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Becker Mining SA introduces tri-technology PDS
Becker Mining South Africa ’ s latest patented tri-technology proximity detection systems ( PDS ) — which range from a simple , low-cost single technology system , to integrated multi-technological solutions — encompass all aspects of the most advanced mining communications and technology .
“ Becker ’ s patented tritechnology point of detection system is the only system available globally that combines three technologies — UHF , radar , and electromagnetic — into one scalable system ,” says senior general manager : Electronics , Andrew Trentelman .
The tri-technology tag , which supports accident investigation and multimode operation , is compatible with Becker ’ s tagging systems and communication networks . This tri-axis electromagnetic receiver ensures reliable detection by the system , regardless of the tag or miners ’ position .
This system consists of a customisable caution zone , warning zone , and critical zone , with detection zone threshold distances set according to specific requirements , covering small and large vehicles . Bidirectional notification and early warning messaging alert vehicle operators and personnel to the presence of people and vehicles .
Becker ’ s latest PDS controller provides various alert
Becker Mining SA
Becker Mining South Africa ’ s latest patented tri-technology PDSs encompass all aspects of the most advanced mining communications and technology for enhanced mine safety .
mechanisms for operators , including cabin lighting and alert tones that are selected to suit exact requirements . Advanced self-diagnostic functionality provides continuous monitoring of all connected peripherals to ensure equipment is functioning correctly . The operator is immediately warned if a device stops responding to the PDS controller .
Images courtesy of ContiTech
ContiTech enhances vertical lift capabilities
As South Africa ’ s mining industry continues to seek leaner , more energy- and operationally efficient ways of getting ore from the ground , ContiTech ’ s Pocketlift vertical lift conveyor not only offers underground miners the ability to lift much larger quantities of material over far higher vertical distances than conventional skip hoists , but does so with a third of the energy requirements per metric tonne .
Pocketlift is an evolution of the company ’ s well-known Flexowell belt , a belt that made its name in economic , high-efficiency up- and downhill bulk material conveyance . Pocketlift replaces the ‘ compartments ’ of the Flexowell with fabric-reinforced rubber pockets to deliver a conveyor belt that can lift material loads at vertical heights of up to 700m . The pockets are available in different widths to achieve continuous load throughputs of up to 6 000m 3 / hour .
“ Across the world , mining companies have been able to multiply their conveying output by adopting Pocketlift technology ,” explains Friedrich Litz , innovative products
Pocketlift is a game changer in underground mining , achieving throughputs up to 6 000m 3 / hour with just one-third of the energy requirements of conventional skip hoists . manager at the ContiTech Conveyor Belt Group . “ Its small horizontal footprint and low intrinsic weight means it can be deployed in very small mine shafts — in many cases existing ventilation shafts can be used — helping miners reduce civil-based costs . In terms of energy , a ton of material lifted 100m is less than 0.3kWh — far below average .”
While the Pocketlift is an evolution of the performance of the Flexowell belt , Flexowell remains a popular , highperforming option for vertical bulk materials conveying in a wide range of industries .
“ The FleAxowell belt is a critical part of operations in more than 60 000 installations across the world ,” Litz continues . It consists of compartmentalised pouches with pleated sides , mounted on a cross-rigid base belt with horizontal textile and / or transverse steel cord reinforcement . It can efficiently convey lump sizes up to 400mm in size , and be used on a maximum vertical lift height of 400m , with a maximum throughput of 6 000 tonnes per hour .
Both Flexowell and Pocketlift belts can be customised with the full range of ContiTech ’ s cover compound technologies as required by application and application environment . ContiTech South Africa supports these belts with the full range of belt services , from calculation to engineering ( basic and detailed ), consulting , field splicing , and aftersales service .
The Pocketlift system can be used in narrow shafts and can cope with height differences of up to 700m .
QUARRY SA | SEPTEMBER 2017 _ 39