06 Jun Referro Systems wins multi-million rand Variable Speed Drive order for mine retrofit
6 June 2022 Referro Systems has been awarded a multi-million rand order as part of the upgrade of electrical technology at a major iron ore mine in the Northern Cape. The mine has selected to work with Referro Systems for the supply of variable speed drives (VSDs) for various applications throughout the mine operations which include pump, conveyor and Multi-Motor Load sharing applications of upto 4 motors controlling various plant critical overland conveyors. The order is part of a 50/50 change-out of aging technology where the more crucial systems are being upgraded, with plans for the rest in the longer term.
As industrial automation technology continues to evolve and advance, mines and other industries which make use and have come to rely heavily on these types of technologys are tasked to keep up with newer technologies and products in search of improved capabilities. “Through upgrade, retrofit, or re-engineering, today’s leading industrial enterprises are those who are equiped with the most efficient and reliable technologically advanced solutions,” explains Adrian van Wyk, Managing Director of Referro Systems. “As distributors for many of the best electrical, automation and global software and hardware brands, we can ensure that the change-out at the mine is completed with the most suitable products for each application, with quality and value for money at the fore.”
The upgrade has become a necessity as many of the current drives have become obsolete. In other cases, the scarcity of parts means that repairs and maintenance are prohibitively expensive, no longer beneficial to the mine’s bottom line. “Supply chain disruption due to the pandemic has also caused havoc with the availability of some components which are crucial to mining applications,” adds van Wyk.
From pumps, to fans, to conveyors and more, VSDs are crucial components in many of the mine’s operations. “In the mining environment, speed, synchronisation and torque are absolutely crucial. Heavy loads, long run-times and the high-power nature of mining means that drives must be high performance and the best possible quality. The drives also need to be hardy, considering the environments this equipment is required to operate within which typically include dust, moisture and vibration inherent on mines,” van Wyk explains.
Referro will equip the mine with compact, high performance and efficient Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 750 Series VSDs by Rockwell Automation, replacing the obsolete 700S and 700H series. Van Wyk adds, “Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 750 Series is packed with the latest feature rich capabilities and functionality which ultimately benefit the client with high performance and reliability lowering downtime, improved diagnostic capabilities and data analysis, lower operating costs and lower input costs.” Beyond the products, Referro will be on hand to offer the mine additional support, training and maintenance over the lifetime of these products.
“We are proud to maintain this installed base of products supplied by Referro to one of the largest Iron Ore mines in the Northern Cape. We have been working with our client since 2000, offering products, engineering services and support – and we look forward to continuing this relationship as the mine moves forward with modernisation,” concludes van Wyk.
About Referro:
Referro Systems is a sales and distribution company for many of the world’s leading electrical, automation and global software and hardware brands across industrial and commercial sectors. The Level 2 BBBEE company supplies best-in-class industrial automation, electrical control and instrumentation fit-for-purpose and provides cost-effective solutions.
Media Contact:
Sandy Wardle
Account Director: SWM Communications
Mobile | 082 929 3596 Email | Sandy@swmcommunications.co.za