of the rectification works.
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