Mining operations rely heavily on the efficiency and reliability of their equipment, and fuel cleanliness plays a crucial role in minimising downtime and reducing costs. A recent webinar hosted by Donaldson Filtration explored this critical topic, featuring industry experts who shared insights into best practices for fuel filtration and real-world success stories.

The session welcomed attendees to an in-depth discussion on fuel cleanliness in mining. The webinar aimed to highlight the impact of fuel quality on mining equipment and best practices for maintaining clean fuel.

The panel featured esteemed professionals, including Donaldson Filtration sales manager Santiago Rodriguez; Donaldson Filtration product manager Thuto Sekgetho; Liquid Rock Process Solutions sales director Kathy Malama; and Liquid Rock Process Solutions engineer manager Mwansa Mulenga.

Rodriguez set the stage by emphasising that ensuring fuel cleanliness can reduce downtime by over 85%, making it a key factor in improving operational efficiency and lowering total costs.

Donaldson has been at the forefront of filtration solutions, helping mining operations maintain clean fuel, air and lubricants, with the company demonstrating its filtration products in real-world mining applications. Rodriguez highlighted the necessity of validating field results to ensure these products deliver measurable benefits.

ISO Cleanliness Codes and Best Practices

Sekgetho led a technical discussion on the importance of fuel cleanliness and the challenges of contamination during transportation and storage. He introduced the ISO cleanliness code, which sets a target of 14/13/11 or better for fuel used in mining equipment to ensure effective performance of the on-engine filters. Meeting these standards helps protect expensive machinery and ensures compliance with global fuel quality requirements.

He also introduced Donaldson’s clean, protect and polish approach, which involves several key strategies. “First, the use of larger filtration vessels and water separators helps remove particulates from fuel during transportation. Second, implementing a robust breather programme prevents moisture and dust from contaminating the fuel. Finally, using high-efficiency filters and water-absorbing elements ensures that fuel meets the desired cleanliness standards,” he explained.

Zambia-based processing equipment distributor Liquid Rock Process Solutions, a key partner of Donaldson, has been instrumental in implementing effective filtration solutions across Africa. Malama provided an overview of the company’s role in sectors such as mining, energy and transport, emphasising Liquid Rock’s commitment to customised filtration solutions tailored to specific operational needs.

Mulenga meanwhile offered practical insights, sharing success stories from various mining sites, highlighting cases where Donaldson’s filtration systems led to significant improvements in fuel quality, reduced equipment failures, and lowered maintenance costs. He also stressed the importance of regular system checks and technical support to sustain filtration efficiency over time.

The panelists addressed several queries on key topics, one in particular that focused on the optimal filter replacement intervals required to ensure consistent performance. Another addressed the impact of moisture on fuel quality and provided recommendations on mitigating these risks. “The importance of routine tank inspections cannot be understated, as this plays a crucial role in detecting and addressing contamination early,” noted Sekgetho.

Rodriguez reinforced the value of partnering with proven filtration experts like Donaldson and Liquid Rock, emphasising that collaboration is crucial for long-term efficiency and cost savings in mining operations.

The panel concluded that fuel cleanliness is not just a best practice but a necessity for modern mining operations. By adopting high-quality filtration solutions and adhering to ISO cleanliness standards, companies can significantly reduce downtime, protect expensive equipment and improve overall efficiency. Donaldson and Liquid Rock Process Solutions continue to lead the way in helping the mining sector achieve these goals through innovative and effective filtration solutions.