DRIVES & CONTROLS
WEG is acquiring the Marathon mining motors brand and assets from Regal Rexnord
severe duty motors covers 0.75 kW to 900 kW in voltages ranging from 200 V to 690 V for 50 Hz and 60 Hz operation . They are built from high grade cast iron with minimum 200 MPa tensile strength . The motor frame is designed using the latest analytical tools followed by due validation . The integral foot construction ensures that the alignment of the drive shaft and motor feet remain secured under all working conditions , including the starting and maximum power
output demands . The fins on the body are designed to dissipate optimum amount of heat for the lowest airflow over the body corresponding to higher pole count , resulting in lower windage loss and therefore higher efficiency . The spacing between the fins is also optimised to prevent accumulation and build-up of dirt . The terminal box location is centralised for right or left mount position . Top box mount is optional . They are also manufactured with a AISI 1045 ( C45 ) tensile strength shaft material . The design is suitable to provide strength and rigidity during operation . Bearing journals are ground to ensure an accurate bearing fit and positioning .
WEG ’ s continued mining growth
WEG ’ s own mining motors business is also seeing some big important orders . In June , it announced it is supplying 14 synchronous motors an important mining company in Chile ’ s Atacama region . The project will provide operational continuity to the useful life of the mining plant for the next 40 years or more , through open-pit exploitation of the remaining resources of the main deposit underground .
The scope of supply consists of replacing 14 synchronous motors used at the concentrator plant mills , of which five are 800 HP motors , 14 t frame size 1120 and nine are 1250 HP motors , 21 t frame size 1400 . Due to space restrictions , the company has chosen WEG synchronous motors to comply not only with the complex electrical project , but mainly to meet the demand for interchangeability with the same dimensions of the old motors in order to adapt to the site without making major modifications in the structure of the plant , whilst also adding important improvements for the maintenance and protection of the site .
Mining is also one of the fastest growing sectors in Brazil and with this growth also arises the need to expand production plants . It was for this purpose that FLSmidth , a provider of technology and services to the global mining and cement industries , supplied new ball mills to one of the largest mining plants in Brazil , and to ensure the efficiency and reliability of this equipment , it relied on WEG ' s expertise to manufacture motors .
Responsible for driving the plant ' s ball mills , these WEG motors have a wound rotor and a control system for automatic brush lifting . “ These features allow to start loads with high starting torques and high inertia . The automatic brush lifting system allows rotor short-circuit after starting , considerably reducing brush wear and , consequently , the need for maintenance . In addition , these motors stand out for the flexibility of their electrical and mechanical design , and can be applied in different types of mills .”
In total , six MAW motors , 800 frame , 6,500 kW , 13,800 V were applied , five will be in operation and one motor is spare for eventual needs to be replaced for maintenance , reducing equipment downtime .
The consolidated partnership between WEG and FLSmidth has already ensured the delivery of several cutting-edge solutions to end users , and demonstrates the OEM ’ s confidence in the company ' s products . WEG also offers technical assistance with a trained and experienced team , prepared to offer the required support on most diverse situations in the field and remote support , using the latest equipment , bringing reliability to the results .
Innomotics and mining E-houses
Earlier this year , under the new Innomotics name and company , Siemens combined its business activities in the areas of low- to high-voltage motors , geared motors , medium-voltage converters and motor spindles . The portfolio includes an innovative solutions and digitalisation portfolio and a broad range of service offerings . The related businesses were previously assigned to the units
Large Drives Applications and Digital Industries and to the legally separate Siemens companies Sykatec and Weiss Spindeltechnologie .
It includes most of the major mining solutions such as gearless drives for large mills and conveyors , mine automation and digitalisation solutions , and mining truck drives .
One way Innomotics is supporting the mining industry ’ s transition to renewable energy sources is by leveraging its expertise in electrical engineering and innovation to create reliable mining E-House solutions that it says set new standards for customisation , efficiency , and reliability .
E-Houses are prefabricated electrical / instrument enclosures ( Power Equipment Centres ) allowing easy integration of a customised solution – all from a single source . The complete design , manufacturing , assembly , and pre-testing of each E-House is done at the factory . Delivery for assembly is either as a unit or in sections . Installation , connection , and commissioning takes place on site .
Innomotics E-Houses are fully equipped and pre-tested at the factory . Their modular design allows flexible realisation of customised solutions - in terms of technology and costs . They are designed for use in confined spaces and harsh environments . Since they require less personnel on site during operation , they also offer better HSE performance . In addition , they can be easily upgraded with new equipment at the end of their operating life .
E-houses are important in mining for drive applications as they often house Variable Frequency Drives ( VFDs ) as part of Motor Control Centres . VFDs are effectively electronic regulators used on conveyors and other drive systems to
Innomotics E-houses with VFDs have many potential application in mining
38 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023