Modern Mining July 2015

PRODUCT News

Hybrid panel supplied to silica mine

FLSmidth has designed and produced a hybrid poly wire modular panel for use in Rietvlei silica mine’s screening process. Double deck woven wire units were originally used as secondary screens in the production of silica sand at the mine. However, localised wear patterns created holes in multiple areas of the screen sur- face. These screens were replaced with modular polyurethane panels, which effectively increased both safety and main- tenance issues but negatively affected the production output. “FLSmidth’s screen media specialists were asked by the mine to find a solu- tion that would ensure employee safety, decrease maintenance required and increase productivity. After analysing the process and vibrating equipment, we provided a number of recommendations with respect to the setup of the feed to the equipment as well as the use of a new material for the bottom deck panels,” says FLSmidth’s Screen Media Technical Support Manager, Jannie Engelbrecht. FLSmidth’s hybrid poly wire modular panel is a standard 1’x1’ panel compris- ing a flat top woven wire screen, using 20,0 mm x 7,1 mm aperture Vibro Optimax wire with polyurethane cast on to the steel edges to complete the 1’x1’modular panel. Standard pin and sleeve or bolted pin system fixing devices secure it to the sub- frame of the machine. Engelbrecht explains that once installed, the effective open area percentage of the poly wire modular panel is 48 %, which compares favourably with

the open area percentage of standard woven wire screens when installed. A trial was undertaken at Rietvlei to determine the performance and suit- ability of the hybrid poly wire modular panel. “With the assistance of Jacques Labuschagne from Rietvlei silica mine, we were able to ascertain that the new panel provided increased tonnes per shift while the raw product feed to the plant had an increased percentage of fines. During a nor- mal shift it is possible to obtain an increase of up to 33 % when compared to the out- put achieved by the modular polyurethane panels previously installed. This effectively means the output can increase per month,” says Engelbrecht. “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the hybrid poly wire modular panel trials. We have managed to meet all of our stated goals without compromising on quality and we can additionally accom- modate more fines,” says Labuschagne. FLSmidth, tel (+27 10) 210-4820 FLSmidth has designed a hybrid poly wire modular panel for use in Rietvlei silica mine’s screening process. enquiry turnaround times and a reliable support service of Danfoss systems.” BMG’s R350-million expansion of the distribution and engineering facilities in Johannesburg includes new electronic workshops and a technical resources centre for the repair, maintenance and commissioning of the Danfoss product range. This 24-hour service is supported by mobile technicians. BMG’s purchasing system at Danfoss will become e-based, providing live updates on delivery times to ensure a highly efficient supply chain process. Dave Dyce, BMG Electronics – Bearing Man Group, tel (+27 11) 620-1530

BMG and Danfoss consolidate partnership BMG and Danfoss Drives have consoli- dated a long-standing partnership with the official signing of a strategic alliance agreement which, they say, augurs well for both companies, stakeholders and customers.

“This new development formalises and strengthens the original distribution agreement for Danfoss variable speed drives and the soft starter range, which has been in place since 2007,” says David Dyce, Division Manager, BMG Electronics – Bearing Man Group. “Through this firm alliance, BMG is set to increase awareness of the Danfoss brand, create a stabilised pricing structure and ensure efficient

54  MODERN MINING  July 2015