Capital Equipment News July 2018

COVER STORY

KEEPING PRODUCTION FLOWING

Mine and quarry operators are well aware that to keep production flowing, it is critical for every machine in a comminution circuit to pull its own weight. It is therefore important to deal with a single, reputable supplier that delivers end-to- end solutions – from crushers and conveyors, to feeders and screens – to ensure every piece in the system performs. This is exactly the driving principle behind Weir Minerals’ one-stop shop approach to comminution with its expanded ranges of Enduron ® and Trio ® equipment, writes Munesu Shoko .

M ining and quarrying operations are under intense pressure to increase production through the optimisation of their plants. They are aware how significant it is for every machine in a comminution circuit – be it a crusher, screen or feeder – to perform optimally. If one machine goes down, the whole system collapses, and that translates into unpro- ductive days and resultant costly downtime. Therefore, single source alliances when it comes to the procurement of comminution equipment – where one reputable supplier services all the application needs – can help mines and quarries gain a competitive and cost advantage. “Based on our customers’ needs, we have over the years continuously expanded our comminution offering to further entrench our position as a total solutions provider to process plants,” explains Vernon Steenbok, General Manager Comminution at Weir Minerals Africa. Weir Minerals Africa offers two ranges of comminution equipment, namely Enduron ® and Trio ® . “With our Enduron ® and Trio ® ranges of comminution equipment, we don’t just offer products; we provide total solutions. The product families position Weir Minerals Africa as a complete partner to mining and aggregate operations in Africa and Middle East, our areas of responsibility,” says Steenbok. Cutting-edge screening With screens ranging from light duty sizing and dewatering through to heavy duty multi-slope screens, Enduron ® vibrating screens can accommodate most minerals processing applications. The Enduron ® range comprises single- and

double-deck configurations for linear motion screens and Trio ® circular/ elliptical screens. The company’s linear motion screens – comprising multi-slope (banana), horizontal deck and inclined dewatering screens – are engineered to order to fit various screening duties, including primary, secondary, tertiary, trash, drain and rinse, de-sliming, dewatering and protection of screens. “The Enduron ® screen line includes horizontal, multi-slope banana and specialised dewatering screens. These workhorse machines have proven themselves in demanding, high-production mining and aggregate operations across the world,” says Steenbok. The development of the multi-slope screen concept is said to be a major innovation in screening technology, essentially because of its exceptionally high throughput per unit screening area. “Our multi-slope screens are high capacity, high velocity machines with low bed depth, resulting in greater efficiencies and throughput by allowing quicker stratification of the material bed,” he says. The circular/elliptical motion screens include single-, double- and triple-deck horizontal and inclined screens, suited for all applications in the aggregate market. The company also offers grizzly feeders for primary screening and scalping duties. Speaking of the key strengths of the Enduron ® line at large, Steenbok says the major talking point is the high-efficiency nature of the screen range, which has a 90- 95% efficiency. “It’s a high-capacity screen range that allows users to push volumes,” he says. A unique feature of the Enduron ®

vibrating screen is the innovative corrosion protection system. Steenbok explains that epoxy resin is applied to the mating faces before fastening to prevent ingress of liquid and solid materials during operation, and to mitigate the risk of stress corrosion cracking. “Side plates are lined with Linatex premium rubber for abrasion and corrosion protection,” he says. Another key advantage is that Enduron ® linear motion horizontal screens offer a screening solution with a low headroom requirement and less pegging of screen media. “Using linear motion screens results in a lower installed cost, as well as the ability to better control the travel rate across the screen, translating into improved screen efficiency,” explains Steenbok. Complete offering The extensive Trio ® product range offers a distinct competitive advantage in that the customer has a one-stop solution. Shawn Robus, business development manager: Africa Comminution, explains that the range extends from jaw crushers; cone crushers; apron-, grizzly-, pan- and belt- feeders; vertical and horizontal shaft impact crushers; through to screens, washing plants, conveyor belts and hoppers.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JULY 2018 4