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:
Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity
Iritron
Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.
Read more...
Building resilience in extreme environments
Other technologies
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...
Extending oil drain intervals
Other technologies
In a recent field study, African Group Lubricants tested the performance of Mobil Delvac Modern MX 15W-40 Super Defense engine oil under rigorous operational conditions. The goal was to extend the oil drain interval while maintaining optimal engine performance and reliability.
Read more...
Electric chain hoist where advanced features are standard
Other technologies
Konecranes has launched the new Konecranes D-Series electric chain hoist, designed to meet the demands of industries that require high-performance lifting equipment.
Read more...
Latest advance in automotive cooling fluids
Other technologies
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in vehicle design and increasing demands for enhanced performance and durability. These changes are bringing a marked shift toward formulations that offer improved heat dissipation and robust corrosion resistance.
Read more...
Advancements in wire rope testing
Other technologies
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams. There have been a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that help wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.
Read more...
Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Other technologies
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
Read more...
Regular maintenance of cutting fluids is essential to maintain quality
Other technologies
Regular cleaning and maintenance of cutting fluid systems significantly enhances overall efficiency by extending the life of the cutting fluids, reducing downtime and improving the quality of the end products.
Read more...
Rethinking common approaches to wire rope lubrication
Other technologies
: Wire ropes are hard-working components in many different applications, from mines to lifts, ports, construction sites and drainage systems. Correct lubrication of wire ropes is absolutely critical because wire ropes are more than just cables, they are intricate machines composed of interdependent parts in constant motion.
Read more...
Quantum refrigerator paves way for reliable quantum computers
Other technologies
Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Maryland, USA, have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation.
Read more...
printer friendly version