Project Title

QME ‘Minimec’ Shotcrete Sprayer

Location

Finland

Client

QME collaboration with Normet

Date

2014 – Ongoing

Business Sectors

Research & Development (R&D)

Services (Technical Disciplines)

The Normet Minimec mechanised concrete spraying manipulator is specially designed for smaller-scale sprayed concrete works. It is the recommended solution for mechanised spraying in escalator and tunnel shafts, small diameter tunnels or in places where access is unavailable to larger machinery.

The telescopic boom is mounted on a crawler carrier of which both rugged rubber tracks can be operated independently. This enables the Minimec to be turned around easily, even where there is little room for manoeuvring. The support legs can be lowered hydraulically ensuring stability in all kind of ground conditions. Additional foot blocks are included for even better stability in soft grounds and slopes. Lifting points allows easy and safe hoisting of the Minimec

The carrier track motors and support legs are driven by a 11.5 kW diesel engine. The track motors are equipped with spring applied brakes which are activated whenever the operator releases the controls, for added safety. The spray boom is operated by an electro-hydraulic power pack providing 7.5 kW of power to the load sensing hydraulic system and proportional boom control valve. The boom is controlled by a two joystick wireless remote control system. Each boom movement speed can be adjusted individually by using the remote control and control unit switches. With a telescopic boom, the Minimec can cover up to 8.0 meters in height and 6.4 meters in width with a spraying distance of 1.5 meters. With the automatic nozzle oscillator selected, the spray pattern is wider and more refined. Powerful LED working lights at different locations on the machine assures high visibility without the need for additional floodlights. The Minimec is CE-certified meeting all industry requirements and compliant with safety regulations

Project Objectives/Outcomes

The objective of the project was to devise a product which would capitalize on changes in regulations covering the spraying of shotcrete. The primary purpose of the product is to reduce the risks exposed to operators by hand spraying.

The product has been utilised in the following markets: Australia, Canada, Finland, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, UK and USA

Our Role

QME built the product prototype using their expertise of working in confined spaces. They also collaborated with Normet designers in refining the finalised design in order to conform to operator needs in order to enhance the utility of the final product.

Geoscience Ireland Contact

John Murnin – john@qme.ie