Modern Quarrying Q2 2022

vious crusher due to the dynamic forces of the crusher during opera tion. This resulted in fatigue cracks on the crusher main frame which had to be welded every few months,” says Kruth. The new Metso C120 crusher is mounted on rubber dampers. “The dampers reduce the dynamic forces from the crusher onto the support steelwork – almost like shock absorbers,” says Kruth. The crusher is not bolted to the frame and keeper plates are used to keep it in position. The benefits of the upgrades The crusher has been in operation for three months and benefits such as reduced downtime and increased safety are already evident. “The new jaw crusher has hydraulic gap adjustment which negates the need to physically adjust gaps. In addition, it is more maintenance friendly.” From a safety perspective, it is safer to lift the crusher liners with an overhead crane as it has casted lifting holes instead of lugs, and special OEM supplied lifting tools. “Operationally we are now optimised for success,” says Kruth. “We have reduced the dynamics on the civils, minimised downtime and improved safety and sustainability,” concludes Kruth. l

From left: Lindo Msomi — Engineer in Training; Dirk Maritz — Engineer; Sampie Kruth – AfriSam’s Engineering Manager for KwaZulu-Natal; Ernest Sebeelo – AfriSam’s Works Manager at the plant and Christopher Myeza – Maintenance Supervisor.

The new addition reduces downtime and is safer to operate and has hydraulic gap adjustment which negates the need to physically adjust gaps. In addition, it is more maintenance friendly.

Operations and quarry development must be optimised to ensure that fuel consumption to bring the quarry’s dolerite to the processing plant does not increase.

The new C120 Metso crusher that replaced the previous crusher is now mounted on dampers. The dampers reduce the dynamic forces from the crusher onto the support steel – almost like shock absorbers.

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 2 | 2022