Mining

Mining Dry Ice Solutions

In the challenging environment of mining, maintaining equipment efficiency and minimising downtime is crucial. Traditional cleaning methods can lead to wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of your machinery. Our mining Dry Ice solutions provide a non-abrasive, safe, and highly effective alternative for cleaning and maintaining your equipment, helping to ensure uninterrupted operations and enhanced productivity.

Maximise Uptime, Preserve Equipment Integrity

Dry Ice cleaning is a cutting-edge technique that reduces downtime while protecting the structural integrity of mining equipment. Unlike conventional methods that rely on abrasive materials, chemicals, or water, dry ice cleaning uses CO₂ pellets that sublimate on contact, transforming from solid to gas. This process effectively removes dirt, grease, and other tough contaminants without damaging surfaces, making it ideal for the rigorous demands of the mining industry.

Comprehensive Mining Applications

Our Dry Ice solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of the mining sector. They are versatile enough to clean a wide range of equipment, from drilling equipment, conveyors, and crushers to more delicate components like turbine and generator rotors and stators. Dry Ice cleaning is also perfect for engine bays, blocks, motors, cylinder heads, and transmissions, ensuring that your machinery remains in peak condition.

Dry Ice applications include:

  • Drilling Equipment, Conveyors & Crushers
  • Turbine & Generator Rotors and Stators
  • Engine Bays, Blocks, Motors, Cylinder Heads & Transmissions
  • Filters, Pumps, Compressors
  • Refrigeration Components
  • Heat Exchangers & Pressure Vessels
  • Hydraulic Packs & Hydraulic Components
  • Electrical Components
  • Filters, Pumps & Compressors
  • ​Flooring, Walls and Staircases
  • Slush, Aluminium & Urethane Moulds
  • Blow, Compression & Injection Moulds
  • Hydraulic Components
  • Batteries & Generators
  • Suspension Housings


Specialised Moulding and Shrinking Applications


In mining operations, precision is key. Dry ice is not only effective for cleaning but also excels in moulding and shrinking applications. It’s ideal for de-flashing and shrinking metal components, reducing dents, and removing rubber, PVC, and vinyl materials with ease. This makes it an invaluable tool for maintaining the precise functioning of mining equipment and components.


Dry Ice for Shrinking Bearings and Component Fitting


In industrial applications including mining, Dry Ice is used to contract bearings and other components for easier fitting into machinery. This ensures precise installation and reduces machinery downtime, which is critical in maintaining operational efficiency


Process of Using Dry Ice for Shrinking Bearings


Preparation


    

  • Clean the bearing: Ensure the bearing is free of any contaminants.
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  • Safety precautions: Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses to handle dry ice, as it is extremely cold and can cause frostbite.
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Cooling the Bearing


    

  • Dry ice bath: Place the bearing in a container with dry ice. Ensure the container is well-ventilated to allow for safe sublimation of CO₂.
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  • Direct application: Alternatively, dry ice can be applied directly to the bearing using pellets or small blocks for more localised cooling.
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  • Temperature monitoring: Monitor the temperature to avoid over-cooling and potential material brittleness.
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Shrinking


    

  • As the bearing cools, it contracts, making it easier to fit into its housing.
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Installation


    

  • Quickly insert the cooled, contracted bearing into the housing or shaft. As it warms back to ambient temperature, it will expand to its normal size, creating a tight, secure fit.
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Maintain Critical Mining Components


Dry Ice is also essential for the maintenance of critical components such as hydraulic packs, pumps, compressors, and heat exchangers. By incorporating dry ice cleaning into your maintenance routine, you can ensure these systems remain clean, fully operational, and ready to perform in the demanding conditions of the mining industry.


Why Choose Dry Ice for Mining?


Opt for dry ice cleaning in your mining operations to protect your equipment, maximise uptime, and enhance productivity. Our advanced dry ice solutions are designed to meet the rigorous demands of the mining industry, helping you maintain the efficiency and longevity of your valuable machinery.


Applications in Industrial and Mining Usage


Heavy Machinery Maintenance


    

  • Easy Installation: The dry ice shrinking method allows for easier installation of bearings in large machinery, common in industrial and mining settings.
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  • Reducing Downtime: Quick installation reduces machinery downtime, crucial where equipment uptime is essential.
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Precision Fitting


    

  • Tight Tolerances: Shrinking components with dry ice ensures a precise fit, critical for mechanical system efficiency.
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  • Avoiding Damage: Minimises the risk of damaging bearings or housings that might occur if excessive force were used at room temperature.
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Maintenance of Conveyors and Crushers


    

  • Bearing Replacement: Regular replacement of bearings in conveyor systems and crushers is efficiently managed using the shrinking technique.
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Shaft and Gear Fitting


    

  • Interference Fit: Shrinking shafts and gears ensures mechanically robust and reliable connections, essential in heavy machinery.
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Benefits of Using Dry Ice for Shrinking Bearings:


    

  • Controlled Temperature Change: Dry ice offers controlled temperature changes, making it easier to manage the precise contraction needed for fitting.
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  • Non-Lubricated Fit: Ensures a tight fit without the need for lubrication, avoiding contamination.
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  • Efficiency: Installation is quicker and more efficient than methods relying on heating and expanding housings.
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Blasting Assistance and Rock Fragmentation


    

  • Dry ice aids precision blasting in mining operations by inducing thermal shock. Applying dry ice to rock formations causes rapid cooling and contraction, making the rocks more brittle and easier to fracture. This leads to more controlled and efficient blasting, enhancing overall productivity.
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Temperature Control and Air Quality


    

  • In confined mining environments, managing temperature and air quality is crucial. Dry ice sublimates, absorbing significant amounts of heat, which helps regulate temperatures. Additionally, as it converts to CO2, it aids in maintaining a stable atmosphere within the mine.
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Ore Processing Enhancements


    

  • Dry ice is instrumental during ore processing stages. It cools materials, reducing dust generation during crushing and grinding. This cooling minimizes heat-induced chemical changes in the ore, ensuring higher-quality outputs and safer processing conditions.
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Integrating these applications into mining demonstrates how dry ice is not just a cleaning tool but a multifaceted resource enhancing productivity, safety, and cost-effectiveness in the sector.