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Editorial representation24/05/2023
follow the journey of BKT through new technologies that will make the OTR sector more sustainable. In the first two episodes of Global Trends OTR, the interview program of the Indian multinational, topics such as automation and robotics were discussed. The latest episode is titled ‘Alternative Energy, Electrification and Green Energy’. In fact, alternative energy is one of the main tools in the process of change underway in the mining sector.
As usual, three leading experts were invited to the studio. This time the guests are: Paul Muller, Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers London and Technical Director of Sales at Perkins Engines, one of the world’s leading diesel engine suppliers, dedicated for many years to the development of electric and low . energy impact; Jonathan Cohen, Director of Product Marketing for AutoStem Technology, a South African company that has been making non-explosive products to facilitate mining operations since 1997; Piero Torassa, Director of Field Engineering at BKT Europe is in charge of testing the tires to assess their performance and quality.
The third episode of BKT’s Global Trends OTR.
Paul Muller opens the episode by talking about the importance of electric power in the green transition process and how this can reduce the environmental impact in the OTR sector without affecting efficiency and engine performance. For example, the expert talks about the implementation of a new modular system of 300 V and 600 V electric batteries in large vehicles, as well as 48 V batteries in smaller machines.
In the mining sector, the adoption of electrical systems is closely linked to the availability or possible adaptability to the existing, often insufficient, infrastructure: We see ourselves as part of the energy transition and play an important role in supporting a wide range of customers to help them . achieve their goals, Muller points out. We want them to improve their efficiency, but also to reduce their impact on the environment. One of the ways to do this is to offer them electrical solutions.
According to Muller, the mining sector plays a central role in the extensive decarbonisation process. If done, the electrification of vehicles and infrastructure will reduce NOx emissions, as well as particulates and other greenhouse gases. Despite this, the Perkins technical sales director points out that in some cases different solutions for electrification are needed, suggesting the use of alternative fuels such as synthetic diesel, biodiesel, or hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), alternative fuels which would make it possible to use it. combining the use of classic internal combustion engines to reduce carbon emissions without the need to invest in new equipment.
From the development of electrification to synthetic diesel, from green hydrogen to non-explosive explosives: the value chain of the OTR sector involves investments in research and the right information.
Hydrogen is another solution that will be used in the energy transfer process, although its use as a fuel currently creates some critical problems due to the more or less sustainable sources from which it can be obtained: A topic for a good debate. We cannot focus on a particular technology without considering its impact and the origin of the fuel that powers it, Muller concludes. The mining industry is an important sector where electrification is and will be an important part of decarbonisation and the energy transition. Undoubtedly, there will be much to learn before these technologies are adopted.
The second guest, Jonathan Cohen, reveals a new type of alternative energy related to the use of non-explosive explosives, which is particularly useful in the mining sector. This type of controlled explosion with AutoStem technology is based on deflation, a subsonic combustion phenomenon that occurs at a speed of about 300 m/s and is stimulated by a chemical reaction and a cartridge system: We describe our technology as the first non-nuclear explosion. product in the world. It’s not even called explosive, says Cohen. Thanks to this solution, consequences such as shock waves, rock fall, mineral pulverization, as well as damage to structures or tunnels in the vicinity of the explosion are avoided. This project offers countless positive aspects in terms of sustainability: Within 30 years it will be the most used technology. By avoiding the shock wave associated with traditional explosives and eliminating some of the more harmful chemicals often used in the production of traditional explosives, we prevent the creation of very fine dust, which is a primary air pollutant, as well as the generation of harmful gases. . Our technology eliminates the potential for soil contamination that always occurs, more or less, with the use of conventional explosive slurries. Another advantage of this innovative technology is its competitive advantage even from an economic point of view.
The third episode of BKT’s Global Trends OTR features Paul Muller, Director of Technical Sales at Perkins Engines, Jonathan Cohen, Director of Product Marketing at AutoStem Technology, and Piero Torassa, Director of Field Engineering at BKT Europe.
The last guest to speak is Pietro Torassa, who explains how important energy efficiency is throughout the value chain of the OTR sector. In essence, the BKT Europe engineer emphasizes how the different levels of energy efficiency affect the quality of a product, indicating that innovation can go hand in hand with introducing the use of alternative energy into the production process.
We ourselves use renewable energy in the production of our tires,” says Torassa. But at the same time we assess efficiency, load capacity, etc. Usually, in the OTR sector, we talk about a star rating, which is capacity it’s tires.. tires to carry the load Fifteen years ago we had one star, now we have three To facilitate and accelerate the adoption of alternative energy sources, it is essential to achieve the goal you want define, understand the actual use of your applications. , and then , work with a partner who can develop and integrate a solution that meets these requirements Vague objectives and a lack of understanding of how proposed solutions are used in really the development of products that do not meet the needs of the customer, which discourages their adoption.
Global Trends OTR, the web TV format created by BKT, will host international experts, operators and journalists every month until June to analyze current issues on the OTR market.
Environmental sustainability and the implementation of measures to facilitate the energy transition will also be discussed in the next episode of Global Trends, which will appear from June 20.
The full third episode of Global Trends OTR can be viewed here: https://www.bkt-network.com/alternative-energies