The harmful effects of acid mine drainage on the environment are being successfully combated by a large acid mine drainage plant in Germiston, which contains a comprehensive mixing system developed by leading mixer manufacturer Mixtec.
The acid mine drainage plant consists of a combination of 53 specialised Mixtec mixers, which are in turn individually powered by gearboxes manufactured and supplied by SEW-Eurodrive.
Mixtec sales manager, Brian Paxton, states that the agitators’ role in the process can be split into different sections. “In simple terms, the first is the make-up of lime into slurry, which in turn, is introduced to reaction vessels where the lime slurry comes into contact with the acid mine drainage. By mixing the lime slurry with the acid mine water in this area, the lime reacts with the acid causing a neutralising effect.”
The bi-product produced is gypsum, a soft sulphate mineral composed of calcium sulphate dihydrate, which can be used as a fertiliser, and is the main constituent in many forms of plaster and chalk.
The mixing system had to be designed to accommodate the highly-corrosive pH levels found in water contaminated by acid mine drainage. SEW-Eurodrive contracts engineer, Rudi Swanepoel, notes that the gearboxes were covered with an OS2 paint work.
“The 210 m paint work is specially designed for acidic environments. Viton seals were also fitted on the high and low speed shafts, which is standard for these environments. Without these extra precautions, the seals would perish and the paint would peel off.”
SEW-Eurodrive’s scope of work included the supply of 36 MC mixing units fitted with EBD (extended bearing distance) to absorb the radial forces encountered in mixing. A further 17 helical gear units were supplied, some of which were assembled with AM Adapters.
According to Swanepoel, the bearings on the system should last more than nine years. “Based on our calculations, the bearing life should be in excess of 100 000 hours if they are properly maintained. This ensures high-efficiency and minimal downtime,” he adds.
Paxton indicates that Mixtec has been a satisfied SEW-Eurodrive client for a number of years. “We involved them in the project right from the beginning, due to the fact that the company displays commitment to the task at hand from initial quotation, right through to after-sales backup and technical support.”
Medium voltage drive for enhanced energy efficiency and process optimisation Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has unveiled its cutting-edge Altivar Process ATV6100 medium voltage (MV) drive range, designed to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability across various industries.
Read more...Powerful high-precision hexapod
Motion Control & Drives
With the HEX150-125HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration.
Read more...Servicing the electric motor sector
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical has expanded its manufacturing and service capabilities to meet the growing demand for customised, high-performance specialised electric motors in heavy engineering, and hazardous industrial and mining applications.
Read more...Control system for deep antenna Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
When a major university in South Korea set out to build a 21-metre deep space antenna, the researchers needed a control system that could track celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy, a level of precision they thought was out of reach. By partnering with Rockwell Automation, they discovered that the right technology and support could turn their vision into reality.
Read more...Cable solution simplifies connectivity SEW-EURODRIVE
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
Cabling can be one of the most challenging aspects of automation and drive system installations, often leading to delays, faults and inefficiencies. SEW-EURODRIVE offers a solution that simplifies connectivity, its innovative Digital Data Interface technology combined with a single cable system.
Read more...Manufacturers should go PFAS-Free igus
Motion Control & Drives
igus continues to develop engineered plastics that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS-free) in response to mounting evidence of severe environmental and health hazards caused by the chemicals.
Read more...South African paper producer partners with ABB
Motion Control & Drives
Neopak, a leading manufacturer of containerboard and paper products, has renewed its partnership with global technology company, ABB to upgrade the existing automation system at its Rosslyn Paper Mill in Pretoria.
Read more...Compact, powerful and green mini-picker
Motion Control & Drives
SkyJacks has introduced Jekko’s Mini Picker to the southern African market. This is a compact, highly versatile and environmentally friendly electric mini-picker that is set to redefine lifting capabilities across multiple industries.
Read more...Redefining industrial lifting
Motion Control & Drives
The Konecranes S-series hoist redefines industrial lifting through its integration of a ground-breaking synthetic rope with smart features, a lifting capacity of 20 tons, and the ability to adapt to diverse girder configurations.
printer friendly version