Becker Mining upgrade for local coal operation

August 2019 News

Becker Mining South Africa’s energy division has been awarded a contract to upgrade the PLC infrastructure at a leading coal producer’s underground operations.

“This project comprises the design, manufacture and installation of 15 different PLCs, where each controller will monitor separate divisions underground,” explains Nico de Lange, vice president operations & systems, Becker Mining South Africa. “This new system will control the run and stop commands of conveyor belts and also manage safety signals. All PLCs will be linked to the mine’s scada system, with accessibility remotely from the control room. The system is expected to enhance productivity, reduce energy consumption and improve safety.

“The controllers are currently in production at Becker Mining’s manufacturing facility in Alrode, to meet the mine’s exact specifications. Our project team will be responsible for removing the existing system and replacing it with the new controllers, without any loss of production. The Becker Mining team will also carry out the commissioning of the new system.”

The new enclosures have front and rear access, with a glass window on the front outer door, for clear visibility of a display fitted on the inner door. The units have an IP65 rating to guard against the ingress of dust and water.

Becker Mining’s PLC enclosures consist of available technology, including Control Logix controllers, Ethernet communication, digital and analog inputs and relay outputs, Smart Guard safety relays, 24/12 VDC voltage supplies and fused termination for external connections.

Apart from the design and manufacture of a wide range of electrical products for hazardous and non-hazardous applications, Becker Mining South Africa also offers a repair and maintenance service, to ensure total reliability of equipment in harsh operating environments.

For more information contact Nico de Lange, Becker Mining South Africa, +27 11 617 6300, [email protected], www.za-becker-mining.com

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