Modern Mining May 2021

ELECTRIC MOTORS

Electric motors: efficiency in focus

While the electric motor is regarded as the ‘workhorse of industry’, it is notorious for its energy appetite. Ironically, it is also applied in mining and industry’s most energy-intensive applications. In this feature, we look at the various motor, drive and gearbox ranges available from three suppliers, as well as their efficiencies and advantages. By Mark Botha .

Bearings International has sufficient stock of IE1 motors from ABB Africa to supply the SA market. operation or system, causing astronomical losses,” he says. “For continuous operation, mines require rugged, durable motors and gearboxes that are relatively maintenance-free and designed to operate safely and efficiently in hazardous and severe conditions.” He says the most energy intensive applications for electric motors on mines are mills, including girth gears; all types of tank including mixers and agita- tors; cranes; conveyers including incline, decline and horizontal conveyors; cooling towers, crushers, pumps and fans. Bearings International business unit leader Motors and Drives Stephen Bekker adds to this list water and slurry pumps, as well as ventilation fans. Motor ranges He says ABB has a large installed base of low- voltage (LV) motors around the world and in many industries including mining. “At Bearings International we stock the ABB IE3 LV motor range which is manufactured in Europe and perfectly suited for mining applications.” He says these motors’ design ensures reliability in the harsh environments experienced at mining sites. “Their higher levels of efficiency reduce the ever- increasing electricity bill. For projects that require higher efficiency levels, we can quote on and supply the ABB IE4 motor range.” BMG GM Graeme Neilson says the company “supplies a full range of IE3 motors ex-stock, but can also supply IE4 and IE5 motors suited for all mining applications ex-factory.” SEW-Eurodrive, says Sicchiero, offers single- phase electric motors from 0,18 kW up to 1,1 kW and 3-phase electric motors from 0,12 kW to 500 kW.

Marcio Sicchiero, head: Electric Motors at SEW-Eurodrive.

Stephen Bekker, business unit leader, Motors and Drives, at Bearings International.

Graeme Neilson, GM at BMG.

S EW-Eurodrive head Electric Motors Marcio Sicchiero says motors and gearboxes may appear to be the least complicated compo- nents of mining equipment. However, every application on site requires unique analysis of the location, operational behaviour and conditions to define the correct components (be they motors on their own or in combination with gearboxes), to con- sider and deliver the longest life possible. “Reliability is essential; a failed motor or gearbox on a critical component can shut down the entire

SEW-Eurodrive offers single-phase motors from 0,18 kW up to 1,1 kW, and 3-phase motors from 0,12 kW to 500 kW.

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38  MODERN MINING  May 2021