Custom motor control centres in tight spaces
Second Quarter 2005
Other technologies
A leading South African platinum mine at Boschfontein needed to install a series of motor control centres to drive underground pumps. Time was critical and the units had to be designed to accommodate the specific requirements of underground operation. The consulting engineers on the project awarded the contract to Tiprow Controls, an SABS-certified 550 V switchboard manufacturer.
The brief, calling for the design and manufacture of the panels was simple enough. The challenge, however, lay in overcoming the constraints imposed by limited space and the water and high operating temperatures encountered in the mining environment. Victor Warner, managing director of Tiprow Controls, graphically described the problem as 'trying to fit a cigarette packet into a matchbox'. In addition, the panels had to be installed quickly, with minimal disruption to mining operations.
Tiprow Controls solved the problems by using Mitsubishi products. Mitsubishi products have a fine reputation on South African mines for their quality, reliability, robustness and ability to withstand the toughest mining conditions. The company is a global leader in the design and manufacture of the controller devices used, which included air circuit breakers, moulded case circuit breakers, vacuum contactors and motor control gear.
The air circuit breaker chosen was the SUPER AE 1250 SS drawout version.
The moulded case circuit breakers specified were from Mitsubishi's WS series, the NF 400 SPA MCCB and the NF 125 HGW RT MCCB. The HWG model chosen from this series of global standard compliant circuit breakers offers the following features:
* Interchangeable relay unit available in thermal and electronic type, giving enhanced flexibility.
* AC/DC common use with an expanded adjustment range, which enables reduction in the number of 250AF, 160AF and 125AF relays from 10 to seven types.
* Magnetic adjustable function.
The range also features a polymer ablation type auto-puffer and a jet pressure trip mechanism. This series was designed with the environment, ease of use and high performance in mind.
Customer benefits
The design of the panels satisfied the environmental constraints while allowing the customer maximum cable termination distances. The client was presented with a range of products that has a successful history of survival in harsh underground environments. The characteristics of the chosen range simplified the process of panel designing by providing designers with a wide scope of products for customised solutions. While these products are of a robust nature, they are also suitable for applications where aesthetics is an issue.
Circuit Breaker Industries (wholly owned by Reunert) is an authorised distributor of the Mitsubishi range of products. A qualified team of sales engineers is able to advise customers and supply back-up support and service. All products carry a 12-month warranty.
Further reading:
Next-generation motor management solution
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...
From concept to execution, unlocking renewable energy
Other technologies
Businesses already understand the benefits of renewable energy, however, as renewable energy solutions become more sophisticated, successful implementation requires a structured decision-making process that aligns technology choices with business objectives.
Read more...
Smarter, more secure electricity networks
Other technologies
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from PPS is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
Read more...
Siemens launches SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements
Pneumatic systems & components Other technologies
New engineering tool speeds automation application development, reducing the time required to bring industrial projects to market and empowering automation engineers to build, manage version control, and deploy visualisation engineering projects
Read more...
Decoupling software from hardware for future-proofed process automation
Schneider Electric South Africa
Other technologies
Legacy systems continue to perform admirably; the dilemma is that systems like PLCs, DCS (distributed control systems), SCADA and field devices were designed for deterministic, long-term operations.
Read more...
Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Other technologies
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.
Read more...
Corrosion solution for engine hot testing
Other technologies
Engine internals are at risk for corrosion from water used during hot engine testing and fill and flush activities. Corrosion affects the engine’s like-new appearance and threatens its integrity.
Read more...
Hygienic ultrasonic flow sensor
ifm - South Africa
Other technologies
The SU Puresonic Hygienic ultrasonic sensor from ifm detects flows of conductive and non-conductive media with high precision.
Read more...
Fault analysis for lifting equipment
Other technologies
Ensuring the sustained performance of capital equipment such as crane rails, ropes, hoist rails, gantry rails, and runway beams, which guide lifting equipment and support heavy loads, is essential for safety, reliability, and efficient operation.
Read more...
Bringing true mobile welding capability to SA agriculture
Other technologies
Bolt and Engineering Distributors has launched the new Fronius Ignis Battery. This is a next-generation, battery-powered welding system engineered for mobility, reliability and performance in off-grid agricultural environments.
Read more...
printer friendly version