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The Value of Increased Spending

Marc Carriere - Victaulic
Global Mining Manager

STORY INLINE POST

Wed, 10/19/2016 - 14:21

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Q: How has the drop in commodity prices influenced your position within the market, and how have you changed your value proposition?

A: The drop in commodity prices has forced a complete shift toward productivity and cost efficiency in the medium term. Nevertheless, in the short term it has been a difficult situation to withstand. Mining players are misled by the belief that opting for cheaper products will be more cost-effective but these cheap alternatives do not necessarily mean the desired levels of productivity will be reached. Victaulic has stayed ahead of the curve and these market changes have not affected its value proposition because it has made inroads in countries where it previously lacked strength. We have new products to offer potential clients and this can also help minimize the effects of the drop in the mining market.

Q: What new products are you deploying in the Mexican mining industry that will foster productivity and operative efficiency?

A: We have made improvements on our standard couplings and these have significantly affected productivity. Our new couplings are installation ready, which means they do not have to be taken apart and assembled. This is important for underground activities since if even a small component such as a nut is lost, the operator would rather throw away the entire coupling and get a new one. This new coupling is called Style 177N and it has the same features, pressure ratings, and benefits. A benefit of manufacturing our own casting is that we can create sweeping bends, and this extends the lifecycle of the system and allows the customer to have tailor-made designs. Ultimately, the systems are more practical. They increase lifecycles of equipment, and they reduce maintenance costs.

Q: What top innovations have you carried out in the paste backfill piping systems that are being implemented in mines?

A: Victaulic has two systems, the ES system for 2500 psi/17250 kPa and the double groove system for 4000 psi/27500 kPa services. We designed a valve that can tolerate the abrasive paste with elbows that are finely bent to reduce wear, allowing for diversion from one area to another and reducing labor intensity. It takes a couple of minutes to assemble rather than the traditional six hours. The Series 725 diverter valve is the first grooved end valve specifically designed for use on paste backfill lines. Providing 180° service, the Series 725 eliminates the need to re-position fill lines, reducing handling and leading to more efficient operations. Constructed from durable ductile iron, Series 725 is available in 6in/150mm size for systems rated up to 1000psi/6900kPa. Designed with a standard ISO 5211 mounting flange the Series 725 diverter valve can be provided with electric actuation or with a gear operator. The gear operator provided with the Series 725 has an optional input flange, and one of the competitive advantages of this system is that it is automated remotely.

Q: How does R&D enable Victaulic to position itself as a leader in the market?

A: Much of the innovation is driven by visits to the mines in order to recognize the areas of opportunities and problems that need to be solved. The concept of building something the client needs is rarely realized because firstly, clients tend not to know what they want, and secondly, there can be misconceptions regarding the problems they face. We talk to the engineers, fitters, managers, and field workers to gain an idea of the inside workings of the mine, how things are used, and the cost of ownership.

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