Iron ore mining can dish up harsh environments, which means a plant has to be up to standards that can withstand constant unforgiving surrounds. These surrounds can include extreme temperatures, dust, as well as wet conditions. Breakdowns can cost millions, so reliability is of utmost importance.
That is why customers look for products that can not only withstand the harsh environment but continue to operate without fail.
Nord’s IEC motors with decentralised frequency inverter in ranges from 5.5 kW to 7.5 kW were selected for a pump application at a mining site. Energy usage can be reduced by close to 50 per cent with the use of variable speed drive’s (VSD) to control motors in these applications.
It supplied an IP66 motor and VSD as an integrated solution. For this new project, the customer wanted to avoid installing a new centralised switchroom.
Increasingly, customers are looking for solutions where there is no need for cabinet mounting to avoid the additional cost and labour as a result of more cabling and wiring, according to Martin Broglia, managing director Nord Drivesystems Australia. Broglia says his company’s solution whereby the electronic control is mounted on top of the motor, is becoming more popular among customers.
The Nordac Flex SK200E came fitted with an internal EtherCAT card, which connects to a B17 plug. The communication network was important in this application as it assists with the full control and status of the motor.
“We were able to offer a quick supply solution according to the customer’s specifications because all of these components are assembled locally” said Boglia.
The decentralised frequency inverters were supplied in a 7.5 kW with IP66 rating as specified by the customer. The Nordac Flex SK 200E offers many installation possibilities. Scalable functionality and flexible configuration makes for simple installation and easy maintenance through the plug in capability and parameter transfer via EEPROM memory. This variable speed drive comes in power range up to 22kW, is suitable for wall or motor installation and comes in variants of IP55 and IP66.
Nord supplied the customer in the required power range and with the B17 plug needed to suit the new installation. The company supplied 11 units for a pilot run with more potentially on order.
“What made this installation unique was the development of a plug adaption to suit the customer requirement,” said Broglia. “We had to fit a new B17 plug. The beauty of this plug is that it provides power and communication in one cable allowing for a quick connection to the master PLC. We were able to provide the customer with a plug and play solution.”