In 2015, Caterpillar engineers enhanced the Cat Water Delivery System (WDS) for water trucks by developing an automated delivery feature to increase safety and efficiency compared to traditional manual watering operations.
Independent of engine rpm, the software adjusts water flow based on truck speed and automatically turns the water off when stopping at intersections. This feature reduces overwatering that can lead to poor traction and subsequent haul road damage.
Designed using customer input, the first fully integrated Cat Water Solution was introduced in 2021, connecting a Cat truck, water delivery system, tank and telematics. This ushered in a new era of intelligent watering using Cat MineStar to provide important data for mining and quarry operations to make informed decisions.
“Our spray nozzles, which are exclusive to Caterpillar, are hydraulically controlled pucks that are operating inside the nozzle with a spray head, and it’s adjusting to output,” said Brent Dyche, Account Manager for Caterpillar. “So, what we’re really doing is making this deposit of water to the ground as consistent as we possibly can get.”
At MinExpo 2024, Cat debuted WDS 2.0, which delivers more power and efficiency while improving upon integration and installation.
With more than two years of testing and validation at the Caterpillar Tucson Proving Ground, the system’s new water pump and Cat hydraulic motor provides a 25 per cent increase in water output compared to WDS 1.0.
“The Cat Water Delivery System is the culmination of nearly 20 years of collaboration with our dealers and customers,” said Dave Freeman, WDS engineering manager. “Cat WDS 2.0 is a continuation of that journey, showing our dealers and customers we’ve listened.”
The water flow increase enables water trucks equipped with the new system to achieve accurate water application rates at 45 km per hour, keeping pace with autonomous fleets.
Cat WDS 2.0 delivers increased water cannon output and spray distance. Depending on the cannon nozzle orifice and pipe size, maximum output at high idle is 7,192 litres per minute, a 15 per cent increase. It also provides a maximum 73-metre spray distance, a 20 per cent increase.
“If you have to keep up the water truck with fast paced haul trucks, the water truck can run right along with the haul trucks at full speed and still have the capacity of water to handle your dust control needs,” Dyche said.
Streamlined WDS integration
WDS 2.0 is engineered with a high output Cat hydraulic motor connected with a new water pump assembly. The motor is optimized to work with the hydraulic output of Cat rigid frame trucks.
The water delivery system is now integrated into the truck’s hoist controls to regulate the optimal amount of hydraulic power from the hoist pump to the hydraulic motor.
This design helps provide precise water output while eliminating the need for a separate hydraulic tank, reducing service and maintenance costs. The motor and pump assembly use a dry coupling that reduces the need for lubrication, eliminating leaks and failures associated with wet couplings.
Auto mode uses software to automate the watering process, while allowing operators to deliver a more efficient watering technique with enhanced precision and control.
Caterpillar engineers designed this feature to solve issues common with traditional watering systems that deliver water at a constant rate and require operator adjustments. Guided by automation, WDS 2.0 can help junior operators perform at a higher experience level to increase sitewide production.
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Patented self-cleaning spray heads produce larger, heavier water droplets designed to reach the ground, losing less spray to wind and evaporation. Caterpillar-designed hydraulic controls regulate water pump starts and stops to increase system life.
The WDS 2.0 software provides additional protection against damage, shutting down when water is no longer pumping. This allows the operator to use all available water in the tank, reducing carryback when returning to the refill station.
An in-cab touchscreen allows the operator to view critical water delivery system information like tank level, spray head selection and water application rate. An easy-to-reach keypad allows the operator to select and control the spray heads.
The new water camera system provides visibility to the back of the spray bar and top of the refill chute. Reducing the potential for slips and falls, the operator can remotely fill the water tank while remaining inside the cab. Cat WDS auto shutoff integrates with fill points to prevent overfilling.
Scalable tech
The new WDS 2.0 connects with cloud-based Cat MineStar telematics, allowing customers to collect data to measure key performance indicators like operator watering procedures, cycle duration, fuel utilization, volume of water distribution and tank level when reaching the fill station.
To help manage the site more safely and productively, Caterpillar offers a choice between two connectivity options. Cat WDS MineStar Basic uses Equipment Tracking to monitor the water truck and tracks how it is being utilized.
Cat WDS MineStar Premium adds Production Recording, helping address sitewide watering needs in conjunction with other water trucks and equipment.
