SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Aug 3: The researchers of IIT Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad mechanical engineering department have developed an improved hydraulic steering system for Load Haul Dump (LHD) vehicles used in mining operations.
An IIT ISM official said the developed system, besides being power efficient and cost-effective, is also net zero emission.
The researchers, Prof Ajit Kumar, an assistant professor and Nirajan Kumar, an associate professor, have developed this new system in around two years as part of an institute-funded project worth Rs 6 lakh, which began in 2019.
The newly developed system can also prove to be helpful during emergency situations like- pump failure to drive out the LHD vehicles to safer places.
The official said Load Haul Dump (LHD) vehicles are improvised front end loader, developed for the tough most hard rock mining operation as they are extremely rugged, highly manoeuvrable and more productive.
Giving details, Prof Ajit Kumar, principal investigator of the project said that in the traditional Hydraulic Circuit Arrangement of LHD vehicles, there is a separate hydraulic system for the operation of a Cable Reeling Drum (CRD) that requires an additional pump along with the couplers, thereby increasing the overall power requirement of the vehicles.
In the proposed design, an integrated hydraulic circuit system for the LHD vehicles steering system and CRD drive has been introduced to facilitate the simultaneous operations of the vehicle’s steering system. CRD drive using a single power pack unit minimizes the overall power required for the vehicle.
Explaining the working of the accumulator, Prof Ajit Kumar said that the accumulator flow can be utilized to steer the vehicle for a limited time and be brought to a safer location for troubleshooting.
The invention for which a patent application has already been filed is at present in the laboratory stage and its field trial would be conducted soon.
