Mining in focus
Large mining operations often require a
minimum of four weighbridges at one mine:
two at the entrance and two at the exit.
civil works are complete, the deck installation takes no longer
than one day. Calibration is usually about half a day.
How often does a mine need to do
maintenance work on its weighbridges?
Debris and dirt are the enemy. Built-up debris under the
scale will cause weighing errors.
Daily visual inspections, minimum weekly cleaning, and
monthly maintenance on any bolts or nuts or visible items.
We recommend at least a yearly service. Calibration and
SANAS verification are biannual requirements by law —
many operations do this voluntarily every 12 months.
What does a mining company need to do to
ensure that weighbridges are kept in an optimum
condition and to maximise its operational life?
Self-maintenance, servicing by an accredited and
experienced company, and keeping calibrations and
verifications up.
Name a few factors that can damage or seriously
affect the efficiency of weighbridges.
Poor design, weak material used on the deck, poor
or insufficient civil works, bad installation, and no
maintenance.
What are the biggest challenges faced
by weighbridge suppliers in Africa?
Many of the imported weighbridges have never been tested
by the NRCS. A lot of them bend or collapse once used in
an industrial environment. Non-accredited companies sell
these products to clients who do not know any better.
It is important as a mining company to do your
homework before investing in a weighbridge. Management
and procurement need to go and see the company; ask
to see some of their installations — don’t just look at the
brochure. Or they can contact the NRCS if they need
more information. It is an expensive exercise to replace a
weighbridge after the fact. b
www.richterscale.co.za
[email protected]
JULY 2018 MINING MIRROR
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