Minetek achieved an 11dBA noise reduction on the Komatsu PC7000 mining excavator.

Komatsu’s PC7000 mining machine is a large-scale heavy-duty excavator used widely among industrial and mining operations. Fitted with two powerful 1,250 kW / 1,675 HP engines with enhanced management, adjustable idle shutdown and improved hydraulic efficiency. The PC7000 is armed with powerful lifting arms and huge buckets with large operating capacities of 676 – 694 tonnes / 1,490,600 – 1,530,300 lb and a shovel capacity of 36 m3 / 47 yd3. Komatsu’s PC7000 mining excavator is a crucial piece of equipment for mining operators due to its versatility, manoeuvrability, and multi-functionality.?

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Mine noise levels & restrictions.?

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Sound can pose a serious challenge to the operational efficiency of a mine with strict noise limitations in place. The NSW Hunter Valley is no stranger to community noise complaints with mines in the region required to keep operational noise levels below 116 dBA.?Sites have developed noise management plans to help explain their strategic efforts implemented in order to mitigate mine site noise. Noise level monitoring is one strategy utilised by mines which involves strategically placing sound receivers around the boundary of the mine. By identifying key sources of noise, mining operators can actively take the appropriate steps to reduce noise levels.??

A Hunter Valley mine identified that the Komatsu PC7000 excavator would be a significant noise source if it operated at the factory sound power level of 127 dBA. Reducing noise levels emitted by Komatsu's PC7000 mining excavator will help this Hunter Valley mine achieve and maintain regulatory compliance in addition to increasing operating hours, resource recovery, carbon emissions, operational efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction. The limited operability of the Komatsu PC7000 excavator was impacting production with urgent solutions required to help achieve desired production targets whilst maintaining compliance.???

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Komatsu PC7000 Sound Attenuation package.?

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Minetek was commissioned by a Hunter Valley mine to design and manufacture Australia's first turn-key sound attenuation solution for the Komatsu PC7000 mining excavator. This solution was designed to meet strict noise limitations of 116 dBA which are imposed in the Hunter Valley for mining operators. Minetek's sound solution was acoustically engineered and designed to Komatsu's OEM specifications without compromising machine integrity, airflow, maintenance, and access ability. The key deliverable of this sound attenuation project was to reduce the PC7000 excavator’s operating noise down to the site noise level of 116 dBA enabling this Hunter Valley mine to meet and maintain community and environmental expectations.??

Minetek’s innovative sound testing and sound visualisation helped to pin-point key sources of machine noise. These insights equipped our engineers with the data required to strategically focus on attenuating key areas like the exhaust system, belly panels, radiators and other key elements. Each element of our sound attenuation solutions are specifically designed with sound reduction properties that vary with the machine’s acoustic frequency. With cutting-edge technology and innovative simulation programs, Minetek can target specific frequencies, including balance and noise-cancelling configurations. In addition to reducing noise levels, our incorporated designs provide substantial heat reduction capabilities, reducing the surface temperature of exhaust and engine parts.?

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Komatsu PC7000 sound data.?

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The Komatsu PC7000 mining excavator had a factory sound power level of 127 dBA, when tested as per ISO 6393/6395 standard requirements, which is 11 dBA above site noise restrictions.??

Assuming ideal weather conditions (no temperature inversion later, no wind, fog etc.) and hemispherical radiation (Q=2), the Komatsu PC7000 could only operate at a distance of 3,981m (to the receiver / mine boundary) at this noise level. This was posing significant logistical challenges for this Hunter Valley Mine impacting operational efficiency.??

After Minetek completed their turn-key Sound Attenuation package the Komatsu PC7000 operated at a low noise output of 116 dBA, reducing noise levels by 11 dBA.?

With Minetek's Sound Attenuation solutions fitted to Komatsu’s PC7000 mining excavator, this machine can now operate < 50% closer to the sound receiver / site boundary at a distance of 281.8m. Minetek's sound solutions have set an industry benchmark with sound suppression targeting the source of noise now best practice.?

For over 30 years, Minetek has been a key partner to the mining industry with extensive experience in attenuation solutions throughout Australia and around the globe. Our solutions reduce the impact sound has on production, enabling mining companies to achieve true operational excellence. Make Minetek part of your sound strategy by treating major noise sources on mining trucks & machinery through sound attenuation. To learn more about our recent sound attenuation projects or case studies visit https://minetek.com/projects/?????