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Components utilized in mining applications continuously cope with one of the harshest working environments on the planet. These are areas where pumps, conveyors, fans, motors and mills need to run as efficiently as possible. In order to succeed in mining, you need to provide a sustainable operation by reducing energy costs and downtime.

The following examples show how two mining operations benefitted from upgrading their mining equipment with adjustable speed drives (ASDs) from Magnadrive.    

Diavik Mines

The Diavik Diamond Mine is located in the Northwest Territories, Canada.

Production commenced in 2003, and the lifespan of the mine is expected to be 16 to 22 years. It has become an important part of the regional economy, employing 1,000, and producing approximately 7 million carats (3,100 lbs.) of diamonds annually.

MagnaDrive distributor ANM Equipment was contracted to design a mine dewatering system that required a flow of 1,000 to 5,000 GPM with head pressure varying from 40 to 120 meters. Ambient temperatures in winter (-55°C) needed to be addressed in the packaged design. A minimum of 1,000 GPM through the system must be maintained at all times during the winter months. All piping and control valves had to be installed inside an insulated and heated container due to extreme weather conditions.

Diavik Mines installed three MagnaDrive 20.5 ASDs with Beck electric actuators and a 7000 gallon enclosed tank.

The de-watering skids are critical components in the mine’s operation with reliability and consistent performance absolutely required. MagnaDrive ASDs are performing well and are meeting all expectations. The MagnaDrive ASDs are mechanical devices that only required a quick check and adjustment of their air gap before being ready for start-up.

South Walker Creek CHPP

The South Walker Creek mine produces 3.5 million tons of PCI (pulverised coal injection) quality coal annually—production began in 1995. The coal mine consists of four open pits. It is located in Strathfield, Issac Region, Central Queensland, Australia.   

A 3/2 AH Warman slurry pump ran at a constant 2,950 rpm (regardless of process requirements) with a pressure-sustaining valve diverting excess water back to a water tank. The motor load was consistently above 31 kW. This setup did not allow for adjustable speed; the valve wasted energy by pinching off excess water, but still strained the motor since it was running at a constant load.

A MagnaDrive Adjustable Speed Drive (ASD) was installed at South Walker Creek CHPP on October 4th 2007. The intent was to remove the sustaining valve and control the pump output with only the ASD. The valve was removed and the pump is now controlled by the ASD. The pumping system now consumes 350 kWh less per day vs. the valve-based control.

The MagnaDrive ASD is available in sizes ranging from 5 to 4,000 horsepower and speeds up to 3,600 rpm. Lower maintenance and operating costs are a result of transferring torque from motors to driven equipment across an air gap without shaft-to-shaft physical connection. This “disconnected connection” provides reduced vibration that increases bearing and seal life. Learn more at www.magnadrive.com.