11
Surface Station
Many surface station characteristics conform to conven-
tional material handling operations, relating to the material,
whether transfer is wet or dry, airflow upcast or downcast,
and the local climate. Wet transfer in downcast lines in cold
climates may call for heating the inlet to avoid ice buildup,
whether from intake air, washdown water, or the inherent
moisture of the transfer media. Distinctive attributes relate
to whether shaft or borehole systems are used. In addition
to the fundamentals of pipe support – communication,
load sizing and spillage control, and collar capping all are
critical to a safe and productive transfer system.
Figure 4 is the surface station enclosure for the Lucky
Friday borehole slickline. The entire frame and cladding
superstructure can be detached from the stem wall and set
aside when needed for a work-over rig to service the slick-
line. Figure 5 shows the charging hopper and collar assem-
bly. The hopper and service platform also can be lifted aside
for work-over access. Note the valve on the wash water line
is actuated only by removal of a Lockout Tagout Tryout
(LOTOTO) hasp. The collar assembly itself is shrouded
in plastic film to keep bolted fittings from being fouled
with concrete/shotcrete during charging. Figure 6 shows
the hopper cap preventing errant fall of material into the
slickline. Cap removal also is controlled by an LOTOTO
assembly.
Underground Station
Underground stations typically are laid out either as vehi-
cle pass-through or vehicle back-in/pull-out. These can be
done to accommodate the level layout and convenience
of access. With either setup, the back needs to be raised
sufficient for handling installation, operation, and repair
of the diverter boot and the final discharge device. With
collar-suspended systems, sufficient room can be advisable
for lowering the line to remove worn segments and add new
lengths at the top.
Two primary support techniques are used for boots:
basal and suspended. Basal can be to an intermediate sill
(cutout above the drift brow and rib) or to a constructed
pedestal or beam. It is advisable to configure basal sup-
port with a grout pad, shim plates, and/or levelling bolts,
common to other machinery under impact or vibration.
If the elevation and reach are such that primary work can
be handled with a mobile lift, the back excavation may be
minimized. Otherwise, it is typical to excavate sufficiently
for an overhead crane at the back for placement and han-
dling of the boot and other fittings/fixtures. A configura-
tion for a collar-suspended borehole loadout station using
Figure 4. Removable surface building over borehole slickline,
Lucky Friday Mine (Courtesy Hecla Mining Company,
2023)
Figure 5. Borehole slickline charging hopper, Lucky Friday
Mine (Courtesy Hecla Mining Company, 2023)
Surface Station
Many surface station characteristics conform to conven-
tional material handling operations, relating to the material,
whether transfer is wet or dry, airflow upcast or downcast,
and the local climate. Wet transfer in downcast lines in cold
climates may call for heating the inlet to avoid ice buildup,
whether from intake air, washdown water, or the inherent
moisture of the transfer media. Distinctive attributes relate
to whether shaft or borehole systems are used. In addition
to the fundamentals of pipe support – communication,
load sizing and spillage control, and collar capping all are
critical to a safe and productive transfer system.
Figure 4 is the surface station enclosure for the Lucky
Friday borehole slickline. The entire frame and cladding
superstructure can be detached from the stem wall and set
aside when needed for a work-over rig to service the slick-
line. Figure 5 shows the charging hopper and collar assem-
bly. The hopper and service platform also can be lifted aside
for work-over access. Note the valve on the wash water line
is actuated only by removal of a Lockout Tagout Tryout
(LOTOTO) hasp. The collar assembly itself is shrouded
in plastic film to keep bolted fittings from being fouled
with concrete/shotcrete during charging. Figure 6 shows
the hopper cap preventing errant fall of material into the
slickline. Cap removal also is controlled by an LOTOTO
assembly.
Underground Station
Underground stations typically are laid out either as vehi-
cle pass-through or vehicle back-in/pull-out. These can be
done to accommodate the level layout and convenience
of access. With either setup, the back needs to be raised
sufficient for handling installation, operation, and repair
of the diverter boot and the final discharge device. With
collar-suspended systems, sufficient room can be advisable
for lowering the line to remove worn segments and add new
lengths at the top.
Two primary support techniques are used for boots:
basal and suspended. Basal can be to an intermediate sill
(cutout above the drift brow and rib) or to a constructed
pedestal or beam. It is advisable to configure basal sup-
port with a grout pad, shim plates, and/or levelling bolts,
common to other machinery under impact or vibration.
If the elevation and reach are such that primary work can
be handled with a mobile lift, the back excavation may be
minimized. Otherwise, it is typical to excavate sufficiently
for an overhead crane at the back for placement and han-
dling of the boot and other fittings/fixtures. A configura-
tion for a collar-suspended borehole loadout station using
Figure 4. Removable surface building over borehole slickline,
Lucky Friday Mine (Courtesy Hecla Mining Company,
2023)
Figure 5. Borehole slickline charging hopper, Lucky Friday
Mine (Courtesy Hecla Mining Company, 2023)