Dear Mr. R J Morrish,

A properly designed heavy duty & expensive crusher should have the necessary facilities for routine maintenance and upkeep. This point should be given serious consideration while procurement.

Looking at your difficulties, a practical and immediate action is to look into the published literature / leaflets / catalogues of various makes of similar crushers, and see how the other manufacturers are taking care of the issues mentioned by you. Based on this information, you can interact with your supplier and discuss with him what best can be done.

It is not possible to suggest specific remedy from the information. Manufacturers of the crushers are the best position to suggest remedy considering overall aspects.

Regards,

Ishwar G Mulani.

Author of Book : Engineering Science and Application Design for Belt Conveyors.

Advisor / Consultant for Bulk Material Handling System & Issues.

Email : parimul@pn2.vsnl.net.in

Tel.: 0091 (0)20 25882916 ■

The question you pose is very important and of course the mfr is the one who best would be able to address each item.

Many of the VSI vertical shaft impactors I have sold have numerous safety features.....including auto shutdown if hydraulic lid is opened during operation to avoid danger to workers.

Auto shutdown if low oil pressure......to ensure no damage to crusher due to operating with low oil p.

Some of my operators have actually disengaged the auto shut off when lid is open to look at spinning parts when operating....HIGHLY INCREDIBLY WILDLY DANGEROUS and irresponsible....but, it does happen.

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On large HSI horizontal impact crushers...a lot of this stuff you mention is what we call BULL WORK.....kinda part of the job if you will and precautions can be made to BLOCK OR JAM THE ROTOR with the BLOW BARS on them to stop from turning when working on replacement of said bars or other side liner parts.

Hydraulically raisable TOP HOODS OR COVER on these housings can make things much less dangerous, by tilting the overhead obstructions out of the way making things easier and safer.

Disengaging POWER to unit of course is assumed but, lots of people just plain do not do this.....very dangerous. Confirming power to unit is disconnected is each persons responsibility to confirm....do not assume the other guy has shut it off.

Using gantry cranes vs brute force human power is highly recommended to avoid crushing type injury.

If diesel powered.....and a STOP occurs....MAKE SURE CLUTCH is disengaged....prior to starting repair.....once you remove the JAM....the rotor will turn.....and death can result.....this has happened many times....unfortunately. ■