Into the fire

A customised 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) Chicago Pneumatic RX22 hydraulic breaker, designed for use with carriers weighing from 17 to 28 tonnes, is being used for kiln cleaning at the Caletones copper mining settlement operated by CODELCO, a state-owned Chilean mining company.

Previously, a smaller 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) breaker was used in this application but availability issues were common, as was low hitting power. As a result, frequent hose changing was required and this in turn led to specialist mining contractor Servicios Nettle Hermanos suggesting the use of the RX22.

In special applications, such as the high temperature working conditions experienced in the Chilean mine, a longer moil point can increase the productivity of a hydraulic breaker. After receiving the request for an RX22 with a longer working moil point capable of operating in high temperatures, an feasability analysis was conducted and engineers at Chicago Pneumatic confirmed it was possible, due to the low material resistance to break, and that volumes were sufficient to produce a bespoke solution for the customer.

Commenting on the on-going successful operation of the RX22, James Nettle, marketing manager for Servicios Nettle Hermanos, said: ”Today the breaker is working at optimum condition without problems, and our customer is very happy as a result. Since switching to the RX22 the wear of the breaker box has decreased, as well as hose consumption, and the hydraulic breaker now performs more efficiently with less parts used in the process.”