UNEX a.s. makes an agreement with the firm of PRODECO for the renovation of excavator

Brno, Tuesday 21st September 2004

The engineering-metallurgical complex of UNEX a.s., producer of complete technological units, mechanical parts and castings, signed a contract on 26 August with the firm of PRODECO, for subdeliveries for the reconstruction of the K 2000 mining machine. PRODECO, a subsidiary of the companies of Severočeské doly and Sokolovská uhelná společnost, was successful in the tender procedure for the reconstruction of the K 2000 and subsequently signed a contract for subdeliveries for the reconstruction of the K 2000 amounting to 309 million Czech crowns. Two of the largest subdeliverers are Elektroprim Koutník and UNEX. UNEX supplies machinery, including assembly, whilst Elektroprim-Koutník supplies and assembles electrical parts. Prodeco and Unex worked together to draw up the plan for the general repairs to the K 2000.

Repair of the K 2000 mining machine in Bílina Mine will last for ten months (13. 9. 2004 to 15. 7. 2005). This is a planned break, which will not affect the coal-mining schedule.

K 2000

The K 2000 excavator was put into operation in 1987. The prongs were renewed in 2000, improving the performance and digging power of the machine. The reconstruction work is to include a general overhaul (GO), covering reconstruction of the chassis of the basic machine and of the undercarriage, as well as the entire drive system; a new brake system will also be fitted.

It is worth mentioning the machine’s lifting technology, which was designed by the staff at UNEX and which is able to lIft a machine weighing 4 300 t to a height of 125 mm so that the caterpillar tracks can be removed. The machine remains fixed in this position while the caterpillar tracks and chassis are replaced.

Part of the GO is the change from local to central lubrication. In addition to this, the existing electrical equipment will be replaced – the distributors, electrics, and some motors.

To improve the working conditions for drivers, the machine will be fitted with an air-conditioned, sprung cabin, and the shared areas of the machine will also be air-conditioned – the changing-rooms, workshops, and canteen. These areas are built into the lower part of the machine.

All the drive drums will be replaced with ones with a ceramic lining.

“The reconstruction of the K 2000 is the start of collaboration between all three companies on the development of a new complete technological unit, built on the base of the K 2000 construction”, said CEO of UNEX a.s., today at the International Engineering Fair in Brno. “The presentation of the final look of the project for the new mining unit is planned for the end of 2005.”