Caqital Equipment News October 2018

MINING – ELECTRA MINING NEWS

Goscor Compressed Air’s turkey solutions

At a time when the mining sector continues to seek solutions for current operational challenges, this year’s Electra Mining Africa offered a perfect platform for Goscor Com- pressed Air Systems to showcase its turnkey solutions for the mining industry. A major highlight at Goscor Compressed Air Systems’ stand was the display of its complete turnkey solution for mining cus- tomers. The company is a proud distributor of two globally renowned brands, Ozen and Sullair. Solutions on display included com- pressors, vacuum pumps, air dryers, air tools and a range of value added products. “Electra Mining showcases the latest in innovations and technologies, leading products, services and solutions. At Goscor Compressed Air Systems, we believe that we are one of the leaders in the compressor industry, which is an integral part of the mining and industrial sector,” says Warren Schultz, GM of Goscor Compressed Air Systems. Schultz explains that compressed air is a critical medium for the transfer of energy in industrial and mining processes. The entire mining process – from start to finish, no matter how big or small – relies on some Day two of Electra Mining Africa focused on the launch of new technology and innova- tions at the show. More than 60 products were reviewed across three categories. Kal Tire’s Gravity Assist System (GAS) received top honours in the category of International Mechanical and Technology Innovation, mainly for its simplicity and effectiveness. The average mining tyre has a lot of lug nuts. Until now, support for the hefty 36 kg torque gun came through the sheer brawn of the tyre technician. Today, the GAS essen- tially renders the activity and the torque gun ‘weightless’, making the process much more safer, efficient and precise. The system re- duces common risks associated with torque gun tasks, including pinched fingers, muscle strain and fatigue. “When I reviewed the Gravity Assist System, I was surprised at not only the simplicity of the machine, but how robust and effective it will be for tyre technicians on mine sites,” says Eric Bruggeman, CEO SA Capital Equipment Export Council and judge of all the products. “For decades these technicians have been suffering injuries and strains related to managing very heavy tools, the GAS is one of those things that makes you say, ‘Why hasn’t this been

form of compressed air. “There are a range of different complex compressor systems to cater for these processes, de- pending on their purpose and the demand requirements needed for the task. No matter the size, the complexity of the system, the fact of the matter is that the min- ing sector will always need air in an industry that never sleeps,” says Schultz. Apart from products and solutions, Goscor Compressed Air Systems had its experts at the stand to discuss some of the

pressing issues in the industry. “While com- pressed air is indeed a valuable resource, it can also be costly, especially if leaks are not addressed and proper maintenance is not conducted routinely on the system,” says Schultz. “Leakages are the reason for the biggest waste of energy in compressed air systems. Therefore, it is a must to detect and eliminate leakages frequently. We will be discussing this topic in more detail at our stand and guide our customers on what invented before?’” This is the first year Electra Mining Africa has launched these awards to recognise new technology and innovations coming from both within South Africa and interna- tionally. “We are very excited that our latest inno- vation, the Gravity Assist System, has once again received this level of recognition,” says Peter Nilsson, innovation and R&D manager, Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group. “We have a strong team who continually assess and develop ideas that are sent to us from our team members on mine sites looking for better solutions.” Early 2016, the Gravity Assist System also received an award from a leading international mining magazine. “Investing in innovation at Kal Tire means we are developing practical solutions that not only improve the safety of how our teams work but also provide opportunities for vehicles to spend less time in tyre bays,” says Dan Allan, senior vice president, Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group. “Our intent is to continually invest in innovation that brings new products and solutions to our customers that help to increase efficiency, productivity and safety.”

service offering and cost effective solution we can provide them to optimise their current systems,” adds Schultz. In conclusion, Schultz says it is of ut- most significance to deal with a reputable compressed air systems provider for the supply of such a critical component of the mining process. “Goscor Compressed Air Systems has over a decade of service and product excellence and is accredited with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) for ISO 9001.” b Kal Tire’s Innovation Centre in Canada has now created several exclusive and patented products that have been launched and field-tested in Canada, South America, Australia and Africa. “There were many factors that contrib- uted to Kal Tire winning this award,” says Bruggeman. “I looked at the safety aspect, the cost, the innovation, but it was also Peter Nilsson’s knowledge and passion for what they developed that I found very impressive.”. b

Kal Tire wins top award at Electra Mining Africa

Eric Bruggeman, CEO SA Capital Equipment Export Council (left), and Peter Nilsson, innovation and R&D manager, Kal Tire’s Mining Tire Group.

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2018 38