Mechanical Technology may 2015

⎪ Products and services ⎪

Forklifts, reach trucks and tow motors for automotive component manufacturer nature with MAHLE Behr, will be sup- ported by Criterion Equipment’s five-year maintenance programme.

Criterion Equipment recently delivered 19 materials handling machines to automotive and industrial component manufacturers, MAHLE Behr South Africa (MBZA). “These new machines will en- hance the existing fleet of forklift trucks, reach trucks and tow motors at MBZA’s Pinetown head office facility and its Port Elizabeth branch. With advanced features for high productivity and operator com- fort, these machines will further improve handling efficiencies at MBZA’s plants,” says Graham Clare, KwaZulu-Natal branch manager, Criterion Equipment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Invicta Hold- ings Limited. “This consignment, which is the company’s second contract of this Rand Technical Services (RTS) recently supplied spin filters to JB Switchgear Solutions for the variable speed drive (VSD) panels the company has installed for a mining project in the Northern Cape. These spin filters are purpose-designed to accommodate a variety of applications, and offer an extremely efficient answer to the problem of heat and dust build- up, according to Ian Fraser, managing director of RTS. “Spin filter technology is finding wide application in coal, gold, diamond and other mining environments, which include MCC rooms, control rooms, sub- stations, transformer rooms, machinery spaces and workshops, as a cost-effective solution in both ventilation and filtration,” notes Fraser.

“MBZA has invested in 17 TCM machines and two Motrec tow motors because of their efficient performance, enhanced safety features, economical running costs and minimal maintenance requirements. Reliable handling equip- ment is critical for the transportation of a wide range of components, including raw materials such as aluminium, around MBZA’s manufacturing plants and to safely dispatch completed products onto trucks. “As part of Criterion Equipment’s commitment to ensuring optimum

Criterion Equipment hands over a new fleet of TCM materials handling equipment and Motrec tow motors to MBZA’s Pinetown head office facility.

performance of every machine, regular site analysis forms part of the five-year maintenance programme,” says Clare. www.criterion.co.za

Spin filter technology for VSDs, MCCs and switchgear JB Switchgear approached RTS to supply dedicated back channel cooling to the VSD panels on the mine, and, ac- cording to John Balsdon, projects director of JB Switchgear, the company has not looked back.

“RTS’s spin filter technology is a unique ventilation and filtration system that is extremely efficient and ideally suit- ed to many of the items that we manufac- ture. Electrical and electronic equipment require both cooling – through adequate movement of air – and a high degree of filtration to ensure an environment that is suitable for the sophisticated equipment used in our panels,” says Balsdon. Spin filters, via cyclone technology, provide a cost-effective alternative to con- ventional dust filtration and air-condition-

JB Switchgear approached RTS to supply dedicated back channel cooling to the VSD panels on the mine. ing with the added advantage of being virtually maintenance-free. “Because the filter is self-cleaning, it is ideally suited to remote industrial applications where regular maintenance may be difficult or simply neglected,” Fraser notes. www.rtsafrica.co.za

New Southern Africa distributors for personal protection equipment

“We have recognised an urgent need in industry for increased safety for workers and made a strategic decision to further extend Magnet’s product offer- ing. Dromex protection equipment complements Magnet’s portfolio of electrical equipment, industrial instrumentation and automation systems, to ensure optimum protection for workers in all fields,” says Brian Howarth, managing director, Magnet. The Dromex range, now available from Magnet, encompasses respiratory masks and cartridges, eye protection spectacles and goggles, earplugs and earmuffs, gloves for hand protection and shoes or boots in the footwear range. Also available are lightweight flame retardant and acid resistant body protection garments. Key products for Magnet include DW-NOMEX ® flame retardant suits and SABS D59 flame and acid suits, which are resistant to abrasion, tear and chemicals. This durable work wear, consisting of

jackets, pants and overalls, meets stringent local and international safety specifications, including the SANS 434 standard for mark bearing work suits. Dromex footwear is certified to ISO 20345:2011 standards for safety footwear. An easy-to-follow selection chart contains relevant information on clas- sifications, categories and performance requirements to ensure selection of the correct shoe or boot for intended use and potential hazards. DroVision goggles have a clear polycarbonate mono, scratch resistant lens and an elasticated and adjustable headband for optimum protection and maximum comfort. These goggles, which offer 120° lateral vision, are compatible with other respiratory equipment. www.magnetgroup.co.za Magnet has been appointed distributors through- out Southern Africa for Dromex personal protection equipment.

Mechanical Technology — May 2015

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