News & events


Virtual commissioning of thickener drive

Third Quarter 2021 News & events

In a first for Bosch Rexroth South Africa, Hytec Services Africa (HSA) conducted its first online-based commissioning of a 3000 kN thickener drive for a Madagascan-based mine. The power pack had been purchased in 2019, but due to Covid-19 travel restrictions in that country, technical personnel were unable to commission the system on site. In a two-day online process using video call technology, the system was fully commissioned and operating optimally.


Louis Potter explaining the system via videocall technology.

“During the commissioning, the client made use of phone video calls to show us the power pack,” explains Africa development manager, Louis Potter. “This allowed us to be hands-on from a virtual perspective so we could see what they could see and the technology allowed us to provide images to aid their engineers in identifying key componentry they required.”

Due to the success of the virtual commission, the mine contacted HSA within 24 hours of project completion, seeking assistance with technical issues on other mine equipment. “Our team was able to provide immediate assistance using virtual platforms,” Potter adds. The mine has also increased its system spare parts stockholding, pre-empting the success of future virtual servicing.

“This has enhanced our repair service offering and allows us to serve our customers’ requirements even when physically not on site,” concludes Potter.

HSA supplies world-leading hydraulic, pneumatic and automation brands to mines and industries throughout Africa.


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