Modern Quarrying Q4 2018

to keep everything off the shelf. This translates into maximum uptime for our customers,” says Greyling, adding that even the software is developed locally and is exclusive to Liebherr Africa. “It’s a truly African plant designed for local African conditions.” When it comes to cost-effective transportation of the plant, Van der Merwe explains that by being fitted onto a single trailer, transport costs are reduced significantly. Greyling explains that Liebherr opted for hori- zontal silos, which allows the silos to be horizontally loaded onto the trailer. The design allows the plant to meet all the required specs: 4,2 m high, 2,4 m wide and under 17 t in weight – all achieved on a single trailer. In terms of assured concrete quality to the end user, Van der Merwe explains that the DBP 60-M’s batching software allows the customer to prove batch constituents. “Meanwhile, com- puter-controlled batching allows for consistency in quality,” he says, adding that the automatic batching control maximises quality assurance to gain a competitive edge on more demanding projects, while reducing the need for excessive cement usage. “From a skills level perspective, we modelled the software around average operators. The plant is easy for an aver- age operator to operate, which ensures accuracy on site,” explains Greyling. Another major design consideration was reduced installation time (cost). Due to its self-contained design, little assembly is required on site, allowing for quick establishment. “Site estab- lishment is quick as no civils work is required – establishing the plant only calls for two pieces of founda- tion to stabilise the trailer,” explains Greyling. He adds that the plant can be erected in two days using a 20 t mobile crane. However, to maximise self-sufficiency, owners can choose to mount cranes on their trucks. Van der Merwe says the plant sets new levels when it comes to mobility in concrete production. “By being a high-output plant that is complete on a single trailer, the DBP 60-M allows Liebherr customers to access new markets which are not already satu- rated by competitors. Simply attach the plant to a truck-tractor (horse), tow it to site and with little preparation on site, the plant will be batching in no time,” concludes Van der Merwe. l

Liebherr Africa expects the plant to produce 60 m³/hour of concrete.

CONCRETE BATCHING

Due to its self-contained design, little assembly is required on site, allowing for quick establishment.

The DBP 60-M offers the same weighing principles as a wet plant, but without the wear and tear of an integrated mixer as the plant discharges directly into mixer trucks.

installation time and cost. In terms of low maintenance costs, by being a plant without wearing parts associated with wet (mixing) plants, wear and tear is reduced. Meanwhile, local com- ponentry assures ease access to spare parts through Liebherr itself or its local component partners. “All the parts are locally sourced

lifecycle maintenance costs due to less components,” says Greyling. Key design features As Van der Merwe explains, the key design features considered a number of operational parame- ters, but mainly low maintenance costs, cost-effective transportation, quality of concrete and reduced

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 4 - 2018