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.
Read more...Empowering Africa’s renewable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
As a global leader in renewable energy technology, SUNGROW has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. At the recent Africa Energy Indaba 2025, SUNGROW showcased its advanced energy solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of the African continent.
Read more...The role of electromechanical solutions in supporting Africa’s industrial growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s industries are transforming rapidly. Fuelled by a huge demand for energy connectivity, better infrastructure, increased manufacturing and responsible resource management, electromechanical solutions are key to shaping this growth, allowing industries to scale up their operations efficiently and sustainably.
Read more...Empowering South Africa’s IPPs for a renewable future
Electrical Power & Protection
Many crucial parts of the economy of the future will be hugely energy intensive, foremost amongst which will be electrified transport and the large data processing required by automation and AI. Successful economies will be those that can ensure businesses and investors have access to a stable supply of low-cost renewable energy. South Africa has the opportunity to become a global leader in this regard.
Read more...Sustainable mining operations escalate as demand for critical materials to double
Electrical Power & Protection
The mining sector is at the forefront of the energy transition due to its role in extracting essential materials and minerals necessary for green technologies. As demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles and other sustainable technologies increases exponentially, so will the demand for these necessary materials.
Read more...Monitoring partial discharge on medium voltage switchgear Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its EcoStruxure Service Plan (ESP) in the Anglophone African region for medium voltage (MV) switchgear
Read more...Raptor switches Phoenix Contact
Electrical Power & Protection
The Phoenix Contact Raptor switches enable reliable and safe operation in extreme ambient conditions. The managed switch portfolio meets the stringent requirements of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards and is ideal for critical infrastructure and power supply applications.
Read more...Self-contained standalone lightning warning system Senseca
Electrical Power & Protection
The BTD-200 lightning warning system from Biral (UK) is a complete detection and warning system. Its highly specialised aviation grade lightning detection technology delivers the warning as soon as lightning is detected and before the first strike.
Read more...Half brick second generation converter Vepac Electronics
Electrical Power & Protection
The Supreme series half brick second generation converter from Vepac is composed of isolated, board-mountable, fixed switching frequency DC-DC converters that use synchronous rectification to achieve extremely high power conversion efficiency.
printer friendly version