Electricity + Control August 2019

round up

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

PLC infrastructure upgrade for underground mining operations

the existing system and replacing it with the new controllers, without any loss of production time to the mine. 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 17” display fitted on the inner door. With dimensions of 1800 mm height by 800 mm width by 350 mm front depth and 200 mm rear depth, the units have an IP65 rating to guard against the ingress of dust and water. Becker Mining’s PLC enclosures incorporate available technology, including Control Logix controllers, Ethernet communication, digital and analogue inputs and relay outputs, Anny bus modules, 24 Vdc output relays, Smart Guard safety relays, 24 Vdc / 12 Vdc internal and external voltage supply and fused termination for external connections (inputs, outputs, analogues, supply voltage). As well as the design and manufacture of a wide range of electrical products for hazardous and non-hazardous applications, Becker Mining South Africa offers a repair

and maintenance service to ensure total reliability of equipment in harsh operating environments. The company’s specialist services to the mining sector include ener- gy distribution, communications and auto- mation solutions, mechanical and transpor- tation systems and steel arch roof supports.

Becker Mining South Africa’s energy division has been awarded a contract to upgrade the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) infrastructure at a leading coal producer’s underground operations. Nico de Lange, Vice President: Operations & Systems at Becker Mining South Africa, says, “This project comprises the design, manufacture and installation of 15 different PLCs, where each controller will monitor separate divisions underground. The new system will control the run and stop commands of conveyor belts and manage safety signals. All PLCs will be linked to the mine’s SCADA system, with remote access to control functions from the control room. “This advanced system, custom- designed by Becker Mining, is expected to enhance productivity, reduce energy consumption and improve safety on the mine. De Lange adds, “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

Enquiries: Nico de Lange at Becker Mining South Africa. Tel +27 (0)11 617 6300 or email: info@za.becker-mining.com

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

Automated laboratory solutions for mining industry

mining. For instance, data collected from online analysers and the laboratory can be used to optimise the entire flow sheet for mining operations. Using this data to strengthen our process optimisation initiatives is an exciting prospect,” says Knudsen. The combined IMP-FLSmidth customer offering of automated laboratory solutions is now available to mining customers worldwide. As well as gaining IMP’s capabilities, FLSmidth will be bolstered by the expertise of over 130 IMP employees, including IMP’s Managing Director, Boyne Hohenstein. The IMP business will be consolidated into FLSmidth from 1 June, 2019 onwards. Enquiries: FLSmidth, www.flsmidth.com The IMP Automation team now adds automated laboratory solutions to FLSmidth’s established quality control and process optimisation services for the mining industry.

Following the approval of the competition authorities, IMP Automation Group has now officially become part of FLSmidth.With the acquisition, first announced in February, FLSmidth completes its portfolio of automated laboratory solutions for the mining industry. IMP is an established global leader in this field and its core competencies will complement the products FLSmidth offers for quality control and optimisation of the mining process. Tina Knudsen, General Manager for Sampling, Preparation and Analysis – Mining, at FLSmidth, says, “With the closing of the deal, we can start the next phase in our product evolution. The benefits of the joint portfolio are immediately available to our customers and our pipeline is strong. We are confident that our product offering, covering manual and automated sampling and laboratory solutions, will open new doors with our mining customers worldwide.” The integration of IMP will enable FLSmidth to support the expanding market for automated laboratories, which has grown as a result of high exploration activity and an increased focus on productivity, automation and digitalisation. “Together we are well positioned to create cutting-edge, competitive solutions for mining applications. IMP has created a strong business based on its innovative approach and at FLSmidth we are traditionally strong on standardisation. We also see great potential to enhance the development of our digital solutions for

14 Electricity + Control

AUGUST 2019