Automatic handling equipment Mineshaft

integratedwheel

Overview
Effective selection of mine shaft equipment is essential to maintain operational efficiency and protect personnel in underground mining. FLS supplies a complete, custom-engineered range of headframe and shaft equipment covering the shaft from headframe to shaft bottom, for personnel, materials and ore transport.

Key benefits

• Customisable to suit site layout and application
• Engineered safety elements to protect personnel and equipment
• Designed for long service life and simplified maintenance to reduce OPEX and downtime

Product scope and purpose
FLS mine shaft equipment includes catch gear, arrestor systems, rope sheaves and attachments, guide rollers, skip loading and discharge systems, cages, skips and related ancillary equipment. Each solution is tailored to site operating conditions and regulatory requirements.

Mine headframe catch gear
Catch gear is engineered to engage and hold a conveyance during overwind or rope-failure events. Designs use finite element analysis to handle maximum loads and enable straightforward inspection and maintenance.

• Site-specific configurations for maximum protection
• Optimised structural design
• Maintenance-friendly features such as single-point grease manifolds
• Options for remote retraction

Arrestor systems
Arrestor frames provide predictable deceleration and controlled stopping of conveyances in under- or overwind scenarios.

• Protects conveyances from damage
• Cost-effective solutions
• Low maintenance demand

Rope sheaves
Durable head, sinking, compensating and deflection sheaves are available for all rope sizes with multiple lining options. Sheaves withstand loads near rope breaking strength and are suitable for tight-space installations. Double-down sheaves ease rope replacement.

• Thoroughly tested for quality
• Long service life
• Designed to meet or exceed current standards

Rope attachments
Rope attachments deliver secure connections and precise handling. The range includes sockets, thimble-type cappels, solid thimbles and clamps, swivels, swivel hooks, glands, guide rope tensioning systems and fine-adjustment hydraulic linkages.

• Configurable for all mining applications
• Reliable long operational life
• Low maintenance and repair costs

Guide rollers
Guide rollers prevent misalignment and reduce the risk of costly downtime. A wide selection of sizes, tyres, materials and mountings allows optimisation to shaft conditions for long-term alignment and reduced maintenance.

• Ensures long-term alignment
• Optimised to site conditions
• Reduces maintenance and repair needs

Onboard battery charging system
An integrated battery charging system harvests skip kinetic energy to recharge onboard communication batteries, lowering external energy demands and simplifying maintenance while keeping communications powered.

• Reduces external energy consumption
• Lowers energy costs for recharging
• Simplifies maintenance routines

Mine shaft cages and safety
FLS supplies service, auxiliary and trailer cages in various sizes and configurations. Cages are constructed from durable, lightweight materials and incorporate proven safety measures.

• Engineered safety features
• Custom designs for specific applications
• Proven construction methods

Cage Guardian™ safety brake
The Cage Guardian™ safety brake employs engineered steel guides and redundant mechanical systems that deploy automatically in slack-rope or rope-suspension failures, providing occupant protection and compliance with strict safety regulations.

• Complies with stringent mine safety standards
• Multiple redundant mechanical systems
• Operable under normal personnel conditions

Mine shaft skips and discharge systems
FLS offers a full range of skips (Bottom Dump, Kimberly, Arc-Gate, Sala and Rolachute™) and custom designs. Skip loading and discharge mechanisms are engineered for safe, efficient operation in confined underground spaces.

• Robust construction and durability
• Customisable materials and options
• Available with proven safety catches

Skip loading and crank-type dump mechanism
Skip loading systems include load-sensing measurement for accurate loading. Crank-type dump mechanisms use a motor-driven crank linkage and tipping frame to increase production, optimise hoisting capacity and reduce headframe height compared with some hydraulic or scroll systems.

• Safe and accurate skip loading
• Typical production improvement of up to ~10%
• Optimises hoisting capacity and reduces system complexity

Built for sustainability
Designs emphasise energy efficiency, safety and circularity: lightweight durable cages, onboard battery charging and long-life components reduce energy use, maintenance frequency and replacement waste.

• Energy recovery via onboard charging
• Safety through automatic brakes and redundant systems
• Long-life components supporting circularity

Technical features / specifications

• Scope: complete mine shaft systems from headframe to shaft bottom (catch gear, arrestors, sheaves, attachments, guide rollers, skips, cages, loading and discharge systems)
• Design approach: custom-engineered for site-specific conditions and layouts
• Safety features: engineered catch gear, arrestor frames, Cage Guardian™ safety brake, redundant mechanical systems
• Maintenance: designs prioritise easy inspection and maintenance, single-point grease manifolds and reduced maintenance frequency
• Durability: components tested and designed to exceed standards, long-life linings and construction
• Energy: optional onboard battery charging system to harvest skip kinetic energy for communications and auxiliary systems
• Loading/discharge options: multiple skip types and crank-type dump mechanisms to suit application