TECHNIKON WITWATERSRAND

SCHOOL OF MINES

MINE ENGINEERING III (MEG321)

LECTURER : R W HODGEN DATE : 27/09/2002

SECOND SEMESTER TIME : 8:30

QUESTION 1

1.1 Your strip mine suffered from flooding due to failure of the diversion ditches.
The length of mine flooded is 2,2 km and the strip width is 40 m, the average
depth of water is 5 meters.
You have 3 hydro seal pumps available as per attached pump performance curves.
The pumps operate at 1000 rpm.
Determine how long it will take to dewater the mine assuming an effective 22
hour day and minimal extra inflow.

a) What output will they have for this application and what motor power is
required? Explain any assumptions you make.

Given information:-

The available pipe columns are 250 mm diameter

Coefficient of friction 0,005
Pipe discharge column length 200 meters
Assume pipe velocity = 3,6 m/s (correct the velocity after finding quantity and
do again).
Vertical head is 12 meters at start of operation, 17 meters at end. Assume
average vertical head. (15)

1.2 List and explain the significance of five areas on the suction side of a centrifugal
pump that can seriously affect the performance of the pump (5)

Total marks [20]

QUESTION 2

2.1 A diesel engine driving an alternator consumes 88,23 kg/h of fuel at maximum
load. Calorific value 42 MJ/kg. If the efficiency of the engine is 40% and that of
the alternator is 85%, determine the output power from the alternator at maximum
rating. (5)

2.2 Determine the practical storage capacity required for 24 hours running at 50%
load factor. Density of diesel 0,96 ton/m3

(5)

Total marks [10]

QUESTION 3

Sketch and label the components and working of a simple lever operated piston type
hydraulic jack. (5)
Determine the load that can be lifted by the jack if the pump cylinder diameter is 20mm
and the lift cylinder diameter is 120mm. The length of lever to the pivot point is 0,6 of a
meter and from the pivot to the pump piston coupling is 0,04 of a meter the force applied
to the lever is 98 Newton. (10)

QUESTION 4

From the attached pump performance curve determine the expected delivery quantity and
motor output power. If the total head required is to be 27,5 and the pump speed 1000
rpm. (5)
The motor to be used for this installation has a speed of 1450 rpm and a V belt pulley of
200mm diameter.
What size pulley must the pump bearing assembly be fitted with? (5)
[10 marks]

QUESTION 5

7.1 with the aid of sketches show the cycles of a diesel compression ignition engine.
(4)
7.2 list the safety devices used on diesel engines (when used in hazardous areas?)

7.2.1 on the inlet system

7.2.2 on the exhaust system
7.2.3 other as for flame proofing in a Fiery Mine (6)
[10 marks]
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QUESTION 6

1.1 Explain the meaning of the following terms used in rail traction:-

1.1.1 Tractive effort (2)

1.1.2 Tractive resistance to motion (2)
1.1.3 Drawbar Pull (2)

1.2 A haulage has a gradient of 1:100 between the tip and the drawpoint. The
locomotive driver couples-up his 30t locomotive to 15 hoppers, each of mass 3t
and containing ore of 2t, prior to traveling down grade to the tip. The hoppers
have a tractive resistance of 65N/t and the locomotive, 85N/t. He gets out of the
cab to check that he is properly coupled-up and forgets to apply the brakes.
1.2.1 What happens? (justify your answer – no guesses) (6)

1.2.2 His speed entering the tip must not be more than 0,75m/s. Assuming that
his deceleration is linear and his minimum speed using his controller is
4m/s, at what point must he apply the brakes if he knows his maximum
safe braking time is 10 seconds? (8)
[20 marks]

QUESTION 7

List all the predictive maintenance systems available to large units of mining equipment.
(7)

QUESTION 8

You are required to prepare a bill of quantities for the construction of a 1 meter thick wall
which will be 8 metres long and 2 metres high. (4)

List the main points requiring attention during and after the placement of concrete .
(4)
[8 marks]
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