After many years of trying to break into the Ghana gold mining market with its modern mine winder drive and control systems, ACTOM Industry finally achieved a breakthrough late last year when it secured an important contract to upgrade the drive and control system of a man-winder at a gold mine. The mine is one of several gold mining operations in Ghana that are owned and operated by a leading international gold mining company.
“We view this contract as a substantial ground-breaking achievement for us, as we’ve been selected to replace original equipment manufactured and supplied by an OEM not in any way connected with us,” said Janna Kapp, ACTOM Industry’s general manager. “In most of our mine winder drive and control system contracts, we are responsible for the design, assembly, supply, installation and commissioning of each system ordered. In this instance, due to various regulations prevailing in Ghana that render it unworkable to have us participate in any of the onsite work involved, we had to negotiate a project plan with the client. This allowed us to deliver and execute the project without undue risk to either party,” he explained.
He added that the agreed project plan ensures that the required standards and competence for the onsite work are adhered to without the presence of ACTOM Industry’s personnel in Ghana. In terms of the project plan, the client undertakes to procure and supply the labour force required for the installation work.
The contract is due for completion in the first quarter of 2024. It covers the replacement of the aging and outdated Ward-Leonard motor generator set and associated electrical and control systems with ACTOM Industry’s state-of-the-art DC system. This comprises a thyristor converter system, which regulates the DC voltage onto the retained 2635 kW motor.
Other equipment that forms part of the new system includes transformers, switchgear and a safety and control system. “Our system is more efficient, less expensive and less maintenance-intensive than the legacy system it replaces,” said Janna. He concluded: “Now that we have succeeded in winning this important winder upgrade contract in Ghana, we believe we stand a good chance of being awarded further winder drive and control upgrade contracts for some of the other operations there.”
Advanced DCSs preserve what must not change while enabling Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Next-generation DCSs, such as Schneider Electric’s Foxboro, are preserving the best of the old while introducing the new in a less disruptive manner.
Read more...Transformers for mining house in Botswana ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
LH Marthinusen is completing the manufacture of two 30 MVA transformers for a mining house in Botswana.
Read more...Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...DCS for maximum plant efficiency and reliability ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus DCS package release to enable modernisation and efficient performance for the process and power industries.
Read more...Robust PLC for field applications ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ifm is a leading suppliers of robust control systems for mobile use. Its ecomat series comprises PLCs, I/O modules and sensors that can withstand the harsh environmental influences of mobile applications.
Read more...ABB’s new flagship DCS ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has launched the latest version of its flagship distributed control system, to help industrial operators modernise without disruption and accelerate their path toward next generation automation.
Read more...Strengthening the backbone of critical infrastructure ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
Many sectors depend on mission-critical facilities to deliver uninterrupted services. Ensuring that these operate without disruption requires equipment that can support changing energy demands, tolerate grid instability and offer strong protection and monitoring capabilities.
Read more...Adroit Technologies drives global SCADA for Iochpe-Maxion Adroit Technologies
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Adroit Technologies has been appointed by Iochpe-Maxion, parent company of one of the world’s largest wheel manufacturers and producers of structural components in the Americas, as its global SCADA partner. The partnership will standardise operational visibility, reliability and control across 34 manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Read more...Extended DCS enables industrial innovation with continuity ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced its Automation Extended programme, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS), designed to help industries modernise without disruption.
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.