The harmful effects of acid mine drainage on the environment are being successfully combated by a large acid mine drainage plant in Germiston, which contains a comprehensive mixing system developed by leading mixer manufacturer Mixtec.
The acid mine drainage plant consists of a combination of 53 specialised Mixtec mixers, which are in turn individually powered by gearboxes manufactured and supplied by SEW-Eurodrive.
Mixtec sales manager, Brian Paxton, states that the agitators’ role in the process can be split into different sections. “In simple terms, the first is the make-up of lime into slurry, which in turn, is introduced to reaction vessels where the lime slurry comes into contact with the acid mine drainage. By mixing the lime slurry with the acid mine water in this area, the lime reacts with the acid causing a neutralising effect.”
The bi-product produced is gypsum, a soft sulphate mineral composed of calcium sulphate dihydrate, which can be used as a fertiliser, and is the main constituent in many forms of plaster and chalk.
The mixing system had to be designed to accommodate the highly-corrosive pH levels found in water contaminated by acid mine drainage. SEW-Eurodrive contracts engineer, Rudi Swanepoel, notes that the gearboxes were covered with an OS2 paint work.
“The 210 m paint work is specially designed for acidic environments. Viton seals were also fitted on the high and low speed shafts, which is standard for these environments. Without these extra precautions, the seals would perish and the paint would peel off.”
SEW-Eurodrive’s scope of work included the supply of 36 MC mixing units fitted with EBD (extended bearing distance) to absorb the radial forces encountered in mixing. A further 17 helical gear units were supplied, some of which were assembled with AM Adapters.
According to Swanepoel, the bearings on the system should last more than nine years. “Based on our calculations, the bearing life should be in excess of 100 000 hours if they are properly maintained. This ensures high-efficiency and minimal downtime,” he adds.
Paxton indicates that Mixtec has been a satisfied SEW-Eurodrive client for a number of years. “We involved them in the project right from the beginning, due to the fact that the company displays commitment to the task at hand from initial quotation, right through to after-sales backup and technical support.”
Plastics improve machine performance and reliability igus
Motion Control & Drives
Engineered plastics from German polymer manufacturer, igus continue to revolutionise mechanical systems across various industries worldwide, with a pledge to ‘improve what moves’ by replacing moving steel components with polymer equivalents.
Read more...Integrated solutions power the future of mining ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has a diverse array of solutions that cater to multiple industry sectors, and especially mining. Mining companies across South Africa are embracing automation and control technologies.
Read more...Keeping the ball rolling Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG’s Fluid Technology team has recently completed the design, supply and commissioning of an advanced lubrication system for a main bearing on a ball mill, which has been developed to optimise productivity and minimise maintenance requirements and downtime.
Read more...Get your bearings right Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG’s Bearings Division offers a comprehensive range of bearings, which comprise ball, roller, and linear bearings ranging in size from miniature to extremely large units.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE prioritises ecology and economy SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
Committed to environmental sustainability principles, SEW-EURODRIVE has developed the ECO2 design to offer drives with uncoated aluminium, with no compromise in their performance and durability.
Read more...A year of innovation and milestones for ISO-Reliability Partners
Motion Control & Drives
For ISO-Reliability Partners 2024 was a transformative year marked by innovation, collaboration and a steadfast commitment to advancing industrial reliability. Guided by CEO, Craig FitzGerald, the company has introduced cutting-edge technologies, expanded its product portfolio and strengthened its reputation as a leader in lubrication, filtration and tribology.
Read more...The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
Read more...Global geared motors market
Motion Control & Drives
The global geared motors market experienced significant growth from 2021 to 2023, driven by market recovery following the pandemic in 2020, and high backlog levels in 2022.
Read more...Innovative new products from maxon DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
A series of innovative new products has been launched by maxon. These include a drive with a diameter of just 16 millimetres, a controller that can be easily integrated into even the tightest of spaces, and a robust and reliable robotic actuator.
Read more...Effective dust control
Motion Control & Drives
BLT WORLD, in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team, plays an important role throughout Africa by assisting companies, during conveyor handling, to manage dust emission and material spillage effectively.
printer friendly version