An investigation on the Track Dozers’ (D375A) Air

Filters

Compiled by: Petrus Auala & Desmond Rhode

Department: Engineering and Maintenance - Mine Maintenance

Date: May 2015

Contents
1 Abstract .............................................................................................................................. 3
2 Orientation of the Study ..................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Statement Problem ...................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Objective of the Study ................................................................................................. 4
2.3 Significance of the study ............................................................................................. 4
3 Technical Review............................................................................................................... 5
4 Investigation Methodology Proposal ................................................................................. 6
4.1 Considering using alternative elements....................................................................... 6
5 Wrap up… .......................................................................................................................... 6
6 References .......................................................................................................................... 7

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1 Abstract

The Track Dozer, Komatsu D375A is one of the ancillary equipment being used on the Husab
Mine. The Maintenance Department encountered issues with these machines’ air filters
having a very short life span on this equipment. After operating for 3 – 4 days, the Restriction
Indicator in the cab will turn ON, and the Dust Indicator indicates that the air cleaner element
is clogged.
The Superintended for Ancillary Equipment requested us – Petrus Auala (Graduate
Mechanical Eng.) & Desmond Rhode (Technician) – to carry out a formal investigation on
the D375A air filters, to resolve these issues.

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2 Orientation of the Study

2.1 Statement Problem

 The Air Filters on the D375A have a very short life span of only about 3 – 4 days of
operation

2.2 Objective of the Study

 Determine whether the life expectancy of the air filter can be improved, to last from
service to service.

 Should we consider using alternative systems, elements etc.?

 Determine whether the filters are actually blocked or not, when Restriction Indicator
comes ON.

2.3 Significance of the study

 The results of the study can be used to improve the life expectancy of the Air Filters
of these machines, which will lead to –

 Increase in Availability of the D374A, since every time this machine goes for
Air filters change is a downtime!

 Cost cutting of air filters for Dozers

 Increase in Production

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3 Technical Review
The D375A currently use Komatsu Air Filters. While doing the technical Review on these
machines filters, we learnt that the D375 Air filters currently do not have a Vacuator Valve,
unlike the air filters on some other trucks e.g. HM400

Vacuator Valve

Figure 1: Air Filter with a Vacuator valve on a HM400

The dust cup, where pre-cleaned dust is collected, is normally under a slight vacuum when
the engine is running. The normal engine pulsing of the vacuum causes the Vacuator Valve
(located at the lowest point on the dust cup) to open and close. This action automatically
expels any collected dust and water. The Vacuator Valve also unloads when the engine is
stopped. [1]

Without a vacuator valve, the dust remains in the housing of the air filter – clogging it as time
goes.

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4 Investigation Methodology Proposal

4.1 Considering using alternative elements

We propose to fit at least Three Dozer with housing lids that have Vacuator valves and
monitor their performance for a period of time, and compare them to the other 3 dozers that
are not fitted with vacuator valves.

While monitoring their performance we will keep researching for possible solutions to this
problem; such as completely migrating to a new filter element, such as Donaldson – but that
might impose restrictions on the Komatsu engine warranty.

5 Wrap up…

We propose to do an investigation on at least 3 dozers fitted with Komatsu air cleaner

elements with vacuator valve, and compare the air filter performance against the other 3 that
will remain unchanged.
The HM400s – Lube Trucks, are currently using these types of elements.

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6 References

[1] Donaldson, “Engine Service Parts and Accessories Guide,” 2008.