The Bucket wheel Excavator-1420, one of the Specialized Mining Equipment (SME) working in the Mine-II of NLC India Ltd., was re-commissioned on 11.01.2021 after completion of revamping works.
The 1400 lts. bucket capacity BWE was supplied by M/s. O&K of Germany and it originally commissioned on 09.05.1990 in Mine-II for removal of overburden. The purchase cost of the machine was Rs.195.00 Crore. This is a unique model of SME, called Bridge Type BWE, and the distance between the cutting unit and the discharge end can be adjusted by a telescopic arrangement, according to the requirement of the site condition. This facility will reduce the number of shifting of conveyor systems. This machine has completed 29 years of life with a total working period of 1,35,424 hours. To extend the life of the SME further, it was planned to revamp the machine with replacing the strained main pylon structures, other critical structural components, drive units, assemblies etc.,
The revamping works were awarded to M/s Tenova India Pvt. Ltd., and M/s ABB India Ltd., to carry out the mechanical and electrical portions respectively for a total value of Rs.62.535 crore. The revamping work was commenced on 18.12.2019 and it was completed on 11.01.2021.
In a simple function held at the SME Overhaul Yard of Mine-II, Neyveli on 11.01.2021, Shri. Prabhakar Chowki, Director (Mines) of NLCIL recommissioned the rejuvenated machine in the presence of Shri. Hemant Kumar, ED/Mines, Shri. P.Ashokraj CGM/SME , Shri. Cheruku Dayanand GM/Mine-II, executives and employees of NLCIL, Tenova India and ABB India.