Technology and innovation
Engineering a total wear solution
Mineral processing plants cater for a range of commodities and therefore require different wear solutions. Older minerals-processing plants have often been designed with a specific type of wear material in mind, without due consideration given to its wear characteristics.“ The flow rate of the material through a chute or over a screen invariably alters over time as wear accelerates. If we are involved early in a project, we can predict these changes and deal with them down the line,” says Sias Suurd, director at Rio-Carb.
“ When we engineer a solution for a specific requirement or application, we look at how it can be implemented elsewhere, which is of significant benefit to the entire mining industry as it strives to cope with the long-term problem of chute and screen wear, which impacts on productivity and maintenance costs.” Suurd argues that project houses have traditionally focused on cost, which does not always equate to the best solution.“ While chromium carbide( CrC) is a much more expensive material than quenched and tempered steel, for example, it has 10 to 12 times more wear resistance.
Rio Carb can engineer total wear solutions for specific applications and requirements.
Rio Carb
Therefore, it is a far superior product, and we have a well-established track record in both its engineering and the correct installation of optimal solutions.”
“ There are a lot of mining operations that only look at the initial cost of the product and that do not perceive the long-term benefits and advantages. Our main challenge is to explain the role
that CrC can play in reducing the total cost of ownership. Minerals-processing plant operators have to ensure maximum productivity for the greatest period. This means that utilisation and availability are critical factors, which is where our total wear-solutions approach offers the greatest value proposition for our clients,” Suurd concludes.
Skid steer loaders employed to clean ash slurry
HPE Africa
The Hyundai HSL850-7 skid steer loader is used to clean ash slurry at Eskom’ s power station in Vanderbijlpark.
The HSL850-7 skid steer loader in action in Vanderbijlpark.
Bovu Fluid Holdings is using a HPE Africa Hyundai HSL850-7 skid steer loader to clean ash slurry from ash traps and cooling towers at Eskom’ s power station in Vanderbijlpark. According to Edward Bovu, owner of Bovu Fluid Holdings, this robust skid steer loader is perfectly suited for the tough task of removing ash slurry in confined areas at coal-fired power plants. The machine offers the operator excellent visibility and enhanced comfort to maximise productivity, minimise fatigue, and ensure safety on site.
Bovu says the highperformance skid steer loader, with a Tier 2 low-emission engine, provides sufficient power to handle any load.
[ 38 ] MINING MIRROR MAY 2018