Electricity + Control 2019

PLANT MAINTENANCE, TEST + MEASUREMENT round up

Motor rehabilitation in Zambian mine

Marthinusen & Coutts is one of the largest after-market service providers of electrical and mechanical rotating machines in Africa. It operates six repair and manufacturing facilities – in Johannes- burg, Benoni, Sasolburg, Rustenburg, Harare and Kitwe. Sup- ported by a network of technically equipped partners throughout Africa, it provides services across the continent as well as globally. Enquiries: visit www.mandc.co.za

Marthinusen & Coutts’ Cleveland Engineering Services Division, a division of ACTOM, recently teamed up with the Marthinusen & Coutts Kitwe facility in Zambia to rehabilitate medium voltage pump motors in one of the wettest mines in Africa. An original equipment manufacturer of pumps had approached Marthinusen & Coutts to assess several underground pump mo- tors at the mine.There was some urgency in this situation in order to prevent the risk of flooding if there were to be any undue inter- ruptions in pumping operations. Investigations revealed that the motors driving the pumps were in a poor condition. This was severely affecting the avail- ability and the performance of the pump chambers. A detailed re- furbishment programme was initiated involving the procurement of spare parts, the setting up of an on-site bearing store and tak- ing the lead in returning the motors to full service. Where possible, the motors were repaired in-situ – preventing any potential crisis of underground flooding – while others were removed for full refurbishment. The highest level of engineering practices were followed during repairs, re-installation and com- missioning. Ongoing support is also being provided, including the training of mine maintenance staff, the development of installa- tion and commissioning specifications, regular site inspections, management of spares and continual engagement with mine en- gineering management.

Marthinusen & Coutts technical personnel inspecting a 3 300 kW pump motor.

28 Electricity + Control

JUNE 2019