Sandvik lancia una pompa di iniezione di resina automatizzata per uso sotterraneo

Hard rock mining, tunneling, and civil engineering projects rely on resin injection systems to stabilize rock formations, secure anchors, and ensure long-term structural integrity. In these environments, precise control of injection parameters and operator safety are critical. Sandvik has introduced the HPA20 automatic injection pump to meet these requirements, combining automation with flexible deployment for underground operations.

Automated and manual resin injection in a single system.
The HPA20 (Hydraulic Power Automatic) supports both manually controlled and fully automated injection of two-component silicate and polyurethane resins. This dual-mode capability allows operators to tailor injection processes based on site conditions, complexity, and operational preferences.

The system can operate as a standalone unit or integrate with underground equipment such as drill rigs. It can be powered by onboard hydraulics or an optional auxiliary hydraulic power pack, making it suitable for operations where existing equipment cannot handle large-volume resin systems.

Typical applications include:

Precise control of pressure, flow rate, and mixing ratios.
At the heart of the system is a self-calibrating control unit that continuously adjusts mixing ratios and injection parameters. This ensures consistent resin quality and reduces variability in soil substrate performance.

The pump offers:

By maintaining stable pressure, flow rate, and volume, the system promotes uniform resin distribution, essential for reliable anchoring and void filling in underground environments.

Data logging supports QA/QC workflows.
In automatic mode, the HPA20 records detailed data for each injection cycle, including mix ratios, pressures, flow rates, and injected volumes. This data can be exported via USB and integrated into quality assurance and control (QA/QC) processes.

This capability enables:

Such data-driven approaches are increasingly required in modern mining and infrastructure projects.

Safety-oriented design for underground operations
Operator safety is a central aspect of the system design. The HPA20 incorporates a sealed double vessel system (2 x 300 liters), reducing operator exposure to chemical resins during handling and injection.

Additional safety features include:

These measures contribute to safer handling of reactive resin materials in confined underground environments.

Compact design with flexible deployment options.
With dimensions of approximately 2.8 × 1.4 × 1.6 meters and a weight of 1,275 kg, the unit is designed for transport and positioning in underground spaces. Various lifting and transport configurations support deployment in different site conditions.

The system operates within a temperature range of 10°C to 45°C, covering typical underground environments. For applications requiring additional hydraulic capacity, an optional power unit with a 22 kW motor and 60-liter tank is available.

Placement in automated ground support systems.
Automated resin injection systems are progressively replacing manual methods to improve consistency, safety, and documentation. Compared to manual systems, automated solutions like the HPA20 allow for more precise control of process parameters and reduce operator variability.

Sandvik's solution combines automation, data recording, and flexible integration, aligning with industry trends toward digitalized and standardized ground support processes in the mining and civil engineering industries.

A cura della giornalista industriale Natania Lyngdoh — Adattato dall'intelligenza artificiale

www.mining.sandvik.com