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...