Hillhead Digital Preview Part 2

First published in the March 2021 issue of Quarry Management

Taking place entirely online from 30–31 March 2021, Hillhead Digital is the first-ever virtual conference and exhibition dedicated to the mineral products, construction and recycling sectors. With over 300 exhibitors registered and more than 60 free-to-attend seminars and live panels confirmed across two days, in the second instalment of this two-part article QM announces further details of the symposium programme and previews some of the newest products, innovations and services at this unmissable, all-digital event for the industry

There is no denying it, 2020 was a turbulent year that changed the lives of many people and one that we will never forget. Whilst COVID-19 has disrupted the world economy on an unprecedented scale, it has also accelerated change for businesses, altering how they not only survive but thrive in the foreseeable future.

During the global pandemic, consumers have moved dramatically toward online channels, and companies and industries have responded by creating digital or digitally enhanced offerings as part of the next evolution in communication and collaboration. 

Taking place exclusively online from 30–31 March 2021, Hillhead Digital combines a multi-stream conference with an innovative exhibition platform that will allow the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors to engage like never before. 

Under the theme: ‘New Horizons | Building the Recovery’, the inaugural all-digital event will deliver a packed seminar programme encompassing over 60 free-to-attend dynamic, topical and educational presentations and no less than 12 panel discussions across two days. 

The seminar sessions will reflect the major changes in the mineral extractives and construction industry over the next decade, with a wide variety of conference papers exploring the key themes of Decarbonization, Digitalization and Infrastructure. 

The virtual symposium will also deliver a dedicated ‘People’ stream (run by the Institute of Quarrying) on 30 March, which will explore the technical and leadership skills that the people delivering this transformational change will need to master. Entitled ‘Creating Future Leaders: Building Skills for the Future’: three IQ-led sessions throughout the day will look at the health and safety challenges in the post-pandemic era; what makes a good leader – beyond technical competence; and skills capability and personal development for the industry professionals of tomorrow.

The implications of the coronavirus pandemic have undoubtedly accelerated digital adoption at both organizational and industry levels. A new virtual world of communication, collaboration and engagement is undeniably exciting, and to accommodate wider demand for participation in the online event, organizers the QMJ Group have added a fifth ‘Industry Spotlight’ stream to the Hillhead Digital conference programme. 

Details of the full programme can be seen on pages 26-30 with full synopses of all the sessions available on the Hillhead Digital website (www.hillhead.com/digital).

With people still leery of travel and attending conferences, Hillhead Digital provides a new dynamic format for online delegates to come together and learn about new technologies, embrace innovative ideas and understand how the future of quarrying and construction is being shaped by them.

Showgoers at the all-digital venue will also have the opportunity to browse through over 300 virtual booths; viewing the latest products and service solutions in the sector, hearing from technology innovators from around the globe, networking with other professionals in the industry and plenty more.

Digital showpiece 

Whether it is getting a better understanding of the climate-related issues and challenges facing the quarrying sector, learning and gaining fresh insights into the spectrum of advanced technologies and applications available, raising a company’s profile in the marketplace or sharing industry knowledge and best practice, Hillhead Digital is the first virtual conference and showcase exhibition for the industry that will allow delegates/visitors to reconnect safely, to innovate and be inspired.

Here, we provide a snapshot of some of the new products, technological innovations and services that online attendees will be able to see as part of this all-new digital experience for the mineral extractives and construction sectors. 

Atlantis Tanks, suppliers of portable and static fuel tanks, will be unveiling their PortaFuel and StoraFuel range. Offering reassurance and peace of mind in the event of machinery downtime, the company provides next-day delivery on all its diesel, AdBlue and commercial oil tank products. Atlantis will also be showing their easily transportable PolliCube tanks, which continue to be a popular, portable solution for refuelling machines and/or moving fuel to the most challenging locations. PolliCubes can be picked-up or lifted easily using forklift access points and then loaded on to a trailer. 

Avoira will be demonstrating how the next generation of radio technologies can help deliver significant productivity, management  reporting and health and safety benefits to the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors. The company will be showcasing high-tech two-way radio solutions, including MOTOTRBO Capacity Max – Motorola’s sophisticated, feature-rich digital trunked system. Across the two show days, an online team will be on hand to discuss Avoira’s consultancy services, including system design, project management, installation, commissioning, maintenance and repairs.

Command Alkon, global suppliers of automation and smart control systems, will be highlighting the breadth and depth of their full product range for the concrete and bulk materials industry. On show will be the company’s latest digital solutions and vehicle telematics technologies designed to help construction materials suppliers and haulers automate their processes – thereby increasing overall productivity, reducing operating costs and improving safety and security.

Con Mech Engineers, manufacturers of ground-engaging tools, including cutting edges, end bits, grader blades, overlay end bits and recycling wear parts, will be showcasing their complete in-house design and production capabilities and heat-treatment expertise. The company’s strong investment in machining facilities and modern furnaces, which comply with the American Petroleum Institute’s API 6A standard, means it can continue to better serve customers and meet increasing demand for the heat treatment of larger tools, wear parts and components. 

A full range of products and service offerings will be exhibited in the ConSpare virtual booth, reflecting the company’s status as a key problem-solving partner to the industry in all stages of the concrete production process. Whether customers are replacing a single component, looking to improve an existing piece of equipment or upgrading a whole plant, the company will be highlighting its comprehensive range of concrete production equipment, from storage, conveying and batching to mixing, discharging and precast. 

Global tyre manufacturers and specialists Continental will be introducing a range of off-the-road (OTR) products specially developed for the earthmoving industry. With quarrying/mining operators under constant pressure to reduce costs and increase productivity, nothing is more important than uptime. Under the ContiEarth product line, Continental have taken a customized solution approach to the design, manufacture and supply of heavy-duty earthmover tyres. This means every OTR product has been developed with specific vehicle types in mind, taking into consideration the requirements of each machine. Other speciality tyre products on show will include Conti CrossTrac tyre line, which features an innovative tread design with a state-of-the-art compound to provide superior durability, traction and robustness in harsh off-road conditions. Continental will also be presenting some of their aftermarket care and tyre-management equipment solutions, such as ContiConnect, ContiPressureCheck, ContiLifeCycle and Conti 360°.

At Hillhead Digital, Cummins will be showcasing the latest engine solutions for quarrying and construction machinery. Taking centre stage in the Cummins virtual booth will be the company’s Performance Series engines which are available in displacements from 3.8–15 litres, with ratings from 75hp to 675hp (55–503kW). Easy to install and cost-effective to run, the engine products are said to deliver high power density in simpler and lighter configurations, allowing manufacturers to increase machine capability or potentially save costs by engine downsizing. Machine operators also benefit from improved reliability, optimum fuel efficiency and service intervals up to 1,000h. To help reduce operational costs, the Performance Series engines can be supplied with a cooling unit, exhaust after-treatment system, air cleaner and/or mounting feet in a ready-made package. Cummins Performance Series engine products on show will include the B6.7 and L9 engines, which have optional single and dual rear-engine power take-offs, providing up to 560Nm of additional pumping capability.   

More exhibits have been confirmed by Doosan and to be unveiled for the first time at a virtual trade show will be the all-new 50-tonne DX530LC-7 crawler excavator. The heavy-duty machine has been developed with the strength and productivity required for demanding applications such as quarrying, demolition and construction projects. The DX530LC-7 is powered by a Stage V-compliant Scania DC13 diesel engine (394hp) with super-efficient DOC/DPF+SCR after-treatment technology, which further reduces emissions. Completing the virtual Doosan machinery ™ display will be the new Stage V-compliant DA30-7 and DA45-7 articulated dumptrucks. Both ADT models have been upgraded with a range of improved features, including: a brand-new operator’s cab; new self-levelling front suspension; and repositioning of the diesel and AdBlue tanks for enhanced comfort, safety and serviceability.

Doppelmayr Transport Technology GmbH will be showcasing a selection of innovative material transport systems from their extensive product portfolio that continues to set new standards in safety, comfort and efficiency in ropeway engineering. Taking centre stage in the company’s virtual booth will be the innovative RopeCon conveyor system, which has been specially developed for handling and transporting all kinds of materials. With a capacity of up to 25,000 tonnes/h and a rope span length of approximately 1km, the continuous conveying line has been installed successfully around the world, overcoming obstacles such as rivers, buildings, deep valleys and roads.

Hillhead Digital will see DXB Pump & Power exhibiting Stage V-compliant pumpsets for the quarrying, mining and recycling industries. The company is said to be the only UK pump manufacturer to design and build Stage V diesel and electric pumpsets (from 2–18in) for dewatering, slurry and process applications. DXB pumps are renowned for featuring a premium control panel, including a telemetry unit that gives remote users the ability to monitor fuel consumption and engine service data, and review full engine diagnostics, ensuring minimal downtime.

Eaton will be introducing their X10 industrial sounders and sounder beacons for the quarrying and aggregates sector. With IP69K and IP66 ratings, the X10 range provides one of the highest-rated products against dust ingress and can withstand a washdown with a jet wash of up to 5 bar. The industrial sounders and beacons – which can be part of a new installation or directly retrofitted to an existing system – have been designed to operate in harsh environments, protecting people and property in temperatures from –40°C to 70°C.

Infrastructure services firm FM Conway will be highlighting their unique approach to business along with their materials portfolio. With a proven record of self-delivery and sustainability, the company’s growing portfolio of assets includes asphalt plants, wharves, a bitumen terminal, a polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) plant, recycling facilities and a UKAS-accredited laboratory for the testing of aggregates, asphalt, concrete and bituminous materials. From design and manufacture through to ongoing maintenance and security of supply, FM Conway’s innovative products and service offerings continue to help customers deliver construction and highways projects more efficiently, sustainably and cost-effectively. 

FMS Force Measuring Systems AG will be unveiling their measuring rollers for flat/troughed conveyors and a new sophisticated electronic controller for use on belt scale systems. On virtual display will be the company’s proven, robust BMGZ021 and BMGZ041 series rollers, which have been designed to meet the harshest conditions in mobile, semi-stationary and stationary systems. Meanwhile, FMS’ latest BMGZ700 series electronic controller has been introduced to the bulk materials handling and recycled aggregate markets, to provide a durable design, intuitive operation and greater flexibility for use by both stationary conveyors and mobile crushers, whilst optimizing production processes.  

Emission standards for diesel engines used in non-road vehicles and equipment have become ever more stringent. And at Hillhead Digital, Hatz GB will be highlighting their latest range of industrial engines compliant with EU Stage V emission regulations, as well as leading product innovations such as the company’s award-winning E1 technology – the world’s first electronic control unit for single-cylinder engines. Other key technological innovations on show will include: the flywheel-integrated permanent magnet generator (fiPMG); and the engine manufacturer’s three-cylinder 3H50T unit, which picked up an award in the ‘Engine of the Year under 175hp’ category at the Diesel Progress Summit Awards 2020.

Northern Ireland has one of the world’s most successful clusters of companies developing innovative materials processing/handling solutions that are exported globally to three key industry sectors – construction and mining, recycling, and bulk materials handling. Invest Northern Ireland will be showcasing 60 years of the region’s advanced manufacturing and engineering excellence, and among the specialist companies, OEMs and brands being represented in Invest NI’s virtual booth will be Powerscreen and Terex Finlay, two of the world’s leading manufacturers of crushing and screening equipment that have revolutionized the way quarry operators process and handle aggregates. Other local companies making their mark in the international aggregate processing and industrial markets include: CDE Global; EDGE Innovate; Portafill; Kiverco; NC Engineering; and Hill Engineering.

Attachments specialists Miller UK will be exhibiting their full range of buckets, quick-couplers, hydraulic breakers and other machinery attachments for the global earthmoving industry. Among the products on display will be the company’s GT Series range of quick-couplers, PowerLatch tilt-couplers and its award-winning bucket attachments. As well as presenting their newest product developments, Miller UK will also be showcasing their applications engineering expertise, with a bespoke custom-build service offering specialized and ‘one-off’ products, tailored to individual customer requirements. 

MIT will be using Hillhead Digital’s interactive exhibition platform to offer a retrofit solution for the superseded PT Tech HPTO12TS-100 hydraulically actuated clutch. Manufacturers PT Tech have recently announced that they are upgrading the design of their current HPTO12TS-100 clutch, which means as spare parts become harder to source, end-users are left having to upgrade their current model. In response, MIT have developed a like-for-like clutch package that directly replaces the superseded HPTO12TS-100 without the need for expensive software and hardware upgrades. Supplied as a retrofit option, the replacement MIT HFO314 clutch can be quickly fitted on site and works seamlessly with all existing machine infrastructure, backed by a 12-month manufacturing warranty as standard.

Motortronics, global manufacturers of solid-state AC motor controls and motor protection products, will be highlighting their soft-starter range which has a proven record of reliability and application suitability for all conveyor and crusher types. Products taking centre stage for the OEM will be the low-voltage VMX-synergy and medium-voltage MVC4 soft starters – widely renowned for being workhorses within the quarrying, aggregates and mining sectors, providing proven capability and reliability in these harsh environments. 

Having the correct personal protective equipment in the workplace is a top priority and MSA Safety, global manufacturers of critical safety products, will be showing their PPE for the construction and industrial sectors. Key exhibits on display will include advanced personal and fixed fall-protection solutions alongside comfortable and adaptable head-protection gear for working at height and confined spaces. The company’s extended personal protective equipment portfolio also covers portable/fixed gas detection systems and respiratory protection equipment – ensuring all safety requirements are met across the construction sector and its wider supply chain.

NP Structures will be using Hillhead Digital to introduce their on-site shelter and storage solutions for industrial applications, such as construction, plant machinery and waste-recycling. Among the products on show will be the company’s AG Shelter – a temporary storage solution available in 10m, 12m or 14m widths, and is designed to be bolted on to pre-cast concrete blocks. The AG Shelter framework is produced from 76mm pre-galvanised tubular steel, which is said to offer up to 20 times the corrosion resistance of traditional zinc galvanizing. The structure is also clad in heavy-duty PVC-coated fabric and features NP’s Stripfix system to ensure the cover is effectively tensioned, protecting against weather damage and creating a drum-skin tight finish. Other options include gable ends and front D-panel for all-round protection. 

Nylacast, manufacturers and suppliers of performance-enhancing polymer components to OEMs, will be highlighting a range of impact-resistant cast-nylon materials with low friction, self-lubrication and lightweight properties. Typical applications include: wear pads; sheaves; pulleys; rollers; bushings, pipe clamps; and chain guides. For some time, Nylacast have been focusing more than ever on providing their customers with greater levels of support and at Hillhead Digital, the company will be showcasing its CNC machining capabilities and quality processes, as well as a tailored approach to manufacturing components to suit the individual application. 

In an industry focused on reducing the impact on the environment and improving air quality, Pioneer Pump will be showcasing their latest EVO range of pumps, all powered by the latest Stage V emission-compliant diesel engines. More than 40 pump models will be available, ranging in pump sizes from 3in (80mm) to 30in (760mm), with flows up to 10,000m3/h and heads up to 260m. Paul Skippins, commercial director of Pioneer Pump, commented: ‘Our pumpsets have evolved over the past 20 years with changing technology and application-driven demands. With the introduction of Stage V emissions legislation, our wide range of EVO pumpsets continues this evolution: offering market-leading pumping performance, serviceability, increased fuel economy, decreased noise and significantly reduced emissions.’

ProSpare, specialists in bulk materials-handling equipment, will be promoting a range of belt conveyor components whilst discussing how they have helped clients improve plant efficiency and production processes by solving abrasion, impact, noise, material flow and powder-handling issues. Showgoers will also be able to hear how the company has been successful in improving conveyor performance with Starclean belt cleaners, Centrax tracking rollers and Spill-Ex skirt-sealing systems.  

At Hillhead Digital, ROCO will be going electric with the launch of their eagerly awaited Ryder 1000 and Rex 850 jaw crushers, which boast a host of additional standard features and lower-operating costs. The design of the new electrically driven crushers was heavily influenced by ROCO’s extensive quarrying knowledge and years of crushing experience. Targeting the contract crushing market, the machines are well suited to C&D waste applications, as well as aggregate, recycling and concrete crushing operations. Low transport weight, permit-free movement and a plug-in option to the local electricity grid mean the ROCO mobile jaw crushers can get to site easily and deliver a low-cost, environmentally friendly operation. 

Shell UK will be giving virtual attendees at Hillhead Digital an opportunity to see what they are doing to help customers decarbonize energy emissions and manage their ongoing fuel costs. The company will be demonstrating its best-practice approaches and consultancy services, which have seen major clients reduce their carbon footprint, access more resilient energy options and benefit from carbon-neutral lubricants and nature-based solutions.  

Tamtron have announced that they will be giving online attendees an opportunity to see their wide range of advanced, accurate and innovative weighing solutions for the construction, mining and waste-recycling sectors. The company will be presenting its cutting-edge, easy-to-use on-board scales and discussing the importance of implementing a vehicle weighing information management system for easy reporting and how it can optimize site efficiency by tracking schedules and amounts of loaded materials. Tamtron will also demonstrate how cloud-based truck scale software and cloud services can seamlessly integrate weighing data and weighing management with standard ERP, billing and inventory management programs, helping fleet managers and operators to boost their productivity, efficiency and safety.

Topcon Positioning will be showcasing the latest advances in precision technology and geospatial mapping for the construction and civil engineering industries. A host of integrated software, hardware systems and cutting-edge equipment solutions will be exhibited, alongside the company’s tailored support across a number of specialisms, including surveying, machine operation, BIM (Building Information Modelling) and training/education. Topcon Positioning will also demonstrate how real-time, remote monitoring equipment and technologies are transforming road construction in the Nordøyvegen project – one of the biggest undertakings of civil engineering in Norway’s history – connecting five islands off the coast of the country. 

Tsurumi UK, a leading manufacturer of submersible pumps, will be promoting their wide range of high-quality pump products which are known to withstand the toughest of conditions on sites of all sizes in quarrying, mining, construction and tunnelling. Cutting-edge pumping solutions on virtual display will include: the company’s dewatering ranges (KTZ, KTV and KRS); high-head pumps (LH, LH-W and GSZ); and slurry pumps (KTV2, KRS2, KTD, GPN and GSD). The company has recently added new 15kW units to its flagship KTZ dewatering portfolio. Constructed with a cast iron body and high-chrome impeller, the dewatering pump range offers a 55m maximum head and a 2,800 litres/min maximum capacity. All of Tsurumi’s state-of-the-art pumps integrate the company’s latest innovations and accessories, ranging from anti-wicking cables and motor protectors to oil lifters and double mechanical seals with silicon carbide faces. 

Volvo Trucks will be showcasing the latest truck innovations for the construction and mining sectors. On virtual display will be the all-new Volvo FMX, the company’s most robust construction truck, and the brand-new FX model which combines driver comfort with agility, convenience and exceptional visibility. Another premium product anchoring the Volvo Trucks online booth will be the new-generation FH16 truck, which provides drivers with new safety features, a driver-centric working environment and the latest technologies to help them increase productivity.

Yanmar will be showing a selection of models from their compact equipment portfolio, including the next-generation
C50R-5A tracked carrier and Stage V-compliant SV100-2PB midi-excavator. The machines will feature alongside the company’s wheel loader range which comprises four variants – the V80, V70S, V100 and V120. Powered by a low-emission turbocharged diesel engine, the compact loaders can travel at up to 36km/h with payloads ranging from 3,770–5,000kg and bucket capacities from 0.7–1.8m3. 

To keep up to date with all the latest event news visit: www.hillhead.com/digital