Ormond O'Neill, Siemens AG, Germany, explores how using drives can maximise energy and process efficiency in mining applications.
W
hile most of the talk and focus in many process industries these days is on digitalisation and the positive affects it can have on efficiency, cost reductions and the environment, it is very important to remember that the real workhorse and the backbone of most industries remains the industrial hardware. In mining, crushers, mills, hoists, conveyors, pumps, and more are needed to mine, mill, and transport the ore. In turn, these
heavy mechanical devices need motors, drives, gear boxes, transformers, switchgear, and automation equipment to operate and perform their tasks. The mills, including motors, gears and drives, are often the most important, expensive, and highest energy-consuming equipment in a mine, so it is important that the miner selects sustainable and energy-efficient devices that are best suited to the grinding requirements.
global mining review // October 2021
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