Missouri is home to countless rock quarries and coal mines as well as strip and underground mines and the businesses that operate in this space require specialized hydraulic and industrial hose solutions. You need a partner you can trust.
We understand the supply needs of our mining customers in the Greater St. Louis region and beyond and take the time to get to know your business.
Here’s why that matters:
The hydraulic and industrial hoses commonly used in surface and underground mining have unique needs based on each application. Choosing the wrong hose can wind up costing you time and money.
Here are two examples:
- Some hoses may run several miles long and involve multiple couplings at various connection points, increasing the potential for leak points.
- Some applications require a hose that can stand up to wild temperature fluctuations or face a devastating breakdown in the hose construction.
Any miscalculations on these hose assembly needs can result in dangerous and costly hose failure.
If your goal is to better manage costs, mitigate risk as well as protect people and equipment at every stage of your mining operation, we can help with expert guidance every step of the way.
What is the difference between surface mining and underground mining operations?
What is surface mining?
Surface mining is a method of extracting minerals near the surface of the Earth. The four most common types of surface mining are coal mining, open-pit mining, strip mining and quarrying. Surface mining is often used to uncover materials that include:
- Sand, gravel, crushed rock
- Marble, granite, limestone, sandstone and slate
- Coal, phosphate and other minerals
Facts about Surface Mining:
- Surface mining typically requires larger hose and fitting coverage than underground mines.
- The equipment used — scrapers, dozers, haul trucks, water trucks, hydraulic shovels and drill rigs — all have similar hydraulic needs and may use hoses between ¼ inch to 4-inch in diameter.
- Most hydraulic hoses and couplings used in mining applications must meet or exceed the Mine Safety and Health Association (MSHA) requirements.
- Some operations require specialized lines premade by the manufacturer to cover any warranty issues on new equipment.
What is underground mining?
Underground mining is different than surface mining in that when any ore body lies a considerable distance below the surface, the amount of waste that has to be removed to uncover the ore through surface mining becomes prohibitive, and underground techniques must be considered.
Underground mining typically incurs higher costs due to:
- Size of underground mining equipment
- Limitations of ground conditions, ore body geometry
- Limited access
- Increased labor hours
Facts about Underground Mining:
- Hoses can have high-pressure requirements between 3,000 to 5,000 psi.
- Hydraulic hoses may be used in equipment to hold up the roof of a mine.
- Monorails and other systems used in the process may rely on hydraulic hose systems.
Note: While hose needs may be similar across mining applications, it’s important to remember all hoses are not the same. For instance, a common cause of failure is using the wrong hoses interchangeably. For that reason, braided hoses and spiral hoses should never be assembled together.
Additionally, hoses can come in various pressure ranges — low, medium, high and ultra-high pressure ranges. So, take care when selecting the right hose to meet those demands.
Talk to your Superior Industrial Supply sales representative to learn more.
Call 314-638-6500 OPTION 4 or toll-free 800-783-6501.
How are the supply needs of the mining industry different from other industries?
Mining is tough on equipment and components.
The mining industry is different than most industries due to the conditions of the environment and landscape. Extreme temperatures, rugged terrain, exposure to dirt, sand, wind and debris and even routine handling can quickly break down hose assembly components.
This is significantly different from industrial facilities where operations managers can implement solutions to mitigate wear and tear, such as temperature control, routine cleaning and proper storage.
Due to the harsh environment, mining operations require the use of high-quality and durable hose equipment. What’s more, because most mining operations occur in remote locations far away from supply houses, businesses need reliable access to inventory like high-pressure hose lines, fittings and other components required for their assemblies.
Did you know? Superior Industrial Supply can place an onsite hydraulic hose crimping machine, inventory and protective storage on your worksite to reduce hose-related downtime, maintain access to critical spares and extend the service life of your hoses. We also have the widest selection of specialty hoses and fittings your mining operation needs.
Costly Implications of Failed Hose Systems
Mining often requires multiple operations to occur simultaneously and if one area goes down many other areas will be compromised. It’s another reason to seek expert advice when creating your hose assembly.
Not only can a downed line halt production, but it can also have devastating impacts on people and property including burns from flammable or hazardous material, slip-and-fall accidents, explosions or even punctures and lacerations from high-pressure hose lines.
Other impacts of hose failure include:
- High hydraulic fluid consumption
- Inefficient machine operation
- Safety and accident liability
- Premature equipment failure
- Poor product quality
- Increased capital costs
- Expensive environmental impacts
What Hoses are Right for Mining Operations?
Hoses are an integral part of the mining process and have evolved over decades to improve production rates and worker safety.
But choosing the right hose lines can make or break your productivity, safety and profitability. That’s why we only carry the best hoses, fitting and connectors like those from Danfoss Power Solutions (formerly Eaton). You can rely on us for trusted industrial and hydraulic hose solutions that meet or exceed the Mine Safety and Health Association (MSHA) requirements.
“To reduce hose failure from using the wrong hose, some mining businesses may consider using a standardized hose system, either braided or spiral, for consistency across operations. This consistency can eliminate unnecessary inventory, save money on purchases and reduce mix-match hose systems. “
— Rod Doerr, Sales Specialist at Superior Industrial Supply
Industrial hose solutions for the transfer of air, water, slurry, fuel and other media include:
- Air-operated power tools
- Rock dust suppression
- Rock dust removal
- Mining Slurry
- Mine fire protection
- Cable guards
- Dewatering
- Emulsion transfer
- Ammonium nitrate transfer
Hydraulic hose solutions for equipment and tooling include a full range of braided and spiral hydraulic hoses to meet low, medium and high-pressure hydraulic applications:
- High-temperature hoses
- Sub-zero temperature hoses
- Premium abrasion hoses
- Standard hoses (meets SAE/EN requirements)
- Suction and return hoses
- Engine hoses
- Refrigerant hoses
Access now: Danfoss Power Solutions Boston Industrial Hose in Mining Catalog
Blasting Operations Require Specialty Hose Solutions
For blasting operations using ANFO, an industrial explosive which stands for ammonium nitrate/fuel oil, we recommend two hoses in particular.
- The Series K7000 Anti-Static Blasting Tubing from Kuriyama is ideal for the loading of ANFO blasting agents in mining and construction applications.
- The Industrial H119624 from Danfoss is ideal for water and diluted pesticide transfer, water suction and discharge from the ANFO truck to the blasting site.
When choosing the right hose, it’s important to consider the pressure rating the application requires as well as the configuration of the hose end (what fittings you’ll need). This is a major reason why we recommend choosing one brand of hose lines so that you can ensure compatibility.
“Rather than selecting a hose based on cost alone, be sure to think about the quality, durability and service life of your hose assembly. There’s nothing worse than being out in the middle of nowhere and a downed line halts your entire operation, especially when it could have been prevented.”
— Rod Doerr, Sales Specialist at Superior Industrial Supply
11 Common Causes of Hose Failure (Inspection Checklist Included)
Hoses are the weakest link in your system and have limited-service lives, requiring regular inspections, maintenance and replacement for safe and reliable operation. We can help you plan for, assemble and service your hose assemblies to maximize their life and performance.
Top 11 Reasons Why Hoses Fail in Mining Operations
- Abrasion on Surface Area
- Improper Assembly and Fittings
- Improper Routing
- Tube Erosion
- Pressure Surges
- Fluid Incompatibility
- Improper Bend Radius
- Wrong Insertion Depth
- Extreme Operating Temperatures
- Chemical Exposure
- Dry Air
Did you know? Abrasion is the most common cause of hose failure – rubbing against other components or equipment (Machine Design). Fortunately, hose coverings can minimize the likelihood of abrasions without impacting the bend radius. Some options include:
- Steel or flat spring guarding
- Plastic guarding
- Abrasion-resistant sleeves
These are just a few factors that can impact hose performance. Mining operators should be aware of the differences and limitations of their hose systems to prevent injury or failure from these missteps. And it’s a great reason to include regular hose maintenance and replacement training as part of your program. Learn more about the common hose failure causes plaguing your business and how to prevent them. Read more.
Download our checklist for better hose performance
Have questions about choosing the right hose for your mining operation?
Give us a call at 314-638-6500 OPTION 4 or toll-free 800-783-6501.
Superior Industrial Supply understands your industrial and hydraulic hose needs and how efficient repairs are critical to your business’s success. To help you get back to work quickly, we can place a hose crimping machine on-site, complete with bulk hose and hose ends. We also offer training on fast and effective hose repair when you need it most.
We carry everything you need for your hydraulic hose assemblies from top-rated brands like Danfoss. If you have questions on how Superior can help you improve operations and extend the life of your hydraulic hose assemblies, stop into our St. Louis location, or call 314-638-6500 OPTION 4.