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MODERN MINING
July 2015
PRODUCT News
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
Hybrid panel supplied to silica mine
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.
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
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