What are the key points to consider when establishing a mineral warehouse on the coast of Nigeria?

👉Project location: Nigerian coast

👉Project type: Mine warehouse (span 100 metres, length 125 metres)

1. Structural Design 

Span and Length: 

The mine warehouse has a span of 100 metres and a length of 125 metres, employing a large-span steel structure design to ensure structural stability and load-bearing capacity. 

It is recommended to use a steel truss structure or space frame structure to meet the large-span requirements and optimise material usage. 

The structural design must consider wind loads, seismic loads, and dynamic loads during the operation of the bucket wheel excavator.

Foundation Design: 

Since the project is located by the sea, the foundation may be relatively soft. It is recommended to use deep foundation design (such as pile foundations) to ensure structural stability. 

Foundation construction must consider the impact of groundwater levels and saline-alkali environments, and foundation reinforcement should be carried out when necessary. 

2. Material Selection 

Main Structure Materials: 

High-strength steel (such as Q355) is used to ensure the structure's load-bearing capacity under large spans.

Given the coastal location of the project, it is recommended to use corrosion-resistant steel (e.g., weathering steel or stainless steel) and apply surface corrosion protection (e.g., hot-dip galvanising or coating).

Bucket wheel excavator tracks:

Bucket wheel excavator tracks should use wear-resistant steel (e.g., alloy steel) to ensure long-term operational stability.

Track design must precisely align with the silo structure to ensure smooth bucket wheel excavator operation.

3. Corrosion Prevention Measures

Coastal Environment Characteristics:

The coastal environment in Nigeria is humid, with severe salt fog corrosion, necessitating high durability requirements for steel structures.

Surface Treatment:

The steel surface undergoes sandblasting for rust removal, achieving the Sa2.5 standard.

Dual protection is provided through hot-dip galvanising or heavy-duty corrosion-resistant coatings (e.g., epoxy resin + polyurethane paint).

Joint Protection:

Special corrosion protection is applied to steel structure joints to prevent localised corrosion caused by water accumulation or salt fog.

Regular Maintenance:

It is recommended to establish a regular corrosion inspection and maintenance schedule to ensure long-term structural stability.

4. Bucket wheel excavator installation and operation

Bucket wheel excavator selection:

Select an appropriate bucket wheel excavator model based on the span and length of the mine bin to ensure its operational range covers the entire mine bin area.

The bucket wheel excavator must have sufficient load-bearing capacity and operating speed to meet material handling requirements.

Track Design:

The bucket wheel excavator tracks must precisely match the mine bin structure to ensure straightness and levelness during track installation.

Track connection points must undergo special treatment to prevent loosening or breakage caused by vibration.

Power and Control Systems:

The bucket wheel excavator's power supply must be stable and reliable; dual power supply is recommended.

Install advanced control systems to ensure precise and safe operation of the bucket wheel excavator.

5. Environmental Adaptability Design

Wind Resistance Design:

Wind speeds are high along the Nigerian coast, so the structure of the mine warehouse must take wind resistance into consideration.

Optimise the structural design to reduce wind resistance; add wind-resistant tie rods or support structures as necessary.

Moisture Protection and Drainage:

The interior of the mine warehouse must be designed with a comprehensive drainage system to prevent water accumulation from affecting equipment operation.

Moisture protection measures must be installed in the bucket wheel excavator track area to prevent equipment failure caused by moisture.

 

6. Construction Management and Quality Control

Construction Schedule:

Develop a detailed construction schedule to ensure timely completion of all phases.

Consider Nigeria's local logistics conditions and arrange for the transportation of materials and equipment in advance.

Quality Control:

Strictly adhere to steel structure construction standards to ensure welding quality, component installation accuracy, and corrosion protection effectiveness.

After the bucket wheel excavator is installed, conduct a trial run to ensure stable operation.

Safety Management:

Strictly adhere to safety regulations during construction to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

This design plan takes into account the environmental characteristics of the Nigerian coastline and the project requirements, comprehensively considering structural design, material selection, corrosion prevention measures, bucket wheel excavator installation, and other aspects to ensure the stability, durability, and efficiency of the mine warehouse structure. Through scientific design and strict construction management, the project will achieve long-term stable operation and meet the customer's material transport requirements.