The global mining industry is facing complex challenges due to changing regulations, resource depletion, and environmental impact concerns. To remain viable, the industry must adapt to new technologies, practices and operational efficiencies. Pratley, a leading producer of electrical termination products, has acquired extensive expertise in its 75 years of existence. Much of this expertise is specifically related to demands placed on electrical termination equipment used in the mining industry.
According to Pratley marketing director Eldon Kruger, electrical termination products used in the mining industry should be developed with durability, safety, reliability and innovation in mind. “We have developed a range of world-class electrical termination products that offer quality, value, and a high degree of innovation to the mining industry,” he says.
Mining operations are often located in harsh environments, with extreme temperatures, high humidity, and corrosive conditions. Innovations that improve the durability and reliability of electrical termination products can help ensure they function correctly in these conditions. “The current priority for senior mining stakeholders is to keep pace and continue investing in innovation and technology where the efficiency, value and productivity gains are proven,” continues Kruger.
Pratley pushes the boundaries in what can be achieved in terms of design engineering and safety. Cable glands and electrical junction boxes are safety-critical elements in any electrical reticulation setup. Designing these products by merely looking at the cable design can result in a near-sighted approach, when a holistic one is needed.
“Pratley is dedicated to providing the mining industry with innovative solutions that meet its electrical termination needs. A great example of this is our recently launched Taper-Tech Flameproof Gland range consisting of four separate glands in two unique categories,” explains Kruger. The unique feature of this range is that all versions are fitted with Pratley’s Taper-Tech flame seal technology, consisting of tapered seals made from superior, Pratley-developed, high temperature, low compression-set elastomers. The seals all have a taper on the leading edge that abuts against the gland nipple taper on the inside. The taper on the bush and the one on the cable gland’s nipple are angled differently.
This means that under thrust or pressure from the front, when it is tightened, this differential taper allows the bush to slide down the taper easily, reducing the force needed to achieve radial compression. “We use customer feedback as a basis to see what the market is looking for. We also draw on our own expertise to find gaps in the market and how we can fill these gaps. A parallel and agile development process allows us to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in terms of the most optimal solutions and products,” adds Kruger.
Pratley operates two test and research laboratories at its Krugersdorp manufacturing facility, which places it in the top league of electrical equipment manufacturers globally. The fully equipped laboratories are staffed by world-class scientists and technicians, who are regarded as global experts in the science and standards of electrical equipment for hazardous areas. The electrical testing laboratory has the distinction of having state-of-the-art equipment to the extent that other accredited laboratories approach the company to make use of its advanced equipment.
Overall, innovation in electrical termination products for the mining industry is essential to ensure safety, efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness in mining operations. “Pratley will launch new products this year ideally suited for the ever-changing mining sector, at least one of which will be a world first and game changer for electrical termination products,” concludes Kruger.
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