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Continuous earthmoving machines, such as bucket-wheel excavators (BWEs), are the largest mobile terrestrial machines exposed to the working loads of a periodic character. This paper aims to launch a new idea regarding the preservation of the load-carrying structures of these machines by the means of implementing a controllable frequency-controlled drive of the excavating device. Successful implementation of this idea requires a detailed analysis of the dynamic response of the load-carrying structure in order to determine the domains of frequency of revolutions of the bucket-wheel-drive electromotor (FREM) where the dynamic response of the structure is favorable. The main goal of the presented research was the development of a unique three-step method for the identification of the FREM ranges, where the vibroactivity of the load-carrying structure is within the allowed boundaries. A methodologically original study of the dynamic response was conducted on a unique dynamic model of the BWE slewing superstructure that allows for continuous variation of the FREM, i.e., of the frequency of excitation caused by the forces resisting the excavation. Validation of the spatial reduced dynamic model of the slewing superstructure and the corresponding mathematical model, as well as the overall approach to the determination of the dynamic response, were performed by the means of vibrodiagnostics under the real exploitation conditions. Application of the developed method has yielded: (1) the resonant-free FREM domains; (2) the FREM domains, where the structure is not exposed to the excessive dynamic impacts; and (3) the frequency ratio ranges defining the resonant areas. Additionally, the results of the research have pointed out that the resonant-free state represents a necessary but insufficient condition for the proper dynamic behavior of the BWE slewing superstructure.

An original method for validation of the number of buckets on the working device of a bucket wheel excavator based on the dynamic response of its slewing superstructure (SS) is presented. A set of 16 seemingly acceptable solutions which satisfied the rigid design restrictions, based on the preservation of the existing (a) bucket wheel drivetrain, (b) theoretical capacity, (c) characteristics of the excavated soil and (d) position of the superstructure centre of gravity (CoG), was analysed. Already on the basis of the limiting vertical and lateral accelerations of the bucket wheel centre, which represents a well-grounded indicator of its dynamic behaviour prescribed by the code DIN 22261-2, 14 out of 16 analysed design variants have been discarded, reducing the set of possible solutions to only two – the originally-designed variant (with 17 buckets), and the variant with 20 buckets. Conclusions on the validity of these two design variants were derived on the basis of the dynamic response analysis of the referent points of the SS. The analysis of the impact of soiling on the dynamic response of the SS has shown that negative dynamic effects, observed in the preceding analysis of the originally-designed solution, increase with the amount of the adhered material. Although the redesigned variant with 20 buckets has proven as the only suitable solution from the standpoint of dynamic behaviour of the SS, the results have to be assessed carefully due to the fact that the reduction of the mass of the bucket wheel steel structure by more than 14% leads to the appearance of unfavourable dynamic effects, even though the SS CoG position is preserved.

Tie-rods of the bucket wheel and counterweight booms are vital parts of the bucket wheel excavator slewing superstructure. This paper is dedicated to the problem of identifying the stress state of the critical cross-section ('net section') of the eye plates on these tie-rods. It presents the results of the experimental and numerical investigations carried out on the eyebar model. The results show the appearance of a plastic deformation in the zone near the contour of the hole even when the eye is subjected to the loads within the range of the permissible loads prescribed by the standard DIN 22261-2. Plastification in the eye net section occurs across the full thickness of the plate, but it does not jeopardize the integrity of the structure. The stress value in the eye net section, calculated in accordance with the standard DIN 22261-2, is significantly lower than the actual stress values around the hole and serves only as a comparative value for the static strength proof for the eye.

Stackers-reclaimers represent the mechanization backbone of high-capacity storages for granular materials. The paper presents the design of a gantry bucket chain stackers-reclaimer for handling of crushed gypsum, as well as the working technology, finite element strength calculation for the main substructures: the working device, the trolley and the gantry. Failureless operation of the presented stacker-reclaimer represent an indirect validation of not only the presented results, but also the entire project as well as the applied technology of manufacture and montage.

Identification of the basic parameters of static stability (BPSS) of the slewing superstructure is the key step in solving the problem of its static stability, as well as static stability of the entire bucket wheel excavator (BWE). Specificity of the slewing superstructure examined in this paper lies in the kinematic breakdown system (KBS) which prevents the loss of static stability on the counterweight side. Development of a unique method for the formation and two-step validation of the calculation models for this particular design concept was the main objective of the presented research. A two-step validation of the analytical models is conducted based on the experimental results. As the outcome, the final calculation model formed in such manner represents an accurate basis both for the proof of static stability and for the monitoring of the BPSS during exploitation. By comparing the results of the control weighing and the referent values of the final calculation model it was concluded that the existing double-walled bucket wheel represents a 'weak point' of the considered BWE.

A slewing superstructure (SS) represents a key functional subsystem of bucket wheel excavators (BWEs). Identification of its basic parameters of static stability (BPSS: weight and position of the center of gravity) is of equally crucial significance in design of a BWE and in its exploitation. The BPSS dominantly determine the static stability of a BWE SS and, coupled with stiffness, its dynamic response. This paper presents the results of research on the impact of the difference between the experimentally and analytically determined SS BPSS on the: (1) intensities of forces in the ropes of the bucket wheel boom hoisting mechanism; (2) maximum loads of the SS radiaxial slew bearing balls; (3) dynamic response of the SS. The presented research represents the initial stage in forming of the integral methodology for the assessment of impact of the mentioned differences on the key indicators which determine the lifespan and integrity, as well as reliability and safety of the SS of BWEs and related surface mining and material handling machines.

The design concept of temporary leaning of the gas oil storage tank bearing structure used during substitution of the worn out section of the bottom plates in the zone of the central column support is presented in the paper. On the basis of comparative analysis of the results obtained using finite element structural calculations of the designed state and the state of the central column leaning on the temporary supports, it was determined that by the implementation of the temporary support, the stress-strain state of the bearing structure, which corresponds to the designed stress-strain state of the construction, is obtained. Besides, the strength proof of the structure of temporary support including its welded joint to the central column is also presented in the paper.

This paper contains results of tests performed in order to determine mechanical properties of steel P460NL1, used as filler material during the execution of welded joints. Arc welding of samples from which the specimens were taken was carried out through the application of welding process 111, because it is one of the processes for the execution of pipelines for pressure equipment. Microspecimens with diameter of 1,5 mm were tested in order to determine tensile properties of material taken from the heat-affected zone and weld metal, while specimens with diameter of 6 mm were tested in order to determine tensile properties of parent material. Standard Charpy V-notch specimens were used in order to determine impact energy. Results of metallographic tests which refer to the structure of a pipe welded joint are also presented.

An original method for validation of the number of buckets on the working device of a bucket wheel excavator based on the dynamic response of its slewing superstructure (SS) is presented. A set of 16 seemingly acceptable solutions which satisfied the rigid design restrictions, based on the preservation of the existing (a) bucket wheel drivetrain, (b) theoretical capacity, (c) characteristics of the excavated soil and (d) position of the superstructure centre of gravity (CoG), was analysed. Already on the basis of the limiting vertical and lateral accelerations of the bucket wheel centre, which represents a well-grounded indicator of its dynamic behaviour prescribed by the code DIN 22261-2, 14 out of 16 analysed design variants have been discarded, reducing the set of possible solutions to only two - the originally-designed variant (with 17 buckets), and the variant with 20 buckets. Conclusions on the validity of these two design variants were derived on the basis of the dynamic response analysis of the referent points of the SS. The analysis of the impact of soiling on the dynamic response of the SS has shown that negative dynamic effects, observed in the preceding analysis of the originally-designed solution, increase with the amount of the adhered material. Although the redesigned variant with 20 buckets has proven as the only suitable solution from the standpoint of dynamic behaviour of the SS, the results have to be assessed carefully due to the fact that the reduction of the mass of the bucket wheel steel structure by more than 14% leads to the appearance of unfavourable dynamic effects, even though the SS CoG position is preserved.

Exploitation of bucket wheel excavators (BWEs) is accompanied by an increase of mass due to transport and adherence of a large amount of the material. Technical regulations do not account for the dynamic behaviour of BWEs. Such problems are analysed as quasi-static. A procedure and results of investigation of the influence of masses of the bucket wheel (BW) incrustation and soil in a blocked BW chute on the superstructure response are presented. Analysis of sensitivity of dynamic characteristics and the response to adherence of the material is conducted. The method and results can be used in the design stages of new and in reconstructions of obsolete BWEs.

Damaging of the carrying steel structure and embedding of the rejecting drum of the stacker conveyor occurred during the exploitation of the bucket-wheel reclaimer with the belonging stacker. The analysis of the cause and level of damaging led to the conclusion that damaged parts should be replaced by new ones and that methodology of repair should be based on the application of a suitable welding technology. This paper presents the methodology of repair welding performed during the replacement of the damaged carrying structure and embedding of the rejecting drum of the stacker conveyor which consist of steel sheets and profiles that’s based on the conceptual solution for damage repair through the use of program package ’Catia’ – V5 that enabled the creation of models and graphic documentation of structural parts that should be replaced by new ones. It should also be noted that geodetic survey of the lower belt of the stacker structure was performed after the substitution of damaged parts of the structure.

The method for validation of the number of buckets on the working device of a bucket wheel excavator from the aspect of dynamic behaviour of the system, partially presented in this paper, was developed on the basis of the original spatial reduced dynamic model of the bucket wheel excavator with two masts, which enables modal analysis and analysis of the dynamic response of the system for continuous variation of constructional parameters and parameters of excitation. The set of 16 seemingly acceptable solutions, all of which satisfied the rigid design restrictions which were: (a) use of the same bucket wheel drivetrain, (b) preservation of the theoretical capacity, (c) possibility of the excavation of soil of the fourth category and (d) preservation of the superstructure centre of gravity position, was analyzed. On the basis of limiting vertical and lateral accelerations, derived from dynamic coefficients prescribed by the code DIN 22261-2, of the bucket wheel centre, which for a proper geometrically-designed bucket wheel excavator structure represents a well grounded indicator of its dynamic behaviour, 14 out of 16 analyzed solutions were discarded, yielding the set of possible solutions to only 2, the originally designed one (with 17 buckets) and the solution with 20 buckets installed on the bucket wheel.

A bucket wheel with drive represents a vital subsystem of any bucket wheel excavator. A multidecadal experience in the exploitation and maintenance of bucket wheel excavators SRs 2000 has imposed a need for modernization and unification of the excavating devices of four of such machines, used for the excavation of overburden in Serbian open pit mines. This paper presents a portion of the research dedicated to the problems of strength and dynamic properties of the bucket wheel boom, static stability of the superstructure as well as installation of the unified design solution for the bucket wheel drive of the bucket wheel excavator SRs 2000. By installing a modernized design solution of the bucket wheel with drive, i.e. by the means of partial revitalization of the bucket wheel excavator, its exploitational life span is prolonged and, additionally, the level of reliability and availability of the overburden systems is increased, and a significant reduction in maintenance expenses is achieved.

During the rehabilitation of turbine and hydromechanical equipment at hydro power plant 'Djerdap 1' results of tests and researches carried out in order to analyze the condition of vital components and structures during service led to the conclusion that the components and structures could be made only if parameters of fracture mechanics were applied during the design and prototyping phase, because by doing so the occurrence of fatigue fracture and/or degradation of parent material and welded joints due to variable loading, corrosion, erosion and cavitation would be prevented, therefore the integrity of material would be maintained. Experimental determination of the fatigue crack propagation rate as an important property of development of the fatigue process during the action of the variable load, from the initial to the critical length, enables the prediction of the stable crack propagation period, or in other words of the service life of vital components and structures of turbine and hydromechanical equipment. Taking into account the fact that cracks are most severe of all defects, the results obtained for cracks could safely be applied for other types of defects which often occur in welded joints. This paper contains the methodological approaches for the assessment of integrity and evaluation of service life of components and structures of turbine and hydromechanical equipment during the design, prototyping and service period based on history of fatigue loading and application of fracture mechanics parameters.

Vertical Kaplan turbines, with nominal power of 178 MW and manufactured in Russia, have been installed in 6 hydroelectric generating units of hydro power plant ’Djerdap 1’. Experimental tests were carried out by non-destructive methods in order to determine the turbine condition during the rehabilitation of the hydro power plant. Lack of root penetration was detected in V40 welded joints between upper and lower sleeves and bodies of guide vane apparatus vanes. Height of the lack of root penetration was in the range between 5 and 15 mm, while the allowable height of the lack of root penetration is 3 mm, according to the technical conditions. The upper sleeves were made of cast steel 25L (in accordance with GOST 977), while lower sleeves were made of steel forging St 25 (in accordance with standards GOST 1050 for chemical composition and GOST 8479 for forgings).Methodology for the repair of non-penetrated welded joints between the sleeves and body of the guide vane apparatus vane was composed taking into account the results of ultrasonic testing. By repair methodology it is necessary to, due to the structural solution and service function of guide vane apparatus vanes, specify a large number of details, consider them carefully and carry them out in order to improve safety, because if some of them get overlooked, underestimated or incorrectly perceived, significant problems in turbine operation may occur.This methodology refers solely to the repair of damaged welded joints between sleeves and bodies of guide vane apparatus vanes.

During the revitalization of the hydroelectric generating station A4 at the hydro power plant 'Djerdap 1', all of its parts are subjected to non-destructive testing. Cracks are detected in cast part of generator rotor hub, in the flange area toward the turbine shaft. Cracks were 10-500 mm long (determined by magnetic particle tests) and 60-100 mm deep (ultrasonic tests). The generator rotor hub is made of cast steel 25L, in accordance with the standard 977-75. The welding/surface welding repair technology in the detected crack zones of the cast part of generator rotor hub includes a large number of details, due to the structural solution and generator rotor function in service. It was also necessary to provide the carefully undertaken activities in order to enable safe operation and continuous use of the rotor hub. Failing to notice, underestimation or incorrect perception of important details could cause significant problems in hydroelectric generating station operation. The paper, due to specifics of reparation technology, contains arranged preparatory activities for the procedure apart from the welding/surface welding technology. It is of importance to mention a huge amount of money savings, The manufacture of a new generator rotor would cost over 4 million EUR (generator mass is over 300 tonnes), not taking into account the time needed for its making (6-12 months), which is directly related to the amount of energy a hydroelectric generating station can produce during that period. This technology of repair welding is also applicable for other components and structures of the turbine and the hydromechanical equipment subjected to various causes of damage during exploitation.

Vertical Kaplan turbines were installed in 6 hydroelectric generating sets at "Djerdap 1", nominal power 178 MW, that were made in Russia. During the refurbishment of the hydroelectric generating set Al at the hydro power plant Djerdap 1, experimental non-destructive tests on all of its components were performed in order to determine the state of the turbine as a whole. During the testing the damages and cracks were detected on internal surfaces of cranks and sleeves of guide vane apparatus vanes, which were caused by turbine shaft vibrations. Cranks and sleeves were made of cast steel 25L, in accordance with the standard GOST 977. The repair methodology for damaged internal surfaces of cranks of guide vane apparatus vanes is presented in this paper. It was necessary, due to the structural solution used for the design of cranks and sleeves and their function during exploitation, to define a large number of details, carefully reconsider them and carry out all activities with extreme care in order to enable the safe operation and continuous use of cranks. Overlooking, underestimation or incorrect perception of important details could cause significant problems during turbine operation.