MechChem Africa January-February 2025

⎪ Products and industry news ⎪

Custom chutes show their mettle with abrasive ore

With most of its 5 000-strong global footprint of transfer chutes being installed in Southern Africa, Johannesburg-based Weba Chute Systems has built a reputation in demanding mining conditions. The region is a leading producer of plati num and manganese, for instance, which are both highly abrasive ores, points out Dewald Tintinger, technical manager at Weba Chute Systems. The company’s innovative approach and customised designs control material flow and resist wear, matching specific site conditions. “First and foremost, a chute must facilitate optimal throughput so that mining production is not hampered by frequent blockages or repairs,” says Tintinger. “It is well known that the cost of a quality chute is a fraction of the cost of lost production through downtime.” Weba Chute Systems takes a system atic approach to assessing each customer’s requirements, starting with the general ar rangement of the area around transfer points. The depth of experience accumulated over Tru-Trac’s Belt Scale Systems are at the fore front of delivering innovative technology that ensures precise and reliable measurements, setting new benchmarks in conveyor belt ef ficiency and operational control. In industries reliant on efficient materi als handling, maintaining precise weighing systems is paramount for optimising pro duction processes and effectively managing inventory. Tru-Trac Belt Scale Systems offer unparalleled accuracy and reliability, even in challenging environments. They provide crucial data for informed decision-making and operational streamlining. A key component to Tru-Trac’s Belt Scale Systems are high-precision load cells that

A Weba Chute Systems head chute engineered to handle abrasive materials, reduce maintenance and extend service intervals with controlled material flow.

40 years in business allows the company’s experts to suggest improvements to the lay out, where these are possible and how they will affect chute performance. “We consider a range of key factors when we plan the de sign, such as the material characteristics, the throughput tonnages and the speed of travel,” he continues. “These considerations guide the application of our controlled flow philosophy.” Designs are based on scientific calcula tions using the anticipated trajectories, deliver accurate measurements essential for effective material handling. These systems feature innovative digitisation located close to the load cells and carriage, eliminating the need for traditional junction boxes. This design enhances signal integrity, ensuring precise data transmission and reliable weigh ing results. “Our belt scales leverage advanced digi tisation to maintain high signal integrity and accuracy, minimising errors and delivering consistent, precise measurements crucial for efficient material handling,” says Tinus Ludik, BMH sales manager at Tru-Trac. Tru-Trac’s Belt Scales are engineered for seamless integration into both new and ex of Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety (QEHS) officer. She was the only woman in her apprenticeship group to qualify as a tool and die, jig and mould maker, a trade that requires technical mastery. Tsholofelo’s success is not just a testament to her abilities, but also to her resilience in a field dominated by men. For Tsholofelo, SKF is more than just an employer. “It is a workplace that fosters growth and innovation and that offers end less opportunities,” she asserts. Tsholofelo’s tenure in the Machined Seals department was marked by her proactive approach. She consistently sought opportunities to contrib-

impacts and pressures on the structure. The main conceptual options can include Weba’s Cascade Chute with dead boxes, the Weba Superflow chute with liners or a combination of both. As material enters the chute and flows through, it lands mainly on other material which absorbs the impact more effectively, protecting the underlying wear plates and structure from undue damage. www.webachutes.com

Accuracy standards for conveyor weighing

isting conveyor systems, allowing operators to meet requirements from single conveyor installations to complex multi-scale setups. The user-friendly human-machine interface (HMI) with a touch screen provides intuitive controls, making the system accessible even in harsh industrial conditions. https://tru-trac.com Tru-Trac Belt Scales installed in harsh industrial conditions, demonstrating their durability and reliability. ute beyond her immediate responsibilities: participating in audits, amending processes and taking ownership of core aspects of SKF’s business. This paved the way for her promo tion to the SHEQ department. Her reflects on her passion for creating impactful change: “I realised I could serve others more effectively by addressing work place issues such as ergonomics and hygiene, which directly impact employee well-being and organisational efficiency.” She looks forward to creating a workplace where employees feel valued and protected, which she views as essential to fostering in novation and productivity. www.skf.com

SKF employee fosters innovation and growth

Exemplifying SKF’s employee-centricity ethos, Tsholofelo Choma, who started her journey at SKF South Africa in July 2022 as a CNC operator in the Machined Seals department, now proudly holds the position

January-February 2025 • MechChem Africa ¦ 37