www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2023 3
News
PARTNERSHIP IN MINING AIR CONDITIONING
Local companies ArmCoil and Schneider Electric recently partnered to deliver SKID substations to a prominent mining group .
Two companies – ArmCoil Afrika , a local manufacturer of medium voltage ( MV ) AC motors and transformers , and Schneider Electric – have recently partnered on the provision of a SKID mobile substation product line that will provide continuous power to a large mining conglomerate ’ s operations across South Africa .
Together the companies have already completed two SKID substations ( SKID 961 and SKID 979 ) and the third and fourth units are in the manufacturing process . A SKID is a prefabricated substation , assembled on a self-supporting transformer SKID , creating an easily transportable design that can be quickly energised .
ArmCoil is the main manufacturing contractor , providing the MV solutions as well super structure enclosures for the SKID substations while Schneider Electric is the preferred low voltage ( LV ) and medium voltage ( MV ) switchgear partner that includes the company ’ s PremSet Solid Shielded Insulated System ( SSIS ) switchgear series .
“ This is an exciting project for ArmCoil ; as a small , familyowned business it is fantastic to not only be contracted to a global mining leader but also partner with a renowned multinational such as Schneider Electric to manufacture the SKID substation product line ,” says Frank Flint , commercial manager at ArmCoil .
“ Together Schneider Electric and ArmCoil have combined their strengths to produce SKID substations based on industry best practices , from design to installation . It is a win-win scenario for not only the mine but also our partnership ,” adds Cecil Maartens , FS Segment BD & Channel sales manager .
Armcoil
“ The SKID substations are now in their third evolution , and with each new unit we enhance its operations based on the feedback we receive from the mine and our own learnings . It is a dynamic and collaborative process ,” explains Flint .
“ Our combined strengths allow us to build an improved SKID . It is an exciting partnership that sees engineers from both teams coming together to build units that readily meet the mine ’ s mobile substation needs ,” explains Maartens .
The SKID 979 substation featured the following enhancements :
• Super enclosure is now made with clear view materials which improve visibility into the units .
• A roof which improves robustness in inhospitable environments near the mining pits .
• Newest iteration of Schneider Electric ’ s auto recloser .
ArmCoil SKID substations on the road .
SKID OPERATIONS Looking at the practical application of the substations , they can be transported by trucks to the various mining pits where mining equipment can then be plugged into them . Generally , the substations are used to power drilling rigs and electrical excavators which are then used to fill the trucks with rocks , rubble and ore to be transported for processing .
The SKID substations ’ manufacturing processes also fall in line with ISO standards which dictate that equipment should be continuously improved to enhance operations and operational safety .
The SKID substation project is estimated to last another three years with two-to-three units earmarked per year . RACA
“ A SKID is a prefabricated substation , assembled on a selfsupporting transformer SKID , creating an easily transportable design that can be quickly energised . ”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I June 2023 3