Assessment of the digging force and selection of the according BWE.

A description is given of the procedure followed by Krupp Fordertechnik in assessing the cutting force and cutting energy needed by bucket wheel excavators (BWEs) for a particular application and in optimising their mechanical and operational parameters. The properties of the material to be excavated are decisive for design of the excavator and selection of the mining method. An improved point-load testing method is used for extensive characterisation of the formation in situ. Energy requirements are related to fracture surface so as to consider excavator geometry, fracturing behaviour and natural cleavage of the formation. Cutter wear can be predicted as a function of the material characteristics and the mechanical and operational parameters.

A description is given of the procedure followed by Krupp Fordertechnik in assessing the cutting force and cutting energy needed by bucket wheel excavators (BWEs) for a particular application and in optimising their mechanical and operational parameters. The properties of the material to be excavated are decisive for design of the excavator and selection of the mining method. An improved point-load testing method is used for extensive characterisation of the formation in situ. Energy requirements are related to fracture surface so as to consider excavator geometry, fracturing behaviour and natural cleavage of the formation. Cutter wear can be predicted as a function of the material characteristics and the mechanical and operational parameters.