AFRICA NEWS
ProAlloy zinc couplers provide peace of
mind against theft
Due to the material mix of the ProAlloy coupler, which is contaminated with aluminium,
the product has no resale value and cannot be resold for scrap, thereby presenting a
very low theft risk.
Plugs, sockets, and couplers required
for the electrical cable connection
to bulk mobile equipment are
infamous for their elevated theft
risk. Subsequent replacement costs
are compounded by downtime and
production losses. To counter this
problem, Powermite has designed a
patented ProAlloy coupler to provide
optimal performance whilst
deterring theft.
Mines and plants require
components that are rugged, cost-
effective, and reliable. Couplers are
traditionally manufactured from brass,
leaded gun metal or stainless steel,
materials which are renowned for high
theft risk due to their elevated weight-
to-value ratio. “Following three years
of intensive research and development
initiatives, we found a seamless
solution: a coupler manufactured by
Powermite’s sister company, Proof
Engineering, also in the Hudaco
Group, from a zinc, copper, and
aluminium blend,” states Donovan
Marks, director at Powermite.
“The material mix of this innovative
product, which we have named a
ProAlloy coupler, is contaminated
with aluminium, which decreases the
value from approximately R35/kg to
R6/kg. The product therefore has no
resale value and cannot be resold for
scrap.” Marks adds that the ProAlloy
coupler is also more affordable and
33% lighter than its counterparts.
www.plantonline.co.za
Marks confirms that they also assist
customers by buying back the metal
at R15/kg, effectively closing the loop.
Ever mindful of the environment,
Powermite recycles the metal through
a re-melting process.
Having successfully completed
strict corrosion tests, conducted by
Mintek against brass in mining water,
these couplers are quality assured.
Successful field tests conducted by
numerous blue-chip mining houses
have inspired the development of
ProAlloy plugs and sockets that
provide end users with the same
benefits as the ProAlloy coupler. The
versatile ProAlloy material can also
potentially be used in various other
components, including switches,
housings, and flameproof glands.
Powermite’s product suite is
manufactured by Proof Engineering
and Ampco in a facility on
Johannesburg’s West Rand. These
robust products are used by many
industries, especially mining; on
mobile generators, pumps, and
welding machines; marine, industrial,
and general engineering applications;
as well as machinery operating in
underground and opencast mining
operations, for example continuous
miners, shuttle cars, pumps, tunnel
borers, and transformers. Proof
Engineering is a specialist supplier of
world-class components equipment
and systems to the mining industry.
JANUARY 2019
9