Mining Developments News

“Ground-breaking”, “highly innovative” and “revolutionary”…these are some of the reactions to the recent launch of a brand new interactive customer application (app) pioneered by Durban-based condition monitoring specialists, WearCheck. Managing director Neil Robinson believes that WearCheck is one of only a handful of condition monitoring companies in the world, and possibly the first in Africa, to develop and launch an app of this nature. He is confident it will substantially improve customers’ benefits from their condition monitoring programme by allowing them to make virtually instantaneous maintenance decisions based on reliable data which is highly accessible. WearCheck customers can now download WearCheck Mobile and, at their fingertips via their mobile device, access a host of critical information pertaining to machinery condition. This data is immediately available even while patrolling the factory floor or inspecting mining machinery on-site. It is no longer necessary ...

SKF South Africa, global bearing and rotating technology and engineering specialist, has been appointed by Henred Fruehauf as OEM supplier. Acquired by SA Truck Bodies in 2002, Henred Fruehauf trailers are recognised for their rugged reliability and have been faithfully serving the local market for over six decades. The company’s reputation for delivering uncompromising quality is based on the use of world class quality products. So when trailer downtime became an issue for large commercial truck fleets, Henred Fruehauf examined the situation and identified the source of the problem and looked at replacing their product supplier. Alongside quality, local product support is equally high on Henred Fruehauf’s priority list and the company decided to approach SKF South Africa as a potential supplier. “SKF’s capabilities to offer value added service ensured our OEM supplier status,” says SKF Key Accounts Manager – Commercial Vehicles, Ettienne Schoeman. “In addition to being able to s...

Durban-based reliability solutions specialists, WearCheck, recently bought out Transformer Chemistry Services (TCS), adding an already-established transformer analysis and maintenance division to the company’s condition monitoring portfolio. Coupled with WearCheck’s Africa-wide network, the expertise of TCS and a general growth in the number of transformers across the continent, WearCheck is now poised to provide large-scale and widespread comprehensive transformer reliability services. The primary function of the newly-formed transformer division is the promotion of transformer health through the regular assessment of insulating fluid and diagnosis of the results. Transformers are extremely critical apparatus for providing reliable energy. No-one can precisely answer when equipment will fail, but it is essential to manage risk. Compared with the cost of premature or catastrophic failure, regularly scheduled oil testing is a cost-effective and sound maintenance practice that is us...

The Wirtgen Group will be showcasing tailored solutions for recycled material processing and quarry applications when it exhibits products from Kleemann and Benninghoven at the industry trade fair in Homberg/Nieder-Ofleiden, Germany, from August 30 to September 2. The world premiere of the Kleemann MC 120 PRO jaw crusher will be center stage. Both the jaw crusher – operating as part of an interlinked machine combination additionally comprising the MCO 11 PRO cone crusher and MS 953 EVO screening plant – and the MBRG 2000 granulator will show off their high productivity at a live demonstration. Heavy-duty MC 120 PRO jaw crusher for quarry applications Industry professionals will get their first glimpse of the new MOBICAT MC 120 PRO mobile jaw crusher from Kleemann. Developed for use in quarries, the plant is extremely durable and engineered for a high throughput of up to 650 t/h. The heart of the system is the jaw crusher itself, which has been specially designed for processing hard ...

SKF has inaugurated its newly-built Sven Wingquist Test Centre in Schweinfurt, Germany, an investment totaling EUR 40 million. The centre is the first in the world that is able to test large-size bearings under actual operating conditions. This allows for a more efficient development process for customers, as well as improved bearing performance and increased service life. The Sven Wingquist Test Centre has two testing rigs. One rig is designed for the testing of wind turbine main shaft arrangements. The second rig will be used for testing bearings used in other industrial sectors, including mining, construction, steel manufacturing and marine transport. Combined with SKF’s continued development of diagnostics, condition monitoring and simulation methods, these rigs will contribute to reduced testing and product development lead-times and provide deeper insights into bearing performance. Victoria Van Camp, CTO and President, Innovation and Business Development, says: “No other test c...

Oil analysis is generally a process that is quick and by nature non-destructive, which focuses on examining whatever is in the oil hence ensuring standard condition of an operational engine. The overall process is composed of a number of tests. To begin with, there is the spectral examination involving the use of a spectrometer within which a sample of oil is run and analyzed for possible additives and metals that may be existing. This is paramount as it gives one a proper result of whatever degree that an engine is or could be wearing out. Secondly, insoluble test is done to see the abrasive solids existing in the oil, which arise from oxidation of the oil as well as by the act of blowing past the rings. Insoluble test is important mainly because it indicates the level that the oil has oxidized and also estimates the performance of the oil filter. Thirdly, oil analysis encompasses the viscosity test, which quantifies the grade or viscosity of the oil. Oil may be required in diffe...

Johannesburg; 20 July 2017 - In response to the warning by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) that it intends taking industrial action to ‘shut down’ the country’s engineering sector, The South African Engineers and Founders Association (SAEFA) today said that it seems that that NUMSA does not really have the desire to avoid strike action, despite the massive financial repercussions this will have on all employees in the sector, whether union members or not. Responding to the comments made by NUMSA general-secretary, Irvin Jim, at a press briefing on Tuesday, Gordon Angus, SAEFA Executive Director, said that the move by the union is not unexpected, but it is entirely unnecessary. “As previously stated in the media, SAEFA has been aware of NUMSA’s apparent desire to initiate strike action, seemingly at any cost,” Angus said, “as evidenced by their unwillingness to participate meaningfully in any of the dispute meetings thus far.” Angus pointed out that whil...

The quarterly employment survey recently released by Statistics South Africa announced a net quarterly decrease of 48,000 (-0.5%) jobs between December 2016 and March 2017 - this while South Africa’s unemployment rate already sits at an all-time high of 26.5%. For those entering the job market hoping for some good news, these latest figures hold no reprieve, particularly with significant decreases observed in the trade, business services and community services industries with 32,000, 23,000 and 8,000 job cuts respectively. Successful entrepreneur and CEO of Innovative Solutions Group, Arnoux Maré, says this scenario presents the country with fertile ground to breed successful local entrepreneurs to increase the job pool and grow the economy from within. And he should know. Maré left a comfortable and thriving corporate career in sales and marketing to start his own business, Innovative Staffing Solutions, in his lounge in 2011. All he had was a revolutionary staffing idea and R600 i...

Atlas Copco’s Powered by Automation contributes to the sustainable productivity and profitability of mines, plant and quarries by enhancing the performance of machines, equipment and systems. Operational stability, productivity and profitability are fundamental to the sustainable future of a mine, plant or quarry and, with customers always first in mind, Atlas Copco’s principal goal is to develop sustainable solutions that will contribute to these fundamentals through more efficient and cost effective operations. Every product and system is designed and engineered by Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation Technique with the objective of maximising uptime, production and safety. Cutting-edge automation technology incorporated into machinery, equipment and software optimises the lifecycle, reliability, availability, capability and performance of machines, drives down operating expenses, upskills operators, and improves safety and productivity to ultimately drive up profitability that ...

The following five factors can produce its own particular type of damage and leave its own special imprint on the bearing. Consequently, by examining a damaged bearing it is possible to determine the root cause of the damage so that the requisite actions can be taken to prevent a recurrence. Electrical erosion Electric erosion or arcing, can happen when a current passes from one ring to the other through the rolling elements. The extent of the damage depends on the amount of energy and its duration. However, the result is usually the same: pitting damage to the rolling elements and raceways, rapid degradation of the lubricant and premature bearing failure. To prevent damage from electric current passage, an electrically insulated bearing at the non-drive end is usually used. There are two types of insulated bearings available from SKF: INSOCOAT bearings and hybrid bearings. Inadequate lubrication and contamination If the lubricant film between the rolling elements and raceways i...

Atlas Copco South Africa together with business areas, Mining and Rock Excavation Technique and Construction Technique, sponsored jackets, beanies and scarves to support final 4th year Wits School of Mining Engineering students on their 2017 mine tour. The annual initiative involves a tour by 4th year students of surface and underground mining operations in South Africa. The objective of the tour is to provide the students with practical demonstrations of the various mining methods practiced around the country. During the intensive one-week tour, which this year took place from 19 – 22 June, 109 eligible students were accompanied by six lecturers. They were divided into three groups, and each group spent one day at each of four pre-selected mines. The mine tour forms part of the partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Rock Engineering course at fourth year level and provides requisite exposure for the final Mine Design Project. “Due to the fact that the mine tour provides the...

Atlas Copco South Africa (Pty) Ltd has for the past five years been a proud supporter of the Filpro enterprise development programme, an inspirational initiative that empowers and upskills informal mechanics to become active participants in the country’s formal mainstream economy. Social responsibility is one of Atlas Copco’s core focuses and the company remains resolute in its efforts to give back to the community within which it operates. “The Filpro programme is thus a perfect fit for Atlas Copco’s two business areas, Industrial Technique and Compressor Technique, purveyors of a comprehensive world-class product portfolio for the automotive industry,” says Supplier Development Manager, Marilyn Govender. There are countless unskilled as well as skilled mechanics, who have worked within the formal automotive sector, operating informal service centres with little or no infrastructure and limited access to tools and equipment. Automotive component manufacturers, G.U.D. Holdings an...

Leading wet processing company CDE will be showcasing 25 years of international expertise to Nigerian and other West African mine and quarry operators at the ConMin West Africa trade show in Abuja from 13 to 15 June. The global company will introduce the significant benefits of materials washing technology to the sand and aggregates industry, demonstrating how businesses can expand by increasing both their range of products and production levels, as well as make profits and a quick return on investment. South Africa may still be ahead of the infrastructural drive on the African continent, with a robust and consistent development of its sand and aggregates market, but Nigeria is snapping at its heels. With a population of 190 million people and correlated expanding infrastructure needs, Nigeria is resetting its economic focus to address any barriers to its economic growth, and in order to encourage private and domestic investments. For sand and aggregates producers, the Nigerian con...

Atlas Copco’s Power Technique business area is created from the people, products and technologies of the current Construction Technique business area. Moving forward, Power Technique will better reflect the product applications and industries served. The change is effective today. The Power Technique name derives from the fact that power is the key term that customers identify with when it comes to the core product portfolio, consisting of air, power (including light) and flow. The business area serves multiple customer segments including construction, industrial, oil and gas, and petrochemicals. “Construction customers will always be close to our core,” said Philip Herselman, General Manager, Power Technique (previously Construction Technique). “However, we serve customers in many segments, and the Power Technique name better reflects this and our offering.” The business area will continue its focus on service through the Power Technique Service and Specialty Rental divisions. ...

Due to renewable energy drive PPA models have become mature and can be used to facilitate capital and BOT for WHR projects • Only Pay for electricity generated at a discounted rate • Improve your company image – Environmental, CO2 targets • Competitive edge • Stability of process • Mitigate risk In a recent development, Dickinson Energy Ltd recently secured funding for its cement plant waste heat recovery projects through a large institutional financing partner. The development means that all of Dickinson Energy Ltd.’s waste heat recovery projects are now eligible for turnkey project finance loans at low interest rates. Qualifying projects would have to meet prequalification specific requirements for (CO2 offset finance). Dickinson Energy Ltd is a member of Dickinson Group of Companies. The company primarily focuses on installation, operation and maintenance of Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) Power Generation technologies for different industries across sub-Saharan Africa. Industr...

On Thursday the 22nd of June 2017 Dickinson Group of Companies; leading provider of Furnace and Industrial Services participated in the 11th edition of the Kathu Trading Mining and Technical Exhibitions (MTE). Objective It is generally known that the business of mining is one of the best to be involved in particularly within the mineral rich regions of sub-Saharan Africa. The global mining environment has however seen a lot of rapid changes over the years, amongst others the changes include increases in the criticality of health and safety as well as the preciousness of water and electricity. For mining operations to remain viable; mines constantly need expert consultation even in the nitty gritty of things. As a company we took the opportunity to meet face to face with clients and present solutions to some of the challenges they face on a day to day basis. About MTE The MTE were established in 1993 and has held hundreds of shows in and around all the major mines and mining areas in s...

On 1 April 2017 the Legae Community Childcare Centre celebrated 10 years of providing assistance and schooling to children in the Daveyton area on the East Rand. SKF was there to celebrate with them. Partnering with St Andrews and St Marks Presbyterian Churches, SKF South Africa established Legae Community Childcare Centre in Daveyton on the East Rand in March 2007. 'Legae' which aptly means 'home', provides care to children suffering from HIV/AIDS but also comes to the aid of other disadvantaged children in need. In addition to a pre-school and a care centre for up to 50 children, there is also an after-care facility for twenty school-going children up to the age of thirteen. Attendance at Legae is free of charge and the Centre is mainly staffed by people from the surrounding community. Children receive two meals a day as well as snacks and the occasional food parcel is also provided which they can take home. The Centre ensures that the children receive basic m...

The innovative anti-false brinelling grease for hub bearing units from SKF reduces friction and wear significantly, while improving bearing performance. SKF launched new grease that has been proven to reduce the damage caused by false brinelling in hub bearing units by more than 50 per cent when compared with competing greases. The lubricant has been introduced to the market to help overcome this wear phenomenon and can also enable overall improvements in vehicle efficiency by limiting fretting corrosion and the microdamages caused by vibration. Designed for use with both new designs and retrofits, the grease is fully compatible with bearing components materials and came out as the best performing lubricant for reducing the raceway microdamages caused by false brinelling when tested alongside several other standard greases. In particular, this solution was shown to lead to a consistent improvement in bearing robustness against the microdamages in the raceways that often occu...

Atlas Copco Compressor Technique’s patent-pending UD+ compressed air single cartridge in-line filter solution gives a 40% lower pressure drop and removes contamination in compressed air down to 0.01 ppm. In-line filters are commonly used in industrial applications to decontaminate compressed air lines by removing concentrations of water, dust and oil (in the case of oil injected compressors) generally found in compressed air. “The UD+ single filter replaces the two-filter solution currently used by over 50% of oil-injected compressor applications to achieve suitable quality compressed air,” states Atlas Copco Compressor Technique’s Industrial Air Business Line Manager Charl Ackerman. Explaining the two-filter solution, Ackerman says that the Atlas Copco general-purpose coalescing DD filter removes liquid water and oil aerosols from the air down to 0.1 mg/m³ (0.1 ppm) and particles down to 1.0 µm. “To remove aerosols larger than 0.01 mg/m³ (0.01 ppm) and particles down to 0.01 µm,...

SKF launches Enlight Centre, a next-generation Internet-enabled condition-based maintenance (CBM) and condition monitoring (CM) system designed for the global marine industry. SKF Enlight Centre is a first-of-its-kind, asset based (as opposed to measurement focused) machine health monitoring system, featuring a radically simplified user interface, designed for use by engineers and managers throughout the marine sector. This new web based ‘software-as-a-service’ tool represents the first phase of a multi-segment software development strategy, from SKF’s machine health software team, based in Gothenburg, Sweden. The goal is to roll out this comprehensive, standardised machine condition monitoring offering across all sectors of industry and transportation, where remote monitoring and operation is required. The new software will eventually replace SKF's existing @ptitude Asset Management System. SKF Enlight Centre is designed to meet the changing needs of today's marine as...

Collecting process data and using it correctly is a vital part of predictive maintenance programmes – and proves the adage that knowledge is power explains Erwin Weis, head of IoT Technology at SKF Collecting data is one thing, but making sense of it is what adds value. In modern industrial parlance, it’s about turning ‘Big Data’ into ‘Smart Data’. Big Data is often considered to be simply the vast amount of data – generated from sensors, devices, systems and other measurements equipment – which you then have to make sense of. However, it is actually a bit more than that. Data does not all take the same form. Some is ‘structured’ – in the form of sensor output, for example – which can generally be organised in a database format. Other data are ‘unstructured’, and might include text, images, audio or video. The mixture of these two very different data sets is part of the complexity of ‘Big Data’. In general Big Data is characterised by a new level of complexity and by requirem...