Effective non-destructive testing (N.D.T.) of mine haulage equipment

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 80, No. 908, 1987

D. HODGKINSON and W.F. HARKNESS

A non-destructive testing program was established at Crows Nest Resources (C.N.R.), Line Creek mining operation following an in-service fatigue failure of a front wheel spindle on a large haulage truck. This failure identified a definite need for improvements in the ultrasonic techniques used during the mandatory^ spindle integrity examinations. Initial investigations using common mining industry ultrasonic examination techniques showed that the smallest detectable cracks were 75 mm in length for the spindle types in service at the C.N.R. site. The Initial findings indicated that inadequate inspection technique design was the cause of the poor performance. To improve inspection reliability it was identified that improved ultrasonic techniques were required. Results using designed ultrasonic techniques were encouraging, with the detection of simulated and natural cracks 12 mm long achieved. The cost benefits associated with the extended spindle life, following the removal of these small fatigue cracks, far exceeded those of the expertise and effort necessary to implement and conduct the N.D. T. program.

Mots Clés: Safety, Non-destructive testing, Equipment, Haulage trucks, Crows Nest Resources Ltd., Fatigue failure, Ultrasonic testing, Liquid penetrant, Magnetic particle.