Modern Mining February 2018

PRODUCT News

Liviero Mining opts for Generac light towers

In addition to marketing its specialist range of crushing and screening products, Pilot Crushtec International has made significant strides in the marketing of its

greenfield and brownfield systems and - says ABB – significantly decreases the cost threshold for gearless conveyor technology. Fewer parts and new motor technol- ogy increase the reliability and efficiency of the overall conveyor system. A perma- nent magnet motor specifically designed for mining applications is a core element of this system that contributes to its reliability and ability to perform in the most challeng- ing environments, says ABB. The gearless con- and currently has several long-term con- tracts with listed mining houses. Liviero’s Plant Director, Hendrik Strydom, explains that the purchase deci- sion was made following a careful study of available lighting products. “When comparing competing products, we found that some could be regarded as outdated in terms of current health and safety systems. Generac lighting towers offer a superior design, and feature tele- scopic masts rather than the older folding variety. They are also more technically advanced with illumination provided by four 290 W floodlights instead of conven- tional lamps and importantly, they use less than one litre of diesel per hour.” For Liviero, the decision to move from renting lighting systems to acquiring its own fleet not only makes economic sense but provides an operational safeguard as the lights are key to safe and efficient 24/7 mining operations. Pilot Crushtec International’s reputation for providing a comprehensive service, from advice on product choice to after sales support, commissioning and train- ing, was a determining factor in the deal and, according to Strydom, the experience

traditional geared systems to a projected in-service life of 25 years. Other advantages include a consid- erable reduction in the drive system’s footprint, so it can be installed in smaller spaces, less weight, and a reduction in the instrumentation required to operate the system. The gearless drive design is also more energy efficient, requiring less power, and operates more quietly, thus reducing noise emissions. In July 2017, the pilot project of this solution was installed in collaboration with Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG (LEAG) in an open-pit lignite mine, Jänschwalde, located close to Cottbus, Germany. The new gearless solution was installed on a high capacity discharge conveyor of a bucket chain excavator in parallel with the existing geared drive. Both drives connect to the same pul- ley shaft to allow for exact benchmarking. The gearless solution has performed better in regard to dynamic accuracy and over- all efficiency than the existing traditional solution. ABB, website: www.abb.com “We understood the lights had to be operational from the word go and all 24 units were ready within 18 hours of order confirmation,” he says. “The day after they arrived on site our product manager, Mervyn Moodley, arrived at 6 am to con- duct a detailed product training session. “The lights were up and running for the oncoming night shift and feedback has been very positive, particularly com- ments about their brightness. Another user-friendly feature is their outstanding economy. The Generac generators that power the lighting towers can run for up to 240 hours on a single tank of diesel – that’s the equivalent of twenty 12-hour shifts.” Pilot Crushtec, tel (+27 11) 842-5600, website: www.pilotcrushtec.com more than matched high expectations. “Their product specialists were on call every step of the way but it was Sandro Scherf who set the tone with his hands-on approach before, during and after the sale was made.” Pilot Crushtec International CEO Scherf has always maintained that his team deliv- ers world-class after sales service under any conditions and Liviero proved to be no exception.

Generac range of Tower Light mobile lighting systems. To be competitive, it

has become essential for many operators to work 24/7, particularly in industries such as mining, quarrying, civils and construction. This was illustrated recently when major contractor Liviero Mining purchased a fleet of 24 VTevo light towers for imme- diate delivery to four of its operational sites inMpumalanga.

Liviero mainly operates in the sphere of opencast coal mining

Liviero Mining has purchased a fleet of 24 VTevo Light Towers.

Gearless drive designed for medium power motors ABB has announced that its innovative gearless conveyor drive is available for use on a wider range of conveyor systems. Already proven on larger motors, the new- est drive is designed for medium power range motors (1 to 3 MW per motor) to make this technology economically feasible for a broader range of conveyor systems, including the use on mobile equipment in mining operations. The new solution can be applied to both

veyor drive system eliminates the gearbox from the drive. This reduces the number of main wear parts, so less maintenance is needed, and length- ens the lifespan of the equipment. The expected lifespan for the drive train increases by more than 10 years when compared to

The gearless conveyor drive system eliminates the gearbox from the drive.

44  MODERN MINING  February 2018