Putzmeister Underground, a division of the German industrial giant Putzmeister, is set to unveil its latest innovation in mechanised concrete spraying equipment at a private event in Peru on September 3. The Wetkret 2 Narrow Vein, as the new equipment is called, is specifically designed to operate in the confined spaces of underground mines, with sections as narrow as 2.5 x 2.5 meters. This launch could signal a shift in how mining companies approach safety and efficiency in underground operations.
The Wetkret 2 Narrow Vein is a robotic equipment that incorporates Putzmeister’s most advanced pumping technology. The company claims it offers a compact, safe, and highly efficient solution for one of the most demanding environments in the mining sector. By mechanising the application of shotcrete in narrow veins, the equipment significantly improves operational safety and reduces personnel exposure to adverse conditions. This is a critical development, as safety remains a persistent challenge in underground mining, where workers often face hazardous conditions.
Putzmeister is no stranger to innovation in the concrete pumping sector. The company is globally recognised as a leading manufacturer of concrete pumps, and it states that innovation and development in this field are the foundation of its business. “Being a benchmark in the sector,” the company says, is a testament to its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in concrete technology.
The Wetkret 2 Narrow Vein incorporates Putzmeister’s latest pumping technology with OPS control, which the company claims results in lower pulsation and easier maintenance. The equipment boasts a theoretical maximum concrete flow rate of 13 m³/h at 40 bar, making it an ideal solution for applications in galleries with reduced dimensions. The equipment can be connected directly to the mine’s electrical network or operated with its powerful diesel engine, offering flexibility in power sources.
One of the standout features of the Wetkret 2 Narrow Vein is its remote-controlled telescopic spraying arm. With a vertical reach of up to 7.5 meters and deployment once the front is reached, it allows for precise application of shotcrete in narrow veins. This feature not only enhances safety but also improves the efficiency of the spraying process.
The equipment’s articulated design with reduced dimensions allows for high maneuverability, combined with a 106 kW diesel engine (or 55.4 kW with Stage V) and a traction system with individual motors on each wheel. As an option, it can incorporate an anti-slip system to improve performance on uneven or low-adhesion terrain. The component distribution allows easy and safe access to elements that require more attention, such as the dual brake system power panel that separates high and low voltages, the FOPS/ROPS certified cabin with plug-in design, batteries, and hydraulic oil filters.
Putzmeister Underground offers a wide range of optional configurations to adapt the equipment to the specific needs of each operation. These include the use of biodegradable hydraulic oil, high-efficiency filtering systems with breather dryer, automatic greasing during translation, traming direction lights, transformers for discontinuous currents, and various options for tyres, operator seat, and cleaning pump, among others.
The launch of the Wetkret 2 Narrow Vein could have significant implications for the mining industry. As mining companies increasingly prioritise safety and efficiency, innovations like this could become a standard in underground operations. The equipment’s ability to operate in confined spaces and its advanced features could set a new benchmark for mechanised concrete spraying in the sector.
Moreover, the Wetkret 2 Narrow Vein’s flexibility in power sources and its optional configurations could make it a versatile tool for mining companies operating in different environments and with varying requirements. This could lead to a more widespread adoption of mechanised concrete spraying equipment in the industry, further enhancing safety and efficiency in underground mining.
In conclusion, the launch of the Wetkret 2 Narrow Vein is a significant development in the mining industry. It underscores Putzmeister’s commitment to innovation and its role as a leader in the concrete pumping sector. As mining companies continue to seek ways to improve safety and efficiency in underground operations, innovations like the Wetkret 2 Narrow Vein could become a game-changer, shaping the future of the sector.