Over the past year, Rockwell Automation South Africa has been using its medium voltage (MV) resources to commission 26 Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 MV variable speed drives (VSDs) for the Ambatovy large-tonnage, long-life nickel and cobalt mining enterprise in Madagascar.
At a capital cost of approximately US$5,5 billion, Ambatovy is the largest-ever foreign investment in the country and one of the biggest industrial undertakings in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean region. It will soon rank among the largest lateritic nickel mines in the world.
Rockwell Automation France supplied the mine with 12 and 14 Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 7000 VSDs, which are fitted on either side of a 220 km pipeline that conveys nickel slurry from the open pit mine in the hills, to the processing plant below.
Nearly 22 000 lengths of 60 cm pipes were welded together to form the pipeline that connects the mine with the processing plant. The pipeline has a proven design, similar to pipelines operating elsewhere in the world and is capable of transporting 826 tonnes of slurry ore per hour. The MV VSD from Rockwell Automation controls pipeline flow and pressure through the 1 000-metre elevation difference.
“The pipeline’s length and the heavy nature of the slurry require that very large 3,2 MW motors are installed. The customer further required flow control to assist with a smoother hydraulic profile and help with greater energy efficiency,” says Colin Morris, branch manager, sub-Sahara export, Rockwell Automation.
The PowerFlex 7000 VSD, which operates at 6,6 kV with ‘Direct to Drive’ technology, was chosen as it could connect directly to the customer’s reticulation without the use of transformers. This further contributes to energy efficiency, and by using ‘true’ MV components, also allows for excellent reliability. The VSD communicates directly to the customers control system, which enables optimal process control.
“We also supply and support encapsulated motor control centres and medium voltage soft starters all over sub-Saharan Africa,” concludes Morris.
Rail electrification and EV solutions for integrated transport systems
Electrical Power & Protection
A comprehensive range of solutions for rail electrification and electric vehicles is available from leading technology provider ABB, contributing significantly to integrated and sustainable transport systems.
Read more...PPS delivers containerised distribution board for Western Cape hybrid power project
Electrical Power & Protection
South African electrical enclosure specialist Power Process Systems has successfully completed the design, fabrication and commissioning of a 4000 A containerised distribution board for a wind/PV solar hybrid renewable energy project on a site in the Western Cape.
Read more...The choice of a thermal carrier is critical for optimal processing
Electrical Power & Protection
Historically steam, fuelled by coal, has been the most prevalent thermal carrier in South African industry. However, times are changing, with the manufacturing and processing sector needing to review the energy reticulation systems and thermal carriers currently in use.
Read more...ABB’s blueprint for a net zero future
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB’s Mission to Zero is a strategic initiative aimed at achieving a sustainable future characterised by zero emissions, zero accidents and zero waste.
Read more...General-purpose 350 W AC-DC power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
The TDK-Lambda GUS350 series of compact single-output general-purpose power supplies addresses the need for an economically priced product while maintaining reliability and quality.
Read more...Ground-breaking battery tester Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Midtronics offers the proven MVT handheld battery tester. This revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.
Read more...Energy audits pave the pathway to sustainability and savings Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy audits serve as essential tools for businesses looking to reduce costs and meet environmental targets. By analysing energy consumption across systems such as lighting, HVAC, ICT and water infrastructure, audits identify inefficiencies and quantify carbon footprints, enabling data-driven decisions for operational and financial optimisation.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version