Iritron, an authorised Rockwell Automation system integrator, has successfully optimised the Assmang Black Rock mine’s decline conveyor system with the replacement of two variable speed drives. The project, completed in conjunction with Rockwell Automation, has increased the conveyor’s output and significantly improved its reliability.
“The process design value of 600 tons per hour could not be achieved prior to the drive system replacement, due to the inability of the previous electrical drives to effectively synchronise the two 600 kW motors. The consequence was a loss of efficiency, production and frequent mechanical failures,” states Rockwell Automation drive business manager, Tommy Maritz.
He continues, “After consulting with the mine, our solution was to replace the existing drives with two Allen-Bradley 700S Powerflex Flux Vector drives, synchronised via a fibre-optic sync-link.”
In addition to the variable speed drive replacement, the transformers were replaced and shaft encoders were installed on each motor for optimal speed feedback to each drive. The result was a considerable improvement in productivity. The throughput of the conveyor system now exceeds 600 tons of ore per hour. This increase in production has allowed the mine to return to designed operating capacity.
“The project has been a great success. After the upgrade, all previously encountered mechanical failures were eliminated. This is a good example of Rockwell Automation and the Rockwell Automation Channel Partners joint ability to supply customised technology solutions that cater exactly to client requirements and thereby maximising the efficiency of their production processes,” concludes Maritz.
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