Operator and dipper tooth influence on electric shovel performance during oil sands mining

Abstract

A shovel performance monitoring study was undertaken in two oil sands mines operated by Syncrude Canada Ltd. using performance data obtained from P&H 4100 TS and BOSS electric mining shovels. One year of shovel performance data along with geological, geotechnical and climatic data were analysed. The approach adopted was to use current and voltage data collected from hoist and crowd motors to first identify dig cycles and then to calculate the energy and/or power associated with digging. Analysis of performance data while digging uniform material along with operator team schedules showed that the performance of a shovel can vary significantly depending on which operator is digging. Up to 25% variability in hoist power consumption and 50% variability in productivity was noted between different operators. Shovel type and dipper teeth configuration can also influence the power draw on electrical motors during digging.

Keywords:

• Oil sands
• Electric shovels
• Shovel operators
• Diggability
• Tooth adapters

Acknowledgements

The help and cooperation provided by Ted Lord of Syncrude Canada Limited to carry out this research is gratefully acknowledged.