Implementation of HDPE Pipes to Reduce OTR Tire Damage and Increase Their Lifespan

Abstract

This article aims to provide a general overview of the design, operational, and security aspects regarding the implementation of HDPE pipes in surface mining trucks (CAEX). The specific objectives are as follows: Apply an ongoing improvement tool to problem-solving related to OTR tire management, determine the influencing factor for the case study, calculate the cost of damage and wear rates, implement improvement actions to reduce damage of OTR tires and increase their lifespan, determine the quantity and types of HDPE pipes to be implemented in different fleet models, and evaluate the impact of improvement on OTR tire management costs and damages. This study applied the Ishikawa diagram, also known as the cause-and-effect or fishbone diagram. This diagram is used to identify the causes that lead to damage to OTR tires in the mining industry. A central line representing the main problem is drawn, and main branches representing categories of influencing factors or causes are added. Then, secondary branches are added, detailing more specific factors within each category. To determine the most influential factor, a mining company was taken as a reference, and systems controlling OTR tires, such as dispatch systems, and field inspection formats were applied. The proposal to prevent rocks from falling into loading areas involved analyzing the use of additional accessories in extraction trucks, such as HDPE pipes, PVC pipes, and metal spoilers in the field. The technical characteristics of HDPE, PVC, and metal pipes and/ or spoilers were described. HDPE pipes are flexible, corrosion- resistant, and durable, making them suitable for mining industry applications. PVC pipes are rigid, durable, corrosion-resistant, and widely used in plumbing and drainage applications. Metal pipes, made from various metals, are strong, durable, and capable of withstanding high pressures and temperatures. The main findings were presented. Finally, damage calculation and wear rates were performed in the methodology. The main conclusions are as follows: The Ishikawa Diagram ongoing improvement tool was applied to determine that the most influential factor for the case study is OTR tire cutting in loading areas. Additionally, the main characteristics of the pipes to be used were determined, with HDPE pipes being the most suitable based on dimensions of length (m): 3.76 - 4.48 m, diameter (m): 0.26 - 0.38 m, thickness: 0.04 - 0.06 m, and quantities of 22 units for models 7D, 93-3, 93-4, and 83-1 for different truck models. Finally, the total cost of damage and wear rates was calculated after the implementation as 1,475,000.00 and the number of waste as 64, with an average annual savings of $330,000.00 (representing 18%).